A/N Hello Pitch Perfect Fans, sorry for the delay. This chapter was harder to write than I was expecting, but then it kept evolving. I wanted to bring in more humor, and provide Chloe with a mentor. I tried to infer that a character in this chapter has an Irish brogue, so it may be a little hard to read. I have also interspersed some Gaelic into the dialogue. Hopefully it will make sense.
Please leave reviews! They are really helpful, and appreciated.
I don't own any characters from Pitch Perfect, but hopefully I do them justice.
Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read. Hope you enjoy.
CHAPTER 10
***Beca and Chloe get a piano***
''Have fun.'' Chloe calls out to Aubrey, even though she knows how serious her long time friend is when it comes to interviewing.
Aubrey gives her a tight smile, but waves her thanks and heads off to her rental car. Chloe sighs, her friend is dressed impeccable, is completely prepared, and leaving with plenty of time, but Chloe knows the blonde will be tense every second up until the actual interview starts. Chloe just hopes Bree doesn't puke.
"You think she'll be okay?"
Chloe turns to Emily, "Yeah, once the interview starts, she'll rock it. I just hope she doesn't drink too much coffee before hand. I swear I don't know how either Aubrey and Beca ever fall asleep based on the sheer amount of coffee they drink."
Emily giggles and nods. "They do drink it like it's going out of style."
Chloe absently nods as she watches Aubrey's rental car pull out of the parking lot. Chloe's eyebrows are furrowed and she's biting her lip. After a few moments she shrugs and again focuses on Emily. "So you want me to drop you off?"
The tall brunette who's also dressed and ready to head out for the day, nods vigorously. "Yes please."
Chloe grins at her younger friend's enthusiasm, it's almost as infectious as hers. "Do you need me to pick you up?"
Emily waves her off. "Nah, I'll meet you back here." She picks up her small backpack and grins expectantly.
Chloe can't help but smile at her younger friend as she picks up her own purse. She had had an up and down start to their friendship in that first year. Chloe always regrets how she berated the young freshman, especially at the Laser Ninja Acappella Riff-Off, or whatever it was called. After Fat Amy's wardrobe fiasco at the Kennedy Center, Chloe had taken on some of Aubrey's Aca-Nazi qualities, or worse Alice's.
Chloe shudders at the memory of her Junior year.
Luckily Emily was pretty forgiving and they had become really great friends. Motioning to the taller girl, Chloe says, "Great, that will actually make things easier logistically. I can pick up Beca after her meetings, and then swing by and get you. You got the extra key?"
"Yes mom," answers Emily with an exaggerated sigh.
"Don't take that tone with me young lady," says Chloe in feigned outrage, playing along with Emily.
The tall brunette does her best impersonation of Beca's eye roll with exaggerated sigh; which causes Chloe to laugh out loud. Both women giggle together as they walk to Chloe's car.
As she makes her way to the driver's side, the redhead absently says, "Hey I want to take Beca out tonight, after we look at the instruments at Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's. You up for that?"
Emily raises an eyebrow, a small knowing smile gracing her lips. "Yeah, sure."
Lost in thought about Beca, and her meetings, Chloe doesn't notice. "Cool, I have a great feeling about Beca's meetings, so want to celebrate it."
The younger woman looks across the top of the car at the redhead who's searching for her keys; and asks, "You don't think Jesse will be taking her out?"
Chloe is chewing on her lower lip, as she unlocks the car doors. Preoccupied, she answers, "Possibly, maybe, just in case, I was thinking Chinese, and then ice cream and wine back here, I have Beca's favorites."
Emily uses getting into Chloe's car to cover her smirk as she knowingly retorts, "Of course you do…" She can't help but think how adorable Chloe is when she's thinking about Beca.
The redhead gets in behind the wheel and buckles her seat belt. Having not heard her younger friend, she looks at Emily expectantly. "What do you think?"
Emily wears a warm smile, and says reassuringly, "I'm always up for Chinese, Chloe. And wine and ice cream are always winners. Do you guys have a favorite place?"
Chloe starts up her car and looks behind in the rearview mirror, checking the direction behind her. "Oh totes! It's Beca's favorite."
Emily smiles knowingly, glad Chloe's attention is solely focused on the traffic around them. She didn't want to answer any questions from the redhead about her smirk, but she can't help it when it comes to her favorite redhead and DJ. Ever since she's known the two, they've been a pair, and she just knows they'll always be a pair.
Chloe reaches over to the stereo, "Music?"
Emily laughs, "As if you need to ask."
Chloe hits the power button. The stereo already synced with her iPhone. Emily instantly recognizes the music as it begins to fill the car. Her smile grows as she watches her redheaded friend bob her head in rhythm with the upbeat song, mouthing the words to the Tove Lo song.
As Chloe pulls onto the highway, she gives up the ghost, and just starts singing aloud.
Got the world in our hand like a land
Good enough to make the ocean look like it's a pond
Emily hears a second song lyric intermixed into the melody.
Like lightning when I'm swimming in the sea
Emily hasn't quite placed the second song, as Chloe continues the lyrics from Tove Lo's song Got Love.
Good enough to turn the valleys into mountain tops
And we live like legends now, know that would never die
Oh, we got love, we got love
The section song reminds Emily of a song she heard Ellie Goulding sing.
Every time that you lift me up To the heaven and stars above
Yeah Emily decides, it's Ellie Goulding singing, interlaced into Tove Lo's song, with what sounds like a new instrumental accompaniment.
I can feel that you feel what I feel and I feel it all in your hands
When we touch it's too much and you're making me move now you make me dance
Going body to body for good saying nobody gets it right
We don't plan, we don't care, got the fume and the flame, we don't let it die
Emily is also marveling at the sound of Chloe's voice. She sounds better than ever.
There's an energy
When you hold me
When you touch me
It's so powerful
And we live like legends now, know that would never die
Oh, we got love, we got love
"I take it we're listening to a DJ BMitch special?"
Chloe pauses the music. "Oh yeah. My little DJ provides me with all jams for when I'm driving."
Emily laughs as she asks, "Your lady jams?"
Chloe's head whips around to her younger friend. "My what?"
Emily is a little taken aback by Chloe's reaction. She tentatively says, "Your lady jams, I heard you say that once. You had said you needed a new lady jam, and Stacie said she was sure Beca would be happy to give you some."
Chloe's eyes grow big, and she can feel her skin temperature rise. "Oh…"
"So, this isn't one of the lady jams."
"Uh… Yeah, um, I… Guess, you could say that… Yeah Ems, this is a lady jam." Chloe is really wishing she could play this cooler, but Emily is so sweet and innocent, it's left Chloe flummoxed.
"So Beca's given you some lady jams?"
Chloe can feel her cheeks growing even warmer as she studies her younger friend, trying to determine if she's being played. With Fat Amy she would know; with this girl she's just not sure. Emily seems so innocent as she sits expectantly. Chloe answers carefully, "Yeah Ems, Beca's given me some lady jams." She can't help but smile at the thought. Some memories that aren't helping to reduce her blushing. Chloe uses looking over her left shoulder to check to see if it's clear to change lanes as cover for her blushing face.
She decides it's time for another song. "How about another DJ BMitch super cool mix."
"Yes PLEASE."
Chloe unpauses the music, and the next song starts, and she smiles, for while it's a great mix of songs, it's not a 'Lady Jam'.
Though it does build…
Not helping Chloe…
"So who's on this mix?"
Chloe listens to the opening instrumental, "It's Imagine Dragons 'On Top of the World' with 'Dreaming' by the Smallpools and American Authors' 'Best Day of My Life'."
Emily gives an excited clap. "Oh goody."
Chloe laughs, caught up in her friend's cheer, yet begins singing right on cue.
If you love somebody
Better tell them while they're here 'cause
They just may run away from you
Chloe never misses a beat as she checks to see if it's clear to change lanes again, and Emily can't help but wonder just how many times the redhead has sung along with this tune. She has a feeling it's a really high number. Emily finds herself being pulled in, and begins singing along; her voice easily blending with Chloe's.
You'll never know quite when, well
Then again it just depends on
How long of time is left for
Chloe grins as her younger friend harmonizes so well with her. The next lyrics though aren't Imagine Dragons, and they catch Emily off guard. Chloe keeps up singing though, knowing the lyrics from Dreaming.
I see the place that we belong together, together
Like we were something more
And it felt like maybe we could last forever, forever
Emily catches the next lyric from the American Authors song.
Please don't wake me now
The two friends are again singing together as Emily quickly picks up the song mix.
I've had the highest mountains
I've had the deepest rivers
But all the possibilities
No limits just epiphanies
You can have it all but life keeps moving
I take it in but don't look down
And soon both are singing away, to their hearts content, really enjoying the moment.
Cause I'm on top of the world, 'ay
I'm on top of the world, 'ay
This is gonna be the best day of my life
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I've been waiting to smile, 'ay
Been holding it in for a while, 'ay
Take you with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
So live it up
Live it up
I'm on top of the world
This is gonna be the best day of my life
Emily is amazed at the flow of songs. Beca really has upped her game. The mixes she played at Bellas or Trebblemakers' parties during Emily's freshman year had been great, but this is a whole other level of blending sounds.
Like we were something more
And it felt like maybe we could last forever, forever
I'm never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, please don't wake me now
I see the place that we belong together, together
The world is in your palm now
So take a breath and calm down
Cause you have been selected
You've been selected
And I know it's hard when you're falling down
And it's a long way up when you hit the ground
Get up now, get up, get up now.
But all the possibilities
No limits just epiphanies
Cause I'm on top of the world, 'ay
I'm on top of the world, 'ay
This is gonna be the best day of my life
Waiting on this for a while now
Paying my dues to the dirt
I've been waiting to smile, 'ay
Been holding it in for a while, 'ay
All the possibilities
No limits just epiphanies
Take you with me if I can
Been dreaming of this since a child
So live it up
Live it up
This is gonna be the best day of my life
I'm on top of the world
Chloe grins as she continues singing, there are few things better in her mind than sitting in a car with a great friend harmonizing to the music coming from the stereo.
Emily is thinking along the same lines, and she can't help but think that this song truly captures the great day that lays ahead.
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Two classes and a couple hours later Chloe's humming 'I'm on top of the world' as she walks into the front office, heading straight for the small receptionist sitting at the welcome counter. She's beaming, having just finished her second class of the day. A class of adorable first graders.
She has a free period before she works with a class of kindergartners, so she decided to visit Mrs. O'Shaughnessy.
Said Mrs. O'Shaughnessy smiles a warm grandmotherly smile as Chloe approaches, and says, "Good morning Ms Beale, look at you there, happy out."
Warm mittens and a hat on a cool crisp autumn day is what Chloe always thinks of when she hears the older woman's Irish accented voice; every time. Chloe has really come to love the older woman, and her quaint Irish terms that sprinkle her conversations. The sweet old grandmotherly woman had taken Chloe under her wing when she first arrived at the school, for which Chloe is eternally grateful. "Hey Mrs. O'Shaughnessy, how are you doing."
The older woman smiles fondly at Chloe, who had quickly become one of her favorites. She had instantly recognized the kind hearted redhead as one of those people who gives their heart and soul to those they care about. She had seen it in her interactions with the children in her charge, and had heard it when Chloe had told her stories about the Bellas and a particular best friend.
"I'm well Astoreen."
Chloe smiles, having learned that Astoreen is a term of endearment for a young girl. "You know I'm 27 years old, right?"
Mrs. O'Shaughnessy smiles, "And I'm 82, ye'all seem like páistí to me."
Chloe smiles back at the woman, shaking her head in mirth. She had spent time online looking up some of the terms she had heard from Mrs. O'Shaughnessy. Páistí, Chloe had learned was a Gaelic term for children.
"Well dear, and how was yer classes this morning?"
Chloe shrugs, "The kids are antsy with the end of the year just days away. Now that the spring concerts done, it's harder to keep their attention."
"Yes dear, that's always the way it is this time of year. What'd ye do?"
"I had them playing games. It seemed to help them focus and burn energy."
"That's excellent my dear. Which ones?"
"Well we started with Musical Statues…"
"Oh that sounds fun, what does it entail?"
"Well we play music and I get the kids moving. I encourage them to really move with the melody. Then they have to freeze when I stop the music."
Mrs. O'Shaughnessy gives a cute laugh and claps her hands together. "Oh that's marvelous."
Chloe beams with pride, she really values this woman's opinion. "Then I had them move like the music."
"Oh that's fascinating dear. Tell me about that one."
"Well it's a great way to get the children to consider emotions and their actions. We listen to music together and I ask them how it makes them feel. Happy? Sad? Cross? etc. Then I ask them to show me what actions go with their emotions. A happy song can make them feel bouncy. Or a slow song might make them feel sad, to which they might sway."
"Oh I love it dear. Ye're truly so creative with the children."
"Oh it's nothing…"
"Nonsense dear, don't ye be so modest. Not every teacher that comes through that door shows love for their students. Not like ye do."
"Thanks Mrs. O'Shaughnessy. Um so I wanted to see if I could bring Beca by to see the instruments tonight? If it's not too much trouble…"
"So I finally get to meet ye wee lass Beca. Of course it's no trouble. I told ye that ye could come anytime." She still sees a skeptical look in Chloe's eyes. "Be at my home at six, and y'all can take yer time looking at Mr. O'Shaughnessy's instruments."
"Are you sure?"
The old Irish woman gives her a look, which makes Chloe smile sheepishly. "'Course ye can, now off to class with ye." To emphasize this the older woman does a shooing motion with her hands.
Chloe starts walking but can't help asking, "Really?" She doesn't want to take advantage of this woman, who is rapidly becoming a friend and mentor.
"Aye, I said I was didn't I. The way ye speak about the girl, I'd be daft t'not want t'meet her. Wouldn't I?"
From the doorway Chloe says, "I don't speak about her that much…"
"Don't ya now? All I know dear, if Mr. O'Shaughnessy, God rest his soul, had spoken about me the way ye speak about yer wee lass, then we'd been married for sixty years."
Chloe looks at the older Irish woman and asks, "Wait, weren't you married for sixty years?"
With a wink the old Irish woman says, "Aye my dear. That we were."
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
The young music teacher has been waiting outside the US Bank Tower building, where Beca had instructed her to meet for about five minutes. Antsy, she looks at her iPhone for the tenth time, and sees that there's still two minutes before the agreed upon meeting time. Chloe couldn't help it. She was so excited for her best friend, she couldn't wait to congratulate her tiny DJ.
That the meeting with her boss and Marcus would be a huge success is never in doubt for Chloe. She's spent the last nearly five years getting to know everything about the young DJ. She knows in her heart that Beca has greatness in her blood, and today's meeting was another step in fulfilling this.
Fifty feet away Chloe sees the tiny brunette come flying out of the glass doors. Her eyes lighting up when she sees the young DJ.
Chloe smiles, God that girl looks good!
Her heart always starts beating about a million miles an hour whenever she sees her tiny DJ. She has never felt this way for anyone before, and she doubts it will for anyone else.
Ever.
Chloe begins waving and calls out to her. "Hey Becs!" From a distance she can tell Beca's bursting at the seams with excitement.
Beca notices her, and she's moving to close the distance quickly; she's not running, but she's moving faster than what can be called a walk. Chloe finds it totes-adorable, she may have even said it out loud as the tiny brunette briskly rushes towards her. The brunette doesn't slow down as she approaches the redhead, and as Beca comes up to Chloe, she's so excited she does something very un-Beca-like; she smiles and throws herself into a tight hug with her best friend. She wraps her arms around the taller redhead's waist and pulls her tight.
Hugs still aren't something Beca is fully comfortable with. Chloe being the one of the few people outside of her boyfriend that Beca feels totally comfortable with doing hugs at all with. Having Beca initiate a hug is even rarer, so Chloe gladly accepts the embrace.
Chloe buries her face in Beca's neck, relishing this moment. Chloe can smell Beca's hair, honey and mint, the tiny brunette's been using her shampoo again.
Beca relaxes into Chloe, allowing the embrace to linger. Her warm breath causing the redhead goosebumps, who smiles contentedly, tightening her grip. She holds onto Beca tightly, not wanting to let go.
After a minute a minute or an eternity, Beca pulls back. Chloe's heart is beating erratically, her skin warm, and her thoughts a jumble. When they finally pulled away, they just smile at each other.
Beca steps back but doesn't drop Chloe's hands. "Hi." Beca says, smiling like a goof.
"Hey." Chloe replies, her smile not much better.
Beca is just bursting with energy, and Chloe is shocked that Beca hasn't blurted out everything already. Chloe decides to have fun; she nonchalantly, "So how was your day?"
Two can play that game and Beca shrugs, not trusting herself to say anything. The two just stand quietly looking at the other, a silent battle of wills. The older girl loses , "Are you just going to stand there staring, or are you going to tell me your incredible news?"
"We're signing a contract! Marcus's company is going to manage my deejaying career."
Chloe squeals and yanks her best friend back into a tight embrace. "Oh my God! I knew it! I knew it! I knew today's meetings were going to go great!"
Beca smirks at her best friend, "You knew," she skoffs.
"Of course I did; Beca you're so amazing, it was the only possible outcome," Chloe states confidently.
"Thanks Chlo." Beca said smiling and squeezing Chloe closer.
The two women just hold each other, relishing the feel of the other. Beca has never been a public display of affection person, despite Jesse's many attempts. Yet Chloe never seemed bothered by Beca's apprehension. The bubbly redhead just burst through her walls without a second thought. Chloe has always been so easy to talk to for Beca in general so she never has a problem showing public affection with the redhead.
After a few moments, the two friends pull back, reluctantly, and give each other warm smiles. Each focused on the others eyes, somehow the other's eye color just so happens to be their favorite color.
Chloe is the first to break the silence this time, though she's really tempted not to. "Well we should go and pick up Emily. We have a lot to do."
Beca pouts. "Awe… I don't want to do anything. Can't we just go home?" She thrusts out her lower lip in a pout that Chloe finds completely adorable.
Chloe is tempted to give into her friend, Beca' pout has that type of power on her, but she resists. The redhead flashes a half-smile, while she brings her right hand up and pushes some stray red hairs back behind her ear and says, "Becs, I would love too. But, Mrs. O'Shaughnessy is expecting us, and this is really important; for me. Please."
She smiles so sweetly at Beca, and the shorter brunette can only look up into the clearest cerulean eyes, and of course do what she always does when Chloe asks, and agree.
"Great!" Taking Beca's left hand the excited redhead begins to lead Beca to where she has the car parked. "You can tell me all about your meetings on the way home."
They walked hand in hand all the way to Chloe's car. As Beca follows Chloe she reaches into her pocket and pulls her iPhone out when it begins vibrating. She sees it's a text from Jesse, he asks her to call him when she can, and tell him her news.
She doesn't feel like calling now, so she locks her iPhone and put it back into her pocket. This is Chloe's time.
Beca opens the passenger side door of Chloe's car, and climbs in. She can't stop thinking about how everything here is just perfect.
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Beca and Chloe enter their apartment having made it home in relatively good time.
"Home sweet home," Beca mumbles as she drops her messenger bag.
Chloe's talking behind her. "... I knew that back street would save five to ten minutes…"
Beca can't help but smirk, "Yeah Beale, you're the man."
Chloe sticks her hand on her hip which she thrusts out, striking a decidedly sassy stance. "I'm pretty sure I'm not, but you're welcome to visit my shower if you need independent confirmation."
"Been there done that Beale."
Chloe lets out a small giggle, "Then you should know that I'm not the man."
"You win Beale, you win."
"I always do, Mitchel, I always do."
A noise catches Beca's attention, and she steps deeper into the apartment, canting her head so her left ear is aimed towards the back of the apartment. Her eyes widen as she realizes what she's hearing. "Chloe? Do you hear that?"
"What, Becs?"
"Shhh… Listen…"
Chloe closes her eyes, and she hears it.
I'm bulletproof,
Nothing to lose.
Fire away!
Fire away!
It was harder to hear at first, but Emily must really be getting into it, because her voice was getting stronger.
Ricochet, you take your aim,
Fire away!
Fire away!
Shoot me down,
But I won't fall.
I am titanium!
Shoot me down,
But I won't fall.
I am titanium
Chloe smirks as she asks, "Is that?"
"Yep. Emily is totally rocking your lady jam!"
"In the bathroom no less!"
Both women breakout in fits of laughter, which must get Emily's attention, because she steps out of the bathroom and into the hallway. "Hey guys!" Emily's face is alight with her smile, though her expression changes as she asks, "What's so funny? What did I miss?"
"Oh, nothing, an inside joke," answers Beca.
"Really, what?"
Chloe jumps in, "So Em, your voice is still amazing. I LOVE that song."
"I know, isn't it a great song! It showed up on my Pandora, and I fell in love with it," Emily answers, her excitement quite evident.
Beca bites her lip to keep from laughing more. "I think Chloe had a similar reaction."
"Really Chloe? Don't you just love how it builds?"
Both Beca and Chloe look at each other, the urge to laugh is palpable. They answer together, "Definitely!" Before laughing more.
Emily can only look at her friend's bewildered by their reactions. "Am I missing something?"
Chloe takes pity on her young friend, and decides to change the subject. "Nah, it's nothing. Sorry. So Emily, are you ready to go? Mrs. O'Shaughnessy said we should be there at six."
"I'm good."
"Ohh, I want to rest, and get something to drink, and eat, and did I say rest," whines Beca.
"Now Beca, this is important. It could really set us up."
Beca rolls her eyes. "Okay," she sighs, "let's go. Why are we going to this Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's again?"
"So I've been doing research." Says Chloe as she reaches into her bag. She pulls out a small stack of papers which she hands to Beca. On top is a handwritten note with Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's address.
"Clearly." Beca replies, very impressed at what she's looking at.
"So I had mentioned in passing to Mrs. O'Shaughnessy what I was doing, and she suggested we come over to see her late husband's instrument collection. Before he passed he was really getting into music as his retirement hobby. Guess he was the kind of guy that when he gets into something, he really gets into it. So he had collected a few things that Mrs. O'Shaughnessy thinks might help us out. I guess I think I found us our piano, though it's really a workstation. It's a Korg Kronos workstation."
Beca squeals, "Holy shit, you found us a Korg Kronos workstation!" The DJ slaps her right hand over her mouth.
Chloe looks at the excited brunette, "Did you just squeal?"
"No! No I did not; and if either of you tell anyone I've squealed, it'll be the last thing either of you do. Comprende, Beale, Legacy?" She gives both of her friends a death glare.
However Beca's threat doesn't seem to phase either of her friends, as Chloe simply smirks and looks over to Emily. "I don't know Em, it sure sounded like a squeal to me…"
The younger Bella, much more comfortable taking part in such banter now, simply shrugs. "I think you're right, Chloe."
"Et tu, Emily?"
Emily and Chloe just grin at their favorite DJ.
"Give me a break guys. We're talking about a Korg Kronos workstation…"
Emily looks at the excited DJ, "Is that good?"
Beca nods as she excitedly explains, "Yeah Ems, that's good. They are amazing! I mean just amazing. We're talking about phenomenal performance capabilities, but even sweeter is it's production and synthesis capabilities."
Chloe beams with pride. "Thought you might appreciate, so now you understand why I want to go."
"Well what are we waiting for? Chlo, Legacy, let's get a move on, come on. We're talking a Korg Kronos workstation. Let's go girls."
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
Beca watches as Chloe knocks on the door, and less than thirty seconds a petite, elderly, silver-haired woman answers.
"Ah Astoreen, ye made it, and with yer friends." The older woman says in her strong Irish brogue. "Come in dears, come in. Céad Mile Fáilte. A hundred thousand welcomes to me humble home."
"Mrs. O'Shaughnessy…"
"I've tol' ya lass, ye c'n call me Kate. 'Specially when we're away fr'm school."
Chloe nods, cheeks a bit flushed. "Okay Mrs…" Mrs. O'Shaughnessy raises an eyebrow, and her blue eyes take a decidedly stern cast, causing Chloe to blush even more. "... Kate, um, sorry… So I would like to introduce you to…"
Kate jumps in, "Oh there's no need to introduce Beca." The grandmotherly woman steps up to Beca. "Fr'm ever'thing ye 'ave said and thee pictures ye 'ave shown. I'd recognize yer Beca anywhere." Chloe's cheeks warm even more as the woman appraises Beca. She looks over to Chloe and smiles warmly. "Ahh, so this is the wee lass ya told me so much about."
Beca quirks an eyebrow at Chloe, a small smirk on her face, as she raises a hand towards the older woman. "It's nice to meet you Mrs. O'Shaughnessy."
Mrs. O'Shaughnessy pushes Beca's hand aside and embraces her, placing a quick kiss to her cheek. "It's Kate I tell ye, and none of these handshakes for you; not fer somebody so special to me favorite Astoreen."
Beca stands still for this hug, not sure what to do, her first instinct is to run, of course, but this old woman is so sweet and grandmotherly she finds herself accepting and then returning the hug. Beca never had the opportunity to know her grandparents, and suddenly she's realizing that she had really missed something there.
It's Kate who breaks the hug, though she keeps ahold of Beca's arms. "Now stan' back so I can get a good look at ye," says the woman with an appraising look. She looks over to Chloe and says with a wink. "Yer right Astoreen, she's wee enough she could be descended of the little people."
Beca's jaw drop. Height jokes from a woman who may be a smidge shorter than her, quite unexpected. She shoots a glare at her best friend, who at least has the decency to look abashed.
Beca continues to stare until Chloe meets her eyes. Beca's eyes hold silent promise of retribution. Chloe smiles sheepishly.
Beca returns her attention to Kate, who seems quite amused by the silent communication between the two close friends. "Thanks for having us over, I hope this is no trouble."
"Don't ya be worrin' about it muirnin. Me home will always be open an' welcom t' me Astoreen's girl."
Beca bites her bottom lip, not knowing how to answer the older woman. Her first thought is of course to correct her‒to tell her that Chloe isn't her girlfriend ‒but it doesn't feel right. She wasn't saying that they were together romantically, and they are as close as can be; right?
The older woman, oblivious to Beca's thoughts, turn to Emily to welcome her. Kate looks up at the much taller young woman and says, "And what of ya, my dear?"
Emily looks at the older woman blankly. "Me?"
"Are ya the lass with the voice of an angel that me Astoreen showed me a video of?" asks the older woman.
Emily joins her friends in their blushing contest before answering. "I guess that's me."
"Ah your voice is so beautiful, I was captivated by your performance. I dinna know that yer such a cailín ard," says the Irish woman. At Emily's look of confusion, she clarifies, "Sorry dear, I find I slip more and more into me old words. Cailín ard means tall girl."
Emily finds herself also pulled into a deep embrace, though she has to bend down to receive it.
Beca can see why Chloe feels so close to this woman. She's literally what Chloe will be when she's in her eighties. She's warm and caring, with no concept of personal boundaries, and you just know moments after meeting her that you have a friend for life.
Kate steps back still appraising the trio, her smile growing, before she gets all serious. She beckons them to come further into her home. "But enough of this dallying at the doorway. Come come, have a cup of tae with me."
Chloe and Beca try to demur, but the older woman is already walking back towards her kitchen, waving them to follow. Emily looks to her former captains, who are looking at each other. The two best friends shrug, knowing the futility of arguing, and start to follow their host. Mrs. O'Shaughnessy leads the trio of young women back to the kitchen where a table was already set with a tea pot, and a tray of treats and cakes.
The three young women again try to beg off but they were no match for the older Irish woman. She pours them each a cup of tea, filling each cup halfway, then she retrieves a kettle from the stove which is whistling with steam. Kate explains to her guests the proper way to drink as she pours hot water into everyone's cup of tea.
As she returns the kettle to the stove top, Kate instructs her guests, "Help yourself, we have sugar, honey, milk, or lemon. Take whatever ye want."
The three are reluctant to take any, but Mrs. O'Shaughnessy keeps pestering them until they finally give in, and accept the politely-yet forcefully offered cups of tea. Beca pours milk into hers, while adding a half dozen sugar cubes. Emily goes with a couple lemon slices and two sugar cubes, and Chloe just adds three lemon slices.
Mrs. O'Shaughnessy smiles as she takes a long sip of her tea, and then begins cutting some slices of the cinnamon coffee cake, dishing one slice to each of the protesting women.
Once the tea has been poured, and treats handed out, the women settle into easy conversation. Emily asks right away, "What's Ireland like?"
The old woman smiles and extols the three friends about a land of green. Green as far as your eye can see, and not just one green, but many greens, only broken up by low stone fences and small farms and cottages. She describes the rain that comes near every day; light misting drizzle in the summer, strong torrential storms in the winter. "Ya see, Ireland is a land for the senses, the beauty of the land, the feel of the rain on your face. But when I remember back to me home, I remember the smell. Nothin' on this earth smells like me Ireland. The freshness of the grass as the mornin' mist lifts; the earthiness of the land as the fields are tilled. And then there's thee sound of thee land. I remember the sounds of Ireland, and I miss it. There be somethin' magical in it, maybe it's the fae and the little people of the land's past, but there's a sound like no other that rolls down through hills.
Beca, Chloe, and Emily sat mesmerized, caught up in Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's narrative as if they were children, being read to from their favorite bedtime story. Beca asks, "How come you've never gone back?"
Kate shrugs, "This is where me love was. This is where he needed t' be. An' I would always be where he is." The old woman looks between Beca and Chloe, and smiles, like she knows a secret.
Chloe asks,"How did you both come to be in California?"
Kate's smile never leaves her face, but it shifts, and the women can tell that this smile is Kate's special one saved for her husband. Chloe has seen it before, every time Mrs. O'Shaughnessy thinks about her late husband.
The old Irish woman begins talking, telling the three friends how Mr. O'Shaughnessy, had traveled from Ireland to California in the late 40's, so he could find his fortune. Then when he had saved enough he returned to Ireland, to the young lass he had promised his heart to and married the girl. Much to her family's chagrin, he had brought his young bride over to California in 1952."
Emily has so many questions just ready to burst out; she can't help but ask, "Weren't you scared to leave your home?"
"Nah, me cailín álainn. I was with me grá mo shaol, my grá fíor, my true love. As long as yer w'yer true love, than ye ne'er 'ave t' be scared."
Chloe asks, "But what made your husband want to travel halfway round the world?"
"Well me Astoreen, Ireland is me home an' heart, it's a beautiful land that is enticing of thee senses; but it's poor. It was 'specially poor back then. Me Seán had greatness in 'im, greatness tha' would ne'er be met in our beloved Ireland."
Kate gets up from the table, and disappears into the hallway for a brief moment. She returns with an old picture. "Seán was a dreamer, he always 'ad a dream, an that dream was Los Angeles."
Beca can't help but feel an affinity for Kate's late husband. She of all people recognize having a dream of coming to LA.
As Kate sits down, she shows the framed picture, the three women all recognize a much younger Kate.
Chloe gasps and reaches up to her red hair. Kate nods, "That's right me Astoreen, it's gone gray, but I used t'be a ginger too. Ya know us gingers 'ave t'stick t'geather. What w' the fools out there claimin' we 'ave no soul. Damn fools, redheads 'ave more soul, if ye ask me."
Chloe and Beca chuckle to one another. Amy and her crazy pronouncements concerning gingers popping up in each girl's thoughts.
"Your husband was really handsome," says Emily as she studies the tall man next to Kate in the picture. He is quite handsome, dashing even, with dark chocolate brown hair, and brown eyes, and a smile that must have turned a few heads.
"Yes he was, thank ya. Ya can see why I might 'ave been a wee bit ner'ous, him going to the new world, an' leavin' me back in Ireland. But he assured me, true love will find a way."
Looking down at the picture, Kate sighs contentedly. All three can see Kate's sentimentality as she lovingly gazes on her beloved. "Ye see me Seán loved movies, his parents 'ad taken him to one on his twelfth birthday in Dublin and he had been amazed. He had told me that it was proof there was magic in the world. From that day forward he was determined t'work in thee industry. So he came and took whatever job he could. He saved everything he could and when he had enough he brought me over."
Another sigh escapes her, as fond memories fill her. "My Seán was very smart, a duine éirimiúil, genius. He found he had a real talent for sound, and actually invented about a dozen processes for incorporating sound into film, which set us up f'r life." The smile Kate wore was of such pride. For some reason it reminds Beca of a smile she often sees on Chloe. "He used t'say that sound truly makes a movie, tha' people come t'see the pictures, but it's thee sound which brings their emotions."
"He reminds me of Jesse." Says Beca.
Kate looks at the petite brunette quizzically. "Jesse?"
"Yeah, he's my boyfriend. He loves movies. I mean LOVES movies. He came out here to study at USC Film School, and eventually work in the movie industry. Jesse would have loved to talk to your husband."
Beca can't help but notice the look of confusion that flirts across the older woman's features, and how she flicks her gaze towards Chloe. Mrs. O'Shaughnessy eyes seem to convey an sympathy towards the redhead. But then it's gone and Beca's not sure she actually saw it.
"Well dears, this has been grand, but ye didna come here t' spend time with a daft ol' woman. Ye came t' see thee instruments, so let's get t' it." Standing the old woman beckons and walks to a door on the other side of the kitchen. Beca, Chloe, and Emily all rise and follow.
Kate leads the three friends down the set of stairs leading to her basement. Walking into the spacious basement, all three women let out a soft whistle; it's a really nicely furnished basement. Beca looks around, really taking in the atmosphere of the large room. It was furnished by someone who truly appreciates music.
There's an incredible amount of music equipment scattered throughout the place. On the walls hang guitars and banjos, a couple brass horns,including a trumpet, two saxophones, a trombone, and a baritone. Against the wall to Beca's right is a piano that looks like it was pulled from a old west saloon. In the corner is a big black grand piano. To the left of that is a cabinet with a violin and a viola. Further over is a keyboard connected to an old Apple computer.
Interspersed throughout the room are posters of movies, pictures of Seán with famous people from the movie industry, and all types of movie memorabilia.
"It's like a museum." Comments Emily.
Beca whistles, "Wow Mrs. O'Shaughnessy, I mean, wow."
Chloe shakes her head yes. "She's right. Mrs. O'Shaughnessy, this is an incredible collection."
Kate smiles proudly as she walks about the room narrating as she maneuvers about, giving little tidbits of information. Pointing out different instruments, and movie memorabilia. Giving cute anecdotes and stories about different items.
Beca asks at one point, "So how many instruments did Mr. O'Shaughnessy play?"
The older woman chuckles, and shakes her head. "Oh lass, not a one." Her chuckles become a full belly laugh as she sees the confusion on the faces of the three women. "Oh he tried, oh lord how he tried, and he could play a little piano, and a bit of the guitar. But the lord ne'er granted Seán a musical bone in his body. Yet he ne'er gave up, he ne'er stopped trying to master music."
"Ironically he couldn't play an instrument to save his life, yet he was a master at sounds in the movies. He could find ways to make the sound of movies, better, clearer, and blend music into the background. He was quite good at it." The old woman pointed to a very distinctive statue in a display case. "They even gave him an his team three of those fer work done on movies, making their sound better.
Emily stares dumbfounded, "Are those Oscars?"
"Yeah me cailín ard álainn. Me Seán, was presented three Oscars fer technical work."
Kate walks up to Beca who can't believe what she's seeing. The old woman asks, "So me Astoreen tells me ye all going t'teach music."
Beca nods and says, "Yeah we're gonna teach children how to play musical instruments. Private lessons at our place. Mostly Chlo and Em, but I'm going to pitch in when I can. Chlo has started envisioning this as a start, and growing it into a business, and then a school."
"Ye know how grand it's to have such a skill like that? To have talent to make something beautiful with just your hands and an instrument, and then to be able to pass that talent on?"
"Yeah, it's grand," Beca answers as she watches Chloe walk up to the Grand Piano in the corner. "Chloe has needed a dream for awhile, I'm glad she has begun to form one. I want to help her get it."
Kate notices Beca's attention is focused across the room, she sees Chloe settling herself onto the piano bench, admiring the keys. She says so Beca can hear. "Me Astoreen may have a new dream, but she wasn' lackin' fer a dream, she just be takin' thee long way round." Beca's attention on Chloe is a little distracted by the old woman's last statement, but before she can say anything Kate is walking towards Chloe and the piano. "Play us something, me Astoreen, play us something."
Chloe is startled out of her thoughts, and answers, "I couldn't… This piano is so nice, almost exactly like the one my parents have. I was just admiring it…"
"Nonsense Astoreen! Ye want t'teach wee little leanaí…"
Emily looks at Chloe and mouths the word 'leanaí'. Chloe smiles and answer by mouthing the word 'children'.
"... How can ye teach, if ye canna even play for an old Irish seanbhean, like me?"
Chloe gives Kate a look. She's learned a lot about their host over the past few months. "First Mrs…" The old Irish woman raises her eyebrow? "Kate, you're not old. And you're right, I should be able to play, I'm just not sure…"
"Come on Chlo, you're never at a loss for songs. Play us a song…"
Beca's words trigger an idea for Chloe, and she announces she has a song. Chloe starts to glide her fingers over the piano keys, musical notes begin filling the basement.
Emily is impressed. "Wow Chloe, you play the piano really well."
Chloe smiles as continues as she continues to let her finger gracefully touch the keys, creating a beautiful melody. "Oh, that's just me warming up. That's not the song." She closes her eyes and tilts her head to the side slightly, as she really gets into the moment. Listening intently she can hear and feel that this is a well maintained piano. The notes are crisp and clear, with a rich sound that reminds her of home, and her mother. "This is the song." And Chloe begins playing, and though it wasn't the first song she learned to play, it was the one song she made her mother teach her when she fell in love with the piano. She plays the opening, enjoying the look on Beca's face, she's never played for her, and then she starts to sing.
It's nine o'clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There's an old man sitting next to me
Makin' love to his tonic and gin
He says, "Son, can you play me a memory
I'm not really sure how it goes
But it's sad and it's sweet and I knew it complete
When I wore a younger man's clothes."
Chloe signals for Kate, Beca and Emily to join in.
La la la, di da da
La la, di da da da dum
Sing us a song, you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright
As she continues to play Chloe nods to Beca who takes the next verse.
Now John at the bar is a friend of mine
He gets me my drinks for free
And he's quick with a joke or to light up your smoke
But there's someplace that he'd rather be
He says, "Bill, I believe this is killing me."
As the smile ran away from his face
"Well I'm sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place"
All four take up the chorus again.
Oh, la la la, di da da
La la, di da da da dum
Sing us a song, you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright
Chloe nods to Emily as she continues to play, and the tall brunette starts up.
Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife
And he's talkin' with Davy, who's still in the Navy
And probably will be for life
And the waitress is practicing politics
As the businessmen slowly get stoned
Yes, they're sharing a drink they call loneliness
But it's better than drinkin' alone
Again the four women enthusiastically sing the chorus.
Sing us a song you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well we're all in the mood for a melody
And you got us feeling alright
Chloe signals Kate to sing the last, but the old Irish woman holds up her hands and shakes her head. She points back to Chloe and nods her head. Chloe gives a Beca patented eye roll but smiles and sings.
It's a pretty good crowd for a Saturday
And the manager gives me a smile
'Cause he knows that it's me they've been comin' to see
To forget about life for a while
And the piano, it sounds like a carnival
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say, "Man, what are you doin' here?"
Again all four take up the chorus, really singing with gusto.
Oh, la la la, di da da
La la, di da da da dum
Sing us a song you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well we're all in the mood for a melody
And you got us feeling alright
As the last note fades, Beca, Emily, and Kate all clap enthusiastically.
Beca calls out, "Encore, encore…"
Kate and Emily take up the chant. Chloe is red as a tomato, but says, "Okay, but something more contemporary this time."
The redhead begins playing with something she's been thinking about ever since she heard the original on the radio. Again her fingers dance across the keys, and the piano comes alive with sound.
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
Chloe's voice is incredible, Beca hasn't heard the redhead this good in a long time. She loves this song, but didn't realize Chloe did too. Then her best friend surprises her, for instead of going into the rap, she changes it to straight lyrics.
Dang, who knew?
All the planes we flew
Good things we've been through
That I'll be standing right here talking to you
'Bout another path
I know we loved to hit the road and laugh
But something told me that it wouldn't last
Had to switch up
Look at things different, see the bigger picture
Those were the days
Hard work forever pays
Now I see you in a better place (see you in a better place)
Chloe looks up at Beca as she's singing, hoping her tiny musical genius likes what she's playing. Beca's positively beaming, and it makes Chloe blush.
Uh-How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gon' be with me for the last ride
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again.
Chloe closes her eyes and plays the instrumental part twice here. She always felt that this part is beautiful and should be allowed to stand on its own, but radio only has so much time. So at school during breaks, she's been playing around with it.
First you both go out your way
And the vibe is feeling strong
And what's small turn to a friendship
A friendship turn to a bond
And that bond will never be broken
The love will never get lost
And when brotherhood come first
Then the line will never be crossed
Established it on our own
When that line had to be drawn
And that line is what we reach
So remember me when I'm gone
Chloe nods again to Beca and Emily to join in.
How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gon' be with me for the last ride
The three friends keep singing together.
So let the light guide your way, yeah
Hold every memory as you go
And every road you take, will always lead you home, home
It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again
Aah oh, aah oh
Wooooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Yeah
When I see you again
See you again
When I see you again
Aah oh, aah oh
Wooooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Yeah
When I see you again
Again Chloe receives a standing ovation with boisterous cheers as the song comes to an end. The redhead stands and takes a formal bow.
Emily asks, "When did you learn to play?"
Chloe answers, "My mom, she used to play the piano professionally. She learned when she was a kid and she was really good. She taught me how to play until I was eighteen years old and went off to college‒said it was in my blood‒that I was a natural." Chloe shrugs, "Didn't have as much time to play at Barden, and I really love to sing, so my music fix was acapella."
Beca asks, "Why didn't the Bellas house have a piano Chlo? You could have gotten one for the house. The girls would have loved hearing you."
Chloe shrugs, "I don't know, for some reason I always wanted to keep that part separate from the Bellas. My own little thing."
"Why weren't you a Disney Princess?"
Chloe looks over to Emily with confusion at the question. "What Emily?"
"You can sing, dance, play the piano; why didn't you ever try out for Disney or Nickelodeon?"
Chloe pauses, and Beca notes something in her look, but Chloe shrugs and is noncommittal.
Beca decides to distract and revisit later. "Hey Em, check this out,"
Emily comes over, and as she sees what Beca is pointing to jumps up and down, "What type of guitar is that?"
Kate smiles at the taller girl's enthusiasm, "Well me darlin, that guitar there's an acoustic-electric guitar, one of me husband's favorites, it's a Taylor's 200 Deluxe Grand…"
Emily claps, "Oh that's a great guitar!"
"That's what I gather. Thee one next to it there's a Gibson Electric Guitar, and…"
Emily jumps in again, "What type?"
Beca steps closer to the guitar on the wall and scrunches her nose as she reads, "A Gibson Les Paul Studio Electric Guitar…"
Emily is bouncing up and down clapping. She's a little girl who has been given the keys to a toy store.
Beca smirks, "I take it this is good."
"It's amazingly great!"
Kate is now even with Emily pointing, "And then there's a Taylor 200 Series 12 String Acoustic Guitar." Emily looks like she can walk on air. Kate grabs the Taylor's 200 Deluxe Grand from the wall, and hands it to Emily. "Well if me Astoreen can play us a toon, I think so can yee."
Emily tentatively takes the offered guitar. "Come on Em," urges Chloe. "We really want to hear." Beca echoes the sentiment.
Emily steps over to the piano stool and sits, placing the guitar in her lap. Kate approaches with a pick, which Emily readily accepts, and then starts strumming the strings, making slight adjustments to the tuners and the instrument until she's happy with the sound.
"What are you going to play?"
Emily looks at Beca and smiles as she answers, "Only the greatest rock 'n roll song of all time." And with that she lets her fingers fly. Her right hand picks at the strings in rapid movements, her left radio slides up and down the neck. The cords come fast and strong as Emily launches right into it. Beca and Chloe are both impressed, but don't recognize the song until Emily sings.
Deep down Louisiana close to New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play the guitar just like a ringing a bell
Beca and Chloe jump in for the chorus. Their smiles huge, their voices strong.
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
Chloe takes up the song at Emily's nod.
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Oh, the engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by they would stop and say
Oh my that little country boy could play
All three again launch into the chorus.
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
Emily nods to Beca next and the DJ takes over sings the next part.
His mother told him "Someday you will be a man,
And you will be the leader of a big old band.
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun go down
Maybe someday your name will be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight."
Chloe and Emily again rejoin, singing the chorus.
Go go
Go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go go go Johnny go
Go
Johnny B. Goode
The three women are laughing and clapping as the finish. Kate is whistling her approval.
"Oh my dears, trust me when I say, these instruments dinna eva' sound so good." Kate is just beaming, her smile warm and grandmotherly. "This is so grand, but it seems we be 'avin one who hasn't performed yet." The old Irish woman walks over to an impressive keyboard set up. "Would ye do us with the honor, wee muirnin?" She asks a perplexed Beca.
Beca walks up besides Kate, and her eyes grow round. "No effin way… Excuse me… But this is the Korg Kronos workstation!"
"Aye, me Astoreen said ye would 'ave such a reaction. I take it ye like?"
"Love… Love it." Beca whispers as she runs her fingers over it. "Sorry, it's just this is an incredible tool for doing what I love."
Chloe walks up to stand next to Beca. "Becs here, makes these really awesome mixes that just-, you have to hear them sometime, Kate. They're amazing. She's amazing," Chloe boasts proudly.
"Thanks, Chlo," Beca says, shrugging awkwardly, fighting off a really embarrassing blush. Beca should really be used to her best friend's compliments by now. But she isn't.
"So me wee muirnin, let's here you use it the way it's supposed to be used."
Beca looks about at her friends, who each nod enthusiastically. She wants to sigh, she wants to beg off, but more she wants to get her hands on that keyboard, and show what she can do.
Beca grins and runs to the stairs, calling over her shoulder that she'd be back in a minute. Chloe and Emily exchange looks and shrugs, and assure Kate that Beca will be right back, and almost to the sixtieth second Beca comes flying down the stairs with her messenger bag over her shoulder.
Pulling her laptop out of the bag, she says, "I just need a few minutes to set-up." She sets her laptop on top of the electric piano and flips it open. She turns it on and let's it warm up, while she starts pulling out a cable to run between the electric piano and her laptop.
Once the laptops on, she starts scanning her files, considering her choices. She can feel Chloe over her shoulder. "Patience is a virtue Beale."
Chloe wrinkles her nose, obviously not agreeing with this sentiment. The redhead reaches for the laptop, but Beca's quicker than she is and manages to slap her hands away.
Chloe pouts, rubbing her hand. She declares, "I don't have time for patience, Mitchell."
"Don't whine Beale."
"I'm not whining, I just want you to hurry up. Here use that one," says Chloe as she points to a file. Chloe gives her biggest I'm as cute as a puppy dog smile, and bats her lashes.
This earns her a skoff and an eye roll, as Beca follows Chloe's direction. The smirk becomes a frown, and then a thoughtful look, and then a quiet whisper. "That just might work."
Emily and Kate trade looks. Emily's conveying this is the way it is with these two. Kate's conveying she figures.
Beca doesn't have her usual headphones, which she regrets, but she does have a set of earbuds that she plugs into the keyboard. Tapping a quick ditty on the keys she likes the sound she hears. She then opens her mixing program, and pulls up the file Chloe picked.
Then she stretches her arms across the piano top until her fingertips can brush along the side of Beca's hand and fixes the brunette with a gaze that could boil water. "I want it now." Beca has to bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself from making a noise, but then she realizes she's as ready as she can be.
"Okay, this is rough, I would do so much more with it, and it could be better, and maybe we should wait, till I have proper time… And I don't know all this things capabilities…" Beca rambles on.
"Beca."
Beca looks over at her best friend, and smiles sheepishly.
Chloe leans in, resting her forehead on the side of Beca's head and whispers, "Play it Mitchell, it'll be fine."
Beca sighs and unplugs the earbuds. She starts a program running on her laptop. Her fingers linger on the keyboard just a bit longer as she counts down, and with a deep breath starts playing the keyboard allowing the quiet room to be filled with sound. While not quite as skilled on the piano as Chloe, Beca is really good and she has the electric piano sounding amazing.
Beca plays for about twenty seconds, really getting into the sound she's creating, when she decides it's time to really show what she can do. Beca continues to play the piano with her right hand while she reaches up with her left and quickly taps a key on her laptop. A new song starts playing from the same speakers her sound is emanating. It blends beautifully as she continues to tap the keys of the electric piano. Then she starts singing.
Crashing, hit a wall
Right now I need a miracle
Hurry up now, I need a miracle
Beca's program kicks in, and a prerecorded voice blends with Beca's.
The precious moments are all lost in the tide
Stranded, reaching out
I call your name but you're not around
I say your name but you're not around
The voice coming from the speaker is a familiar one.
Listen to your heart, Listen to your heart
Emily looks over to Chloe, who nods, it's her voice.
I need you, I need you, I need you right now
Another voice is introduced as lyrics from a third song are introduced.
After-hours got me charged
Yeah, I need you right now
The melody Beca's playing had started out slow, but now she picks up the pace, and the melody is much quicker and livelier.
So don't let me, don't let me, don't let me down
Listen to your heart, Listen to your heart
Chloe's voice harmonizes with Beca's so well as the tiny DJ really begins to let loose with her singing.
I think I'm losing my mind now
It's in my head, darling I hope
That you'll be here, when I need you the most
So don't let me, don't let me, don't let me down
D-Don't let me down
Closing her eyes and focusing solely on the music, Beca's fingers work across the keys to make the music really blend together.
I just wanna dance among the stars
Don't let me down
I just wanna dance among the stars
Don't let me down, down, down
Don't let me down, don't let me down, down, down
I just wanna dance among the stars
Beca again increases the tempo of the melody she is playing.
Running out of time
I really thought you were on my side
But now there's nobody by my side
I need you, I need you, I need you right now
Yeah, I need you right now
Listen to your heart, Listen to your heart
So don't let me, don't let me, don't let me down
I think I'm losing my mind now
It's in my head, darling I hope
That you'll be here, when I need you the most
With the beats flowing through her fingertips like magic, and her head bobbing to the beat she's mixing, Beca is now just lost in the music.
I just wanna dance among the stars
So don't let me, don't let me, don't let me down
D-Don't let me down
I just wanna dance among the stars
Don't let me down
Don't let me down, down, down
Don't let me down, down, down
Don't let me down, down, down
Don't let me down, don't let me down, down, down
Oh, I think I'm losing my mind now, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, I think I'm losing my mind now, yeah, yeah
I need you, I need you, I need you right now
Yeah, I need you right now
I just wanna dance among the stars
So don't let me, don't let me, don't let me down
I think I'm losing my mind now
It's in my head, darling I hope
That you'll be here, when I need you the most
Chloe loves moments like this when she can just feel how passionate Beca is about her music. It's like the passion reverberates with every press of a key, every note that she plays. Looking over at Emily and Kate, sh sees that they are feeling it too.
They're swept away and nothing is what it seems, the feeling of belonging to your dreams.
I just wanna dance among the stars
So don't let me, don't let me, don't let me down
Don't let me down
Yeah, don't let me down
Yeah, don't let me down
I just wanna dance among the stars
Don't let me down, oh no
Said don't let me down
Don't let me down
Don't let me down (down, down, down)
Don't let me down, down, down
Beca ends with a flourish and spins about to face her friends. Her audience of three erupts into cheers, none louder than Chloe who can't help herself. The redhead runs up and pulls Beca into a big hug.
"Oh my!" Cries Mrs. O'Shaughnessy, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. She's laughing so hard. "It's been years since I had this much fun. Oh thank ye, thank ye so much, fer such grand time."
The old Irish woman looks directly at Beca and says, "Me Astoreen wasn't lyin' when she described your musical ability, me wee muirnin. If anything she undersold." Both Beca and Chloe blush at Kate's words.
"As much as I 'ave enjoyed all of yer talent, an' this mini concert. It's gettin' late, so we should talk about what ye came fer." Kate walks over to a small writing desk near the stairwell and picks up a piece of paper with a list of items. She looks at it for a few seconds, then pats her pockets till she finds a pair of reading glasses. Putting them on she looks at the page again. "Oh yes, much better. So talking to me Astoreen, I gathered ye all can use, tha' electronic piano the wee muirnin just played so beautifully. The guitar thee cailín ard álainn also played so well, plus two more guitars. We'll pick those out. Plus, ye'll be needing an amp, I'm sure Seán had one..."
Beca interrupts Kate, "Excuse me, sorry but are you going to sell us more than just the Korg? I thought we were just coming for the Korg."
Chloe steps next to Beca. "Yeah Mrs-Kate, uh we came to see the electric piano."
Kate waves her off. "But ye said yerself at school, the cailín ard álainn is going t'teach guitar, and to properly teach she'll need more than one."
"But, how much Kate? What you're describing could run between five and six thousand dollars, easy."
Chloe adds, "We're on a budget."
Kate scoffs, "For $2500 ye can get the Korg Kronos workstation, the three guitars and an amp. For the guitars we'll go with thee Acoustic-Electric Guitar, the…"
Beca interrupts again. "So wait Mrs. O'Shaughnessy you are willing to sell us three guitars, an amp, and a Korg Kronos workstation for $2500? That's ridiculously under priced…"
"I know, I was researching the cost of instruments in the office, Mrs. O'Shaughnessy. That's way too low a price," Chloe argues.
Kate waves that off, "The late Mr. O'Shaughnessy acquired this collection because he loved music. Yet he dinna' eva' make any of it sound as good as ye did. Down 'ere it's just gonna sit an' collect dust. With ye, it will be used. So ye can 'ave the lot of it for $2500."
"It's too much Kate…"
"Listen Astoreen, I'll not be havin' any of that."
Chloe holds up her hand and asks, "Can we have a minute to huddle up and talk, Kate?"
"Of course dear. Take yer time."
The three young women go huddle by the grand piano.
Emily can barely contain herself. "That's an amazing price, especially as the equipment's in really good condition…"
Chloe agrees, nearly as excited. "From what I can tell it's in immaculate shape."
"But we don't have $2500, Chlo. We can scratch together $1800, and then we are nothing but Raman noodles."
"I know."
"I can throw in a thousand," pipes up Emily.
Both Chloe and Beca turn and say together, "What?"
"I can throw in a thousand. Look you're letting me stay here for the summer, and this way I'll have three guitars for teaching with."
"Makes sense; what do you think Becs?"
"It seems too good to be true. Are we taking advantage of an old widow?"
"I worried about that even before she offered that insane price, so asked around at school. Guess she's loaded, and is actually a benefactor for the school. She works there just to have something to do."
Emily says, "That's amazing!"
Chloe nods, "I know, so, I think we have to jump on this deal."
Beca turns to Emily and asks, "Are you sure about the thousand, Ems?"
"Totes Beca."
Beca looks over to Kate, "So Mrs. O'Shaughnessy-Kate, looks like you have a deal."
Chloe and Emily clap as they cheer.
Chloe then says, "We don't have room in the car to take the stuff tonight, and we're going to dinner. Is it cool if I bring the money on Saturday and pick up the equipment?"
"Only if ye promise t' play more on the piano, Astoreen."
"Of course."
Kate shows the three friends out, giving each a hug and kisses to the cheeks. "Go n-éiri an bóthar leat, which means may success be with you."
The old woman pulls each into another hug, Chloe being last, and she whispers something into Chloe's ear, which causes the redhead's face to match the shade of her hair. Beca quirks an eyebrow in question, but Chloe just gives a slight shake of her head.
All three friends reply thanks, and promise to see her soon.
[*+*X*+*X*+*X*+*]
A/N Well Pitch Perfect Fans, well that's chapter ten, I hope you enjoyed. I was trying for more humor, and to introduce more music so hopefully you found it enjoyable.
See you with the next chapter.
Thanks again for reading.