A/N: Hello Readers! Here's the next chapter, I hope you all enjoy it as much as the previous ones. Thanks to everyone for the reviews and the really kind words.

Disclaimer: I don't own Pitch Perfect or really anything.

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CHAPTER 19

*** Chloe spies Jesse ***

"Hey Chloe, looking for anything in particular?"

Chloe looks up into the sky-blue eyes of the tall surfer dude who is one of the co-owners of the store she's currently perusing through. With a shake of her head she flashes one of her megawatt smiles, "Nahh… nothing in particular Sean, just looking for some sheet music for my collection, maybe an album or two."

The surfer's heavily tanned face splits into a huge toothy smile, that seems extra bright due to his darker skin tone. "Cool. You enjoying the summer break?"

The redhead smiles warmly as she turns leaning up against the counter, "Oh yeah, nice to have my schedule freed up a bit now that summer break is in full swing."

The surfer smiles as he loads a number of old style LP's into a blue plastic milk crate. He nods and asks, "So what are you up too?"

"Oh, you know, a little bit of this, a little bit of that. I still have time at the school with their camp, and I picked up a few more hours a week at the dance studio."

Sean returns her smile, though his is closer to a smirk, and he lets his eyes wander over her saying, "More dancing huh, sounds nice. Well if you need anything," he leans in and drops his voice, "and I mean anything, just let me know." He gives her a wink as he picks up a crate of records, from the counter and heads for the far aisles.

Chloe giggles at the obvious flirtation and calls out, "I just might do that," giving him an obvious once over. Sean's a good-looking guy, make that a gorgeous guy, Chloe can see that. His style is that of your typical California surfer guy, which he actually is, having regaled Chloe with his surfer stories on more than one occasion. She knows the flirting is mostly playful, mostly, yet she has no heart to put into anything more. As handsome as the tall man is, with his sandy blonde hair that's never combed, yet always looks good, and light blue eyes that she is sure make most girls swoon. Yet Chloe isn't really tempted. She finds her preferences tending a bit shorter, brunette, and her blue eyes a couple shades darker.

He smirks over his shoulder, "Promises, promises."

This causes Chloe to chuckle some more as she looks about Lost Note Music. It's an amazing music store she and Baca had discovered within days of moving into their apartment, and both had spent a lot of time going up and down the aisles, looking for music, buying records, and just enjoying the feel of music the store exudes.

The store sits in the middle of this adorable little neighborhood shopping district that's within walking distance of the girl's apartment. Lost Note Music looks deceptively small on the outside but is actually pretty huge inside, even spanning two whole floors. It's the kind of store that's pretty easy to get lost in as one wanders the aisles to browses the titles.

"You sure you aren't looking for something?"

Chloe is woken from her reverie to find Sean at her side again. She shakes her head no again. "Nah.. just looking for music to use at my summer camp job, and the music lessons I'm going to be starting this weekend."

Sean looks at her surprised. "You're working a summer camp?"

"Yeah, I'm keeping busy, working a few hours a day at the summer camp my school runs. They asked me to provide music classes," Chloe says with a proud smile.

Sean looks at her with genuine interest. "Really?"

"Yeah!" Chloe can't contain her excitement. "It's not much different than my work during the school year, but now it's all fun and games."

"Something tells me it's always fun and games with you," says Sean, giving Chloe a waggle of his eyebrows.

"I've been known to play games," replies the redhead, continuing her light flirting.

The blonde surfer laughs and asks, "So you're enjoying your summer?"

Chloe pulls out a book of Beyoncé' songs, and oohs in excitement. "I'm definitely buying this." She looks over at Sean, "What? Oh yeah!" She is almost bouncing with joy. "The kids are amazing, and I get to coordinate a music based activity for the campers each week." Sean smiles, recognizing the genuine joy in Chloe's words. The redhead is on a roll though and doesn't notice. "I'm simply loving it; working with the kids on fun songs, teaching them mini-performances. And I have this idea of developing a performance each week, that the kids take part in and showcase for their parents. The first one is next week!"

"So, I'll take that as a yes," interjects Sean still chuckling.

Chloe laughs while rolling her eyes playfully. "Oh Yeah."

"So, what happened with that thingy thing you were doing?"

Chloe arches her right eyebrow, "My thingy?"

Chloe can actually make out a slight blush under Sean's natural tan. "You know your thingy with Beca…"

Chloe turns towards Sean and says in her most sultry voice, "Oh now that sounds intriguing…"

Sean visibly swallows at the sound of Chloe's voice; the huskiness just screaming sexiness. "Umm… Yeah… the you know, you had a…" Sean suddenly finds it hard to speak under the sensual look Chloe has adopted. He sputters on to a very amused redhead, "You know the presentation thingy…"

Chloe's eyes widen at the mention of the presentation, she actually had forgotten that she had told Sean about the presentation at NBCUniversal. "Oh that… Well it's been two weeks actually to the day since we performed for the executives there…"

"You performed?" Sean's surprise easily heard in his inflection.

Chloe goes back to giddy bubbly as the memories of the performance pop up into her mind. "Oh yeah… You should have seen Beca, she was amazing…"

Sean laughs lightly as Chloe continues to describe what really does sound like an amazing performance. He also chuckles because there's a very obvious pattern to Chloe's storytelling, that seems to always come back to a particular brunette roommate of the redhead. It was a pattern he had noted in many of his conversations with Chloe. It was one of the reasons his flirtations had evolved from serious, to fun and jovial, with only a hint of seriousness, because come on, a guy could always hope. No, it was pretty clear that Chloe only had eyes for one person at this time.

"You haven't heard anything back?" Sean asks as the story winds down.

"Nope," Chloe says, really popping the 'P'. "I know my friends have been meeting with the representatives from NBC, but nothing definitive either way. I hope we hear something soon. It's so important for my friend Fat Amy."

Sean loads some more albums into another empty crate. A thought seems to strike him, and he asks, "If it doesn't get the greenlight will your other friend be staying for the summer?"

This question catches Chloe off-guard. She looks confused, "Who?"

Setting the albums on the counter, he holds his right hand up as if showing the size of a person, "You know the tall, slightly klutzy in an awkwardly cute way…"

Realization dawns on Chloe's face as she says, "You mean Emily?"

Sean's face splits with a smile. "Yeah, Emily. Will she be staying?"

"Why do you want to know? You're not interested, are you?" Chloe is suddenly in protective Mama-bear mode.

Sean puts up his hands quickly, "What? No, oh no… Actually, Joey may be…" he defends himself quickly.

Chloe instantly feels a sense of relief. "Oh Joey; that makes a lot more sense." Chloe knows Joey, who just finished his Freshman year at UCLA, and is a sweet little music nerd who couldn't hurt a fly. "Yeah, she's going to stay for the summer no matter what, but I'm afraid Joey is out of luck. Emily is in a pretty committed relationship. Which is a little too bad, because based on Benji, her boyfriend, Emily would have totally dug Joey."

"Ahh, that is too bad. Would have been nice for Joey to find someone. He's too shy for his own good. But you must be excited she's staying the whole summer."

"Oh totes!" Chloe exclaims excitedly. "It's been aca-amazing having Emily around as a third roommate. She's truly the younger sister Chloe I always begged my parents for." The redhead looks a little wistfully, as she remembers the many times she tried convincing her parents to give her a baby sister; once even bringing her full piggy bank to her mother and informing her she had saved enough to buy a little sister.

The music shop owner gives her a rueful look. "I can see it. The two times I met her I have to say leaves an impression. That girl may actually be bubblier than you," says Sean in a serious sounding voice.

"I feel I should be offended; but the truth is you may be right. She is super bubbly and fun. The apartment has been lively and fun, instead of quiet and lonely."

This causes a look of confusion with the blonde man. "Why would it be quiet and lonely?"

Chloe sighs, "Oh you know, Beca has been super busy between the club and her time at the studio, so it's been nice having the Emily around to hang around and have fun." Chloe looks wistful as she says regretfully, "Though even that has begun to be fleeting."

"Why?"

The redheaded woman sighs, "She has been going into work with Beca, to the studio. She and Beca have started working on her first album. It's an amazing opportunity for the both of them, and they're running with it." Chloe struggles to keep her feelings in check, and masked from Sean. Truth is she's a little jealous of Emily, and a little lonely. She hasn't really seen her DJ much since the presentation two weeks ago. Beca has spent a number of nights at Jesse's, while Emily has been getting to go with her DJ to the studio. This has left Chloe a bit lonely and jealous; jealous of Emily, jealous of Jesse. It's reached a point where jealousy was consuming too much of her waking moments.

Chloe had decided today is going to be different, hence the trip to her favorite music store.

"Wow," says Sean, unaware of the feelings Chloe is masking. "Beca and Emily are making an album?"

The redhead nods, though her head is no longer in this conversation. Chloe can't help but feel it's like she had feared when Beca first brought up the idea with Emily that she's being left behind. She manages to answer, "Oh yeah, Beca was a rock star, so confident and determined. She was able to convince her boss to give her and Emily this chance."

Sean senses something in Chloe's answer and says, "Beca is pretty amazing. Is she spinning tonight?"

"Oh yeah, my tiny DJ is going to spin tonight," Chloe says wistfully. "She's going to be the headline DJ at Club Exchange! Can you believe it? I can't wait to see her spin." Chloe's thoughts of course turn to her tiny DJ, and she feels the usual squeeze on her heart. The downside of having extra time is that you have extra time to think, and not having Beca around has ensured that Chloe's almost constantly distracted by thoughts of Beca. For some reason, it's getting worse. She decides to go to one of her typical defenses, enthusiasm, her eyes grow large, and her smile wide, as she declares, "You should totally come to Club Exchange tonight!"

The surfer can't help, as many others have found over the years, but get caught up in the redheads' enthusiasm. "That would be fun. I've always wanted to see the tiny DJ doing her thing live. I mean the videos that get posted on-line our great. She has a really dedicated super fan, but you know the real thing live can't be beat."

Chloe can feel the heat in her cheeks as a light red blush spreads, knowing she's the super fan Sean is describing. "Uhh... yeah, Beca's got a pretty good fan, but you're right, nothing beats seeing her live."

He asks hopefully, "So you're going to be there tonight?"

Chloe nods enthusiastically, "Of course! I try not to miss any of Beca's performances. Plus, we have a bunch of friends in town who are going to make it too."

"So, if I show up, do I get a dance with you?" Sean adopts a bit of a puppy dog look. Pulling out the big blue eyes.

Of course, Chloe is the master of utilizing eyes to bend people's wills, so the taller blonde's eyes have very little effect on her. Still the redhead likes the surfer, and can be magnanimous in granting at least a dance or two. She pretends to ponder this for a moment, even tapping her chin with her index finger. "Maybe…"

"Chloe…" Sean whines.

Chloe can't help giggling, "Okay you big baby. If I see you there, I'll dance with you."

Sean's face instantly lights up. "Well then I'm definitely going. Only a fool would miss an opportunity to dance with Chloe Beale."

"Easy there tiger." Feeling this line of conversation could take her down another rabbit hole, the redhead decides to change the subject. "So tomorrow I'm giving my first music lesson. Well Emily and I are. We'll be giving piano lessons to two girls from my dance school. Emily is giving guitar to a girl from my school, and I'm giving voice coaching to her sister."

A bit of pride finds its way back into Chloe's voice. "Nice," declares Sean. "That's right, I remember you saying something about giving private lessons. You're starting tomorrow, cool."

"Yeah…"

Sean gets excited, "You should put up flyers in our windows, and on our bulletin board."

Chloe perks up, "Really?"

Sean scoffs, "Of course!"

Chloe lights up, "Thanks Sean." She gives the tall man a big hug. "You're the best."

"I know," he says confidently. Looking at all the albums he's loaded into the old milk crate. "Well these aren't going to shelve themselves. You'll know where to find me if you need anything." With that Sean hefted the crate and started walking to the other side of the room.

Chloe thanks him again, and promises to bring in some flyers. Then she begins again to look around for anything that might catch her eyes. There's a little bit of relief as Sean goes back to work, as much as Chloe loves talking to people, there are times she just wants a little space, a little quiet. Sean through no fault of his had steered her into conversations about topics she's trying to ignore at the moment.

She decides to look at some records, thinking that music might be a nice distraction; and it works, before she's even made it down one aisles, she's spent a good half hour exploring. She's just starting on the next aisle when Chloe actually finds something she would like to buy. She wasn't expecting to find anything in particular but then she sees a record that is actually one of Beca's favorites, Aquemini by OutKast, something the DJ had mentioned a couple years ago.

Chloe's smiling down at the cover, which has a seventies funk style, when she looks up and spots Jesse walking past the store window. It's quite surprising to see Jesse here at this time of day. It's not like Jesse lives close by, and he's usually at school at this time of day. For a brief second Chloe wonders if Beca is here too; but that doesn't make sense. Emily and her had gone into Residual Heat this morning, because Beca was able to secure actual studio recording time.

For some reason, Chloe is not sure why, curiosity gets the best of her. "Sean!" The surfer turns and asks her what's up. "I need to do something. Can you keep these for me?" He assures her that's no problem as she places the music she's been collecting and the OutKast album off to the side on the counter and makes a beeline out of the store.

Rushing out to the street, Chloe quickly scans in the direction she saw Jesse walking. The redhead quickly spots him crossing the street to the next block. For a split second she thinks about calling out to him, or rushing over to him, but it doesn't feel right. She decides not to catch up or announce her presence as she starts to follow, and so sets a pace that ensures she doesn't catch up. Part of her feels bad that she's being a bit of a creeper, but something deep down tells her she needs to see this. In her head she attempts to find rational that this is not stalking or spying, and there's nothing wrong with what she's doing.

When she sees Jesse reach his destination, Chloe's glad she made the choice to be a creeper, because halfway down the next block she watches Jesse going into a jewelry store. It's this nice little place in the middle of this rather quaint shopping street. She and Beca have walked past it a number of times, looking at the displays in the windows, though they had never gone in.

Slowing down as she approaches the jewelry store, an old lady smiles at her as she walks past which she returns politely. As Chloe walks on by, out of the corner of her eye she can see Jesse. As she walks past the front door, she subtly glances inside, thankful that it is open so she can look in easily. She releases a breath she had been holding as she spots Jesse, relieved that his back is to the street. Casually so as not to draw attention, she steps around the open door and up to the window display. Chloe pretends to be examining a rather beautiful necklace and earrings set that's being exhibited. The set is truly beautiful, but she barely notices, she's in this spot because the door helps cover her, but being open allows her to hear what's going on inside. It's the perfect place to find out what's happening in the store. Again, a wave of guilt washes over her for spying on Jesse, but she can't help herself.

Studying him intently through the glass, though if anyone were to observe her it would look like she's just really interested in the jewelry set before her. This gives her cover to see that he's talking to the jeweler behind the counter. Of course he's being Jesse, an over-excited puppy, talking a little bit louder than necessary, she finds herself rolling her eyes at his enthusiasm even as she recognizes it is slightly endearing.

What she gathers so far from his ramblings is that Jesse has been there before and he's positive he's found 'the perfect one'. Chloe's heart feels a stab of pain as she realizes that Jesse's looking at engagement rings.

Chloe can hear Jesse talking to the man, "Yeah, I need this to be just the right one. I mean you know, she's the one; right? I need to have just the perfect ring for her. We were in here a couple months ago, and there was a ring I know that caught her eye." Chloe's heart drops at these words. Had Beca been considering engagement rings? She had never mentioned going into this jewelry store, despite them stopping to window shop a couple times.

In the back of her mind she can hear the clock that's been there since the first ICCA National Championship. The one which started counting the moment she saw Beca kiss Jesse. The one that she always imagines is counting the time till Beca is out of her life.

She's been standing here for far too long, she knows this, but she just can't tear herself away just yet. Curiosity is getting the better of her. She knows Jesse will be mad at her for spying on him, and she would be so mortified to be called out, still she holds, trying to catch a glimpse of the ring.

Jesse exclaims loudly. "Oh! here it is!" Snapping Chloe out of her thoughts. She once again listens attentively, wanting to hear as much as possible. His enthusiasm is easily heard from Chloe's vantage point. He holds up the ring, and even through the glass she can see it's a beautiful ring, with a huge diamond. She has to give him credit, when he goes in, he goes all in.

Have you ever had one of those moments where the world stops moving? Where everything around you cease to exist, and all your focus is tunneled in on a specific point. This is what Chloe experiences at this moment. All her attention is focused on the ring being held up. Time slows, all sound seems to be drowned out as if Chloe is listening to the world from the bottom of the ocean. Chloe stares at the ring, seeing it for what it truly is, the beginning of a new world for the happy couple, and the end of hers.

Standing there watching him, hearing his enthusiasm, knowing what he's excited about, it's too much; Chloe finds herself beginning to hyperventilate. She's positive she can hear the sound of her heart breaking. Tears begin to pool in her eyes, and she's blinking rapidly to keep them at bay.

She needs to be away from this spot.

Now!

Before she is discovered, Chloe knows she has to move away. With all the self-control she can muster, Chloe backs away, keeping her movements slow; her eyes on Jesse, praying he doesn't turn around and see her. When she's backed away enough it takes every ounce of her will to nonchalantly turn and begin a leisurely stroll away. All her instincts are to run, she's never felt the urge to run more.

She releases a breath she didn't realize she's holding, she's fairly certain she's not been spotted. That would have been humiliating. With relief, she begins to walk away. As she walks, she increases her pace, she can't help it, till she's walking rather briskly down the street. She needs to be away from this spot, away from this moment. Chloe feels like her heart has just been yanked out her chest.

She cuts left at the corner and looks over her shoulder, just to make sure Jesse had not spotted her; but there's no sign of him. He's still inside the little shop, probably too engrossed in selecting the perfect ring to notice anything happening around him. She swiftly walks down the next block, and then cuts across the street. She has no real destination in mind, she just knows she wants to be away.

After five minutes of just wandering, she finally spies a destination. With a smile that does little to bring any light to Chloe's sad eyes, she walks down the block and sits down at an outdoor table of a small independent cafe that's fast become a favorite of hers. It's a couple blocks from the apartment, but more importantly a couple blocks from the jewelry store. It's just the type of place Chloe loves with large, bright windows and a view of really nice park across the road.

As she sits, she notes a cute little waitress approaching with her pad and pen. The waitress is a young college student, who always makes Chloe think about elves and fairies, with her slender features, slightly longer ears, and a cute pixie cut of dark brown hair. She comes to stand above Chloe and happily says, "Hey Chloe, what can I get you today?"

The redhead doesn't want to talk about what is troubling her, so she slips on one of her many myriad of masks, smiling brightly at the waitress, "Hey Sylvia! I'll take…"

The waitress cuts in good naturedly, "Let me guess, a lemon-iced tea?"

Chloe's smile grows, though she can feel that it still doesn't touch her eyes. "Yeah, that would be perfect." She tries to sound enthusiastic.

The waitress pauses for a second, studying the redhead in front of her with her big brown eyes, as she nibbles on the eraser of her pencil. She seems to be contemplating something, as if sensing something is off with Chloe. Yet after a second she gives her head a shake and asks brightly, "Your usual apple crumble?"

Chloe's smile grows, "Uhh… yeah…" She considers the offer, and realizes she is actually quite hungry. More confidently she says, "Yeah, I would like that…"

Silvia smiles happily that her suggestion was taken, so suggests, "Maybe some French Vanilla to go with it?"

Chloe can't help but chuckle, "You know me too well, Sylvia."

The waitress strikes a pose with hands on hips, and says honestly, "Well you are one of my favorite customers…"

Chloe quirks an eyebrow, "One of?"

Sylvia takes on a sassy demeanor, "Well let's see what kind of tip you leave me."

Chloe responds with faux outrage, "I knew you only like me for my money," and sticks out her tongue playfully.

Sylvia returns the gesture, then laughs and says as she turns to head into the cafe. "Let me go get that order in," she says over her shoulder as she heads into the building.

Chloe feels a warmth in her chest. She needed this, a bit of distraction from the cold emptiness in the pit of her stomach. Sylvia has been turning from a waitress she's sees on occasion, to an acquaintance, to now a bit of a friend as Chloe has gotten to know her over the months.

It's not really busy in the cafe, and Sylvia is back in a flash with the iced tea and the apple crumble. Chloe smiles at the young brunette as she approaches. "Here you go Chloe."

"Thanks Sylvia," says Chloe as she accepts to food. She digs into the apple crumble right away, making sure to get a good bite of the vanilla ice cream with it. She looks at the waitress who has stayed in proximity and indicates the chair across from her. "Care to join me?"

The elfin like girl nods and jumps to take the offered seat. "Grab a spoon and help me with this…" Chloe says indicating the dessert.

"Oh, I couldn't…" Sylvia holds up her hands.

Chloe gets up and grabs a spoon from the waitress station and thrusts it into Sylvia's hands. "Please. Like I'm going to finish this all myself. Besides, it's not like anyone else is here right now. Take a break with me." Chloe instinctively goes all puppy eyes on the waitress.

The waitress smiles, "Well I can't say no to those eyes." She accepts the spoon, and helps herself to a bite of ice cream and apple crumble. She can't stop the warm content sound she makes as she tastes her favorite dessert.

Chloe takes another bite, making a similar sound, then asks around the biteful of cooked apple, "So, how are classes going?"

"Only one right now during the summer, but I did really well on my finals. One more year and I'll be done."

"That's great…" And with that Chloe finds herself in a light-hearted conversation with the young waitress; offering advice, giving support, providing insights gained with dealing with the Bellas over the years. It's what she needs, and wants, though she didn't realize it. She sometimes forgets how much she needs to feel needed. It's why she loves teaching, and one of the reasons she misses the Bellas. Realizing she won't be needed in Beca's life much longer is part of the reason she feels so empty now.

Over time the conversation migrates to what Chloe is up to, and she tells the chatty waitress her current plans. "You and Emily are starting to give music lessons?" Sylvia asks the redhead.

Chloe nods, "Yeah, we start tomorrow…"

"You should put up flyers on our community board," Sylvia says enthusiastically.

Chloe can't help but chuckle, this being the second time someone suggested she put up flyers. Maybe this weekend she would go throughout the neighborhoods and see who was willing to let her put up a flyer. "Yeah, that would be a great idea. It could really help Emily and I get more students."

Sylvia looks confused, "What happened to Beca? I thought she was doing the lessons with you."

A stab of pain erupts from Chloe's chest, reminding the redhead that there's an empty pit of loss where her soul once was. She covers, knowing her smile dropped a bit. "Oh… Well…" the redhead fumbles with her answer, "She's going to help when she can. But… You know… She's so busy with her DJ gigs and at the studio. You know she's headlining at Club Exchange, and she's recently been given more responsibility at Residual Heat."

If Sylvia notices Chloe's reaction, she has the foresight to ignore it, and instead focuses on what she's being told. "Oh yeah, I've been meaning to catch one of Beca's shows. I've seen some of her videos on YouTube. Her sound is tight."

"Yeah it is. She's spinning tonight. Club Exchange, she's headlining…"

The cute waitress perks up, "Will you be there?'

"Uhh… Yeah… I try to make all Bec's performances… So…"

"Then you have to dance with me!"

"Uhh… Yeah… Sure…"

Sylvia winks at Chloe, "Then I'll see you there!" At that moment there's a call from the back, asking for Sylvia's help. "I've got to go, but I'll see you tonight." And with that the cute little waitress sashays away.

Chloe sits still for a second, trying to wrap her head around the fact that Sylvia had just asked her to dance. Suddenly she's trying to figure out if the waitress was flirting with her. She goes back over their entire conversation, and yes maybe the young brunette was extra attentive, but Chloe just thought it was her cheery disposition. But maybe there had been a bit more interest.

Maybe?

Usually Chloe's very attuned to these types of things, but at this moment in time she's off her game. The realization that Jesse is going to propose to Beca in the near future has her panicking a bit.

Okay, a lot.

Chloe realizes that she's reached a crossroads. She realizes that the life she's leading now is running out of time; that her time with Beca is nearly done. Chloe sits stirring her iced tea, and all she can do is blink back tears that threaten to fall, and try to remain calm, controlling her breathing.

For the past five years she has slowly been pulled into Beca Mitchell's orbit. Her life has revolved in large part around the bigger-than-life presence of her tiny DJ, but now that was going to end. For now… Beca would be moving on.

Moving on without her.

Chloe gets up before Sylvia can get back. She likes the girl and is a little flattered that there might be interest from the pixie girl, she's cute and fun, but she's not Beca, and right now Chloe can only think about Beca. She throws money down on the bill, and writes a quick apology on a napkin. Then heads out away from the cafe and towards the park across the street.

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out her iPhone, carefully unwrapping the wires for the earbuds as she continues to walk. With a deep sigh, she puts in her earbuds and starts listening to music, hoping to get lost in the sounds. Of-course this does nothing to help her forget Beca, because all the songs saved on her iPhone are either mixes Beca has created, songs Beca has suggested, or songs that remind Chloe of Beca.

The redhead can't help but wonder if she's maybe a little too obsessed. Maybe she's the psycho in Single White Female? She definitely knows that she's the bad guy in this little drama. Beca is straight and in a committed relationship. In a committed relationship for over four years, and about to become even more committed. In a committed relationship with Jesse, who is, well, he's Jesse. The Good Guy, the Sweet Guy, the Nice Guy, the guy that gets the girl, the guy that get a girl like Beca.

It's only logical in Chloe's mind that if Jesse is a good guy, who yes can screw up, but almost always treats Beca right; then Chloe is the bad guy in this little drama. The person who is trying to break up the happy couple. Okay, maybe not trying to break them up, but kind of secretly hoping.

But even that's not true. As much as she wishes she would have had a chance with Beca, she knows the tiny ball of grumpy adorableness is straight, and would never see her in that way. So then Chloe feels it's best that Beca be happy, and with someone who will always treat Beca right. Someone who can make Beca happy.

Chloe turns onto a bike path, not really caring where it will take her, just that it allows her to keep moving. She has music on, but can't even focus on it, it's just background noise. She's just trying to find some peace in her head that Jesse is going to propose to Beca, but it's not happening. She can't find any peace, she can't find any of her usual solace. She can't find the strength to be happy for her best friend. To say that Jesse has been the cause of Chloe's most painful emotions over the past few years would be a vast understatement. It wasn't by any means that she didn't like him. No, that was, in fact, part of the problem. She knows all too well that Jesse is a wonderful, kind, and caring person. He's funny, sweet, and even handsome. Chloe can think of a hundred adjectives to describe the guy, and they would all be warm and friendly.

But unfortunately, he's dating Beca. He owns the affections of girl that Chloe has desperately been in love with, really from the moment she had met her all those years ago at the activities fair. Thus Chloe feels real pain, as she tries to come to terms with what she's feeling.

It would be so much easier if he were less likeable, but then if he were, then Beca wouldn't be with him, and Chloe knows just how happy he's made Beca over the years.

She would love to prove that she would be better for Beca than Jesse, who is too likeable, too clingy, too smug, too jealous, but then Chloe realizes it's her who is to jealous, too clingy. And again she remembers that she's the bad guy. Beca chose, on multiple occasions, and it's always Jesse who is chosen, never her redheaded best friend. Besides, he's a guy. and Beca is straight. Totally, completely straight.

So there never was any contest.

Looking up, Chloe realizes she's only a block away from her apartment. Again her feet on their own had navigated her to a destination with her unaware. She sighs, thinking it will be okay to go back because it will be empty, with Beca and Emily at Residual Heat.

Of course as she walks her feet become sluggish, as if the thought of being in the apartment is an anathema for her. Her mind continues to toss and turn with random thoughts and memories.

And then a thought strikes Chloe.

She suddenly knew why it was growing harder to contain her emotions for her tiny DJ. Why her feelings are more jumbled and she's having a harder time shoving them into the 'Beca feelings' box she had created to hide her true feelings.

It's weird how sometimes you just have an epiphany, and suddenly there's a clarity.

Before now, it has always felt like Chloe could almost (almost) put aside her romantic feelings for the tiny DJ. The feelings she has every time she sees her best friend's stormy blue eyes. How she wants to kiss away her pouts, or hug her when she's grumpy. How time spent next to the DJ leaves Chloe so fulfilled, even when both are quietly doing their own things. The electricity she feels when they happen to touch that sets Chloe's skin a tingling and makes her yearn for more. The emotional turbulence of just being around Beca, which is so confusing and yet so good.

Before now, Chloe has been able to keep all of her feelings under control. Yes, she's pined over her best friend, but she never acted on it, because Beca is firmly in the 'straight girl' category, and Chloe knew nothing would or could ever come of it. With this knowledge, it has always been enough for the redhead to just be Beca's friend, to be her best friend. Being the petite brunette's best friend made it possible for Chloe to stuff her feelings away into a box of 'never going to happen'. Chloe loves Beca, and Beca sees her as a good friend.

That was all there was to it, and all there ever would be to it.

Yet now everything had changed. Now it would be harder to accept, harder to pretend that all was as it should be, and she suddenly knows why.

It's the clock, the countdown in her head.

Before Chloe always had the salve of proximity to keep her feelings in check. Yes, Jesse had her DJ's heart, but Chloe often had the rest of the Tiny DJ; for Bella bonding nights, and Bella practices, and as roommates.

Now she knows the countdown is nearing completion. When Jesse proposes there will only be a few ticks left. Only a short time left before she is proceeding down an aisle dressed in a hideous bridesmaid's dress, before Beca, who will be resplendent in white.

And once that final tick coincides with Beca's 'I do', Chloe's role in her tiny DJ's life will be at an end.

This is why it's getting harder. There will no longer be any pretense that she matters in Beca's life. She will begin the slide from best friend, to friends, to Facebook friends, to acquaintances, to fond remembrances on holidays.

And though Chloe believes with all her heart Beca would deny that this will happen, and would even try with all her might to not let this happen; it's the inevitable conclusion of events.

Chloe knows that Beca is someone she will always want in her life. Even if it to just remain friends, if that's what she could get, that would be what she would take. However deep inside she knows that ultimately this choice is not hers, nor is it Beca's. Life just has a way of getting in the way. There's only so many hours in the day, and Beca's will soon be filled with DJ performances, producing music, being married, being a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and so on. There's going to be scant room for a bubbly redheaded nobody next to the star that Beca is fast becoming.

Dark thoughts still cloud Chloe's mind as she walks into the apartment. Movement on the couch attracts her attention, and she's a little surprised to see Beca sitting there, her ever present laptop sitting before her. She isn't even sure if the brunette knows that she has walked in because Beca seems really focused and has her oversized headphones on.

She pushes everything she has been feeling down; all of it down. She can do that for a little bit longer. She can be the best friend for a little more time; because she's going to give everything, her love, her happiness and affection into this last sprint to the finish line.

Adopting one of her Happy masks, Chloe calls out, "Hey, what're you doing home?"

Beca slowly pulls her eyes from her computer, and looks up at Chloe. Her face lights-up as she finally focuses on the redhead. "Oh hey! What are you doing home?" Beca asks as she removes her headphones.

"I could ask the same of you, oh, and I did…"

Beca looks at her confused. "You did?"

"Yep," answers Chloe, really popping the 'P' as she plops down on the opposite side of the couch. She flashes a huge smile at her tiny DJ, and despite the turmoil in her heart, the smile is easy, because every smile for Beca is easy.

Beca's smile is shy and she almost seems embarrassed. Folding down the screen of her laptop, "Oh you know, prepping for my sets tonight. Boss man still sees this as a priority, so allows me time to prep. Working on my newest opening right now."

"Cool," answers Chloe, then looking around she queries, "Where's Legacy?"

Slipping her headphones off from around her head, Beca unplugs from her laptop, and sets it on the end table. "Oh, Benji picked her up for a late lunch. You'll see her at the club tonight."

"How did the studio time go?"

"It was fantastic. Better than when we first worked on 'Flashlight'! Well except when Em knocked over one of the microphones in the booth, and almost destroyed the operating board when she spilled her coke, and I'm still not sure how she locked the booth's door, there's no locks on it, but somehow she locked herself in the booth, that was a fun fifteen minutes." Beca scratches the back of her head as she grimaces at the memories. Chloe can't help but laugh. "Still when we actually were working on her songs, it was like magic."

Chloe smiles at the look Beca is wearing. The up-and-coming producer is giddy with excitement as she relives her morning "Really, that's great Becs. What all did you focus on?"

"Well I had Em go in and sing each of the songs we've chosen, all the way through. No background music, only her voice. She was a little self-conscious at first, but I really wanted to hear them raw. Just rough drafts really."

"Why?"

"I want to hear how she hears them in her head. When she was writing them, what was playing in her head."

Chloe is honestly impressed. "I love that idea. Is that what most music producers do?"

Beca shrugs, "Don't know, but it feels right to me. I'm going to run with it." She smirks at Chloe, but the redhead can see in her eyes that the brunette really wants to have a face-splitting smile on.

Chloe adopts one for her. "That's awesome Becs! Do you think this strategy worked?"

"Yeah, yeah I do." Beca can't hold back the smile and her face lights up with pride.

Before she can stop herself, Chloe has engulfed Beca in a hug. "I'm so proud of you Becs!"

Beca is stiff at first from the unexpected embrace, but Chloe feels the smaller woman relax into it, and Chloe feels the subtle charges of electricity tingle across her skin as Beca's arms encircle her. She expects one of Beca's snarky remarks, but instead she hears her tiny DJ whisper, "Thanks Chlo. It means everything."

For some reason these words bring cold comfort to the redhead. The image of the perfect ring being held up by Jesse flashes through her mind, and Chloe can hear the ticking of the clock. She pulls away, feeling distinctly the loss of contact, yet she knows deep down it's what must be done. She needs to start pulling away.

Beca continues to tell Chloe about the day, and she's so happy she doesn't notice at first how her best friend is withdrawing from her. Finally, when Beca does notice she says, "Chlo?"

Chloe barely gives Beca a look as she responds. "Hmm?"

Beca bites her lip. She doesn't really know what to say. She is usually the one being moody and distant and unwilling to let people in; not her best friend, not Chloe. "Uhh… Are you okay?"

"Hmmm… Yeah… I'm fine." Chloe's answer is distant, and

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm just tired."

"You are coming to Club ExChange tonight, right?"

Chloe sighs, "You know Beca, I don't think I'm up for it tonight."

Beca's mouth falls open. "What? Chloe? You always come to my shows. I don't think I can handle not having you there…"

Sighing, "Becs…" Chloe really doesn't have the energy to answer.

"Come on Chlo, you have to be there. Come on, hang out with Aubrey, Stacie, Emily and Jesse; and well me, you know, once my set is over. It's going to be a blast tonight. I swear." Beca says, casting a small smile at her roommate, really hoping Chloe says yes.

She's disappointed when the redhead gives a slight shake of her head in the negative. "You don't need me there…"

Beca scoffs, "What? Of course I need you there. I'll always need you there."

Chloe smiles back, but it's lacking in its usual cheerful luster. There's a moment where they both just stare at each other; Beca with disbelieving hope, and Chloe with heartbreaking assurity. The redhead's mind is too busy occupied with the buzzing of all the thoughts and emotions she's been plagued with throughout the day.

"Sorry," Chloe finally says. The redhead finds that she doesn't really want to go; has no energy to say yes. She has no interest in being the third wheel to Beca and Jesse, or to Aubrey and Stacie, or with Emily and Benji. Being single with all these couples will just highlight her lack of relationship. The idea of being surrounded by people actually makes her feel nauseous at the moment. And truth be told, after seeing the ring, Chloe really doesn't want to see Beca with Jesse tonight.

"Chloe…"

"Thanks, but I can't tonight. Sorry," Chloe replies. Disappointment radiates from Beca, and it twists like a knife in Chloe's heart. She can't stand to see the whirlwind of emotions playing across her best friend's features, so she apologizes as she stands and walks away; quickly disappearing into her room. She can't watch as Beca visibly deflates.

She hears Beca's frown in her response "Okay." This is the first time she wouldn't be there for one of Beca's performances that she knows about in advance, but she knows it's for the best. She can feel Beca's eyes still on her, but she doesn't turn back.

{-x-X-x-}

Beca sits there with mouth open as she watches her red-haired best friend flee to her room. Beca's shocked by Chloe's decision, and feels a deep sense of loss. The idea of performing without Chloe to support her is an anathema for the DJ. Chloe is always there, Chloe is her foundation and support. It crystallizes in Beca's mind how much she's come to count on Chloe being at her performance.

She's incredibly hurt, yet she knows that at least part of this is on her. She's been a terrible friend of late; she's been gone too often, and she knows a number of her decisions of late have repeatedly hurt her best friend. Work is getting more and more hectic, and Jesse has been pushing for more of her time. She just hasn't had time for Chlo, and she feels badly.

She knows she needs to make this right. She will make this right. She's determined to make this right.

Still she wonders if there isn't something more, that's made the situation worse.

{-x-X-x-}

A/N: So that's Chapter Nineteen, I hope you are still enjoying the premise. This chapter was obviously Chloe centric. The next chapter will see way more of Beca. So when do you think Jesse is going to propose? How should he propose?

As always, Reviews are AWESOME! And very much appreciated.