Chapter 21

"So it's Camila Cabello. Chlo, I think we should talk in private. I can't stand being in this cold war with you." Beca pulled her towards somewhere private.

"I'm sorry for being upset. I don't know if I can handle all of this right now. We moved into a new city, we're in a relationship, and our careers are just getting started. I love you so damn much, Beca Mitchell. You know that. Since the day you auditioned, I knew that I had to take care of you. I had to take care of everything that comes with you. But as much as I understand you, I have to take care of myself too. This time after so many years, I need to choose myself." Chloe stepped back from Beca and looked at her for a few seconds.

"Chloe, what do you mean? We've been together for only a few weeks. We're still new at this relationship thing. We have to work this out." Beca really is tough. She wasn't shedding a single tear after everything Chloe said.

"I thought about being in a relationship with you for so long. It's all I ever wanted. But we can't do this yet. I love you, Beca. Take care of yourself. Let's stay friends."

"Are you serious? Friends after all these years?" Beca was furious.

"You know what. You're right. I think we shouldn't even be friends for now. I'll move out and get some space."

Those are Chloe's last words before running away from the love of her life. She broke down and cried for so long. She packed her bags and went straight back to LA. She tried to figure out her living situation and decided to move out. She told the girls and they were all understanding. She told everyone except Beca.

A MONTH AFTER

Amy and Beca have been living together since Chloe left. Beca was devastated. She requested to work at her home studio and Dave was getting concerned. He granted her request because Beca never disappointed him when it comes to producing. Lauren and Julia started to go to Beca's home to record the songs as quickly as possible and get the album done with. They already recorded 10 songs so they only have 4 extras left to do.

"Beca, I appreciate everything you've done for me. I'm a hundred percent sure this will kickass. I think it's time you find Chloe. Take her back if that's what you really want. You can be extremely successful and still feel empty if you're not with her." Lauren was really concerned about Beca's well-being. She knew that personal life should be apart from work but she became really close with the two.

"We've known each other for a few weeks but damn, Beca. You really need to go for it. We'll have your back. Let's hold off recording until you're okay. Me and Lauren could still continue to write songs and have it pre-recorded so you'll just have it mastered and mixed. Use your time for yourself. Thank you so much for working with us. It's been such a pleasure. I'll always be here for the both of you anytime." Julia told the girls.

"You guys have no idea how much I needed to hear those words from you. The girls still talk to me but they've kept their distance because they know it's me and Chloe's mess to fix. I think they hate me for not fighting for us. I don't even know if I'm worthy of Chloe anymore. I've done it again. I've let her down again." Beca was crying her eyes out and the two are speechless. For a month, Beca didn't show any sign of sadness. She worked day in and out at the studio.

"Beca, I think you just have to show her how much she really means to you. You have to assure her how important it is to have her back, even if it's just for friends now. After finishing this album, I'll be extremely happy to stay friends with the both of you. Thank you so much for everything." Beca and Lauren smiled at Julia's words.

"Definitely." Said Lauren.

"Thank you so much guys. I think we should eat. I'll cook while you guys relax poolside. See you in a bit." Beca left the two girls alone.

"Hey Lo, I don't mean to barge in your business but why did Camila curse when she saw you at New York? You looked extremely surprised as well."

Upon hearing Julia, Lauren's face brightened up.

"Julia, you're a genius. I think I can find a way to fix this Beca and Chloe thing. And to answer your question, we haven't seen each other since hiatus and I really missed her so much."

"What's the plan? I'm down for it. For Beca." Julia smiled and suddenly took out her phone.

After a few minutes, Beca came out with food and placed it on the outdoor table. She turned on the music and placed the mats, dishes, and utensils on the table.

"What a spread. This is so lovely Beca." Lauren said.

"This is nothing. I miss cooking so much. I guess it's time to feed you guys after working non-stop."

"I can eat this everyday. You're so good at this." Julia couldn't stop eating.

They suddenly heard the radio DJ's spiel.

"We have a new song from Camila Cabello and a featured artist who shall not be named until after this song. This is "What A Time"

The girls were surprised because they never knew Camila was recording songs at the time.

Camila sang the first verse and chorus.

I feel a little nauseous and my hands are shaking
I guess that means you're close by
My throat is getting dry and my heart is racing
I haven't been by your side
In a minute, but I think about it sometimes
Even though I know it's not so distant
Oh, no, I still wanna reminisce it

Lauren was holding back her tears. She assumed the lyrics were about her because they always had something. The other members of Fifth Harmony knew but they never went public about anything.

They were waiting for the second verse and Beca was dumbfounded when she heard the next part of the song. It was Chloe.

I know we didn't end it like we're supposed to
And now we get a bit tense
I wonder if my mind just leaves out all the bad parts
I know we didn't make sense
I admit it that I think about it sometimes
Even though I know it's not so distant
Oh, no, I still wanna reminisce it

I think of that night in the park, it was getting dark
And we stayed up for hours
What a time, what a time, what a time
You clinged to my body like you wanted it forever
What a time, what a time, what a time
For you and I
What a time, what a time
For you and I

The radio DJ started another spiel "What a beautiful and heartbreaking song from Camila Cabello and the featured artist, Chloe Beale. This song was written by Julia Michaels, another hit on her list."

Lauren and Beca looked at Julia at the same time.

"I got some explaining to do. I wrote this song a few months back and sold it to this producer who turned out to be a part of Camila's team. I didn't know about Chloe though. Believe me when I say I'm surprised."

Lauren and Beca shed a few tears while listening to the song. They've learned they share the same experiences with their lovers…ex-lovers.

Lauren's phone rang. It was Camila.

"Hey, I wasn't sure if you'd pick up. It's been a long time since I've called you. I received your text earlier though." Lauren was smiling hearing Camila's voice on the other end.

"It's been almost a year since you've called but thank goodness you did. I actually reached out because of your PR, Chloe. Do you have any idea where she lives? My producer is devastated and needs to find her."

"Oh. Beca Mitchell right? Lauren, we haven't even talked about everything that happened but I'll share this to you 'cause you seem desperate. She's been living at my guest house for the month."

"Thank you so much, Camz. You don't know how much this means to me. And also, I want to catch up with you. If it's fine with you. Should we meet? It's been too long, I hope you're okay with it." Lauren was scared for asking this. Scared is an understatement.

There was a pause until Camila said "Sure. I've been thinking about it anyway. Thank you for texting me. I'll see you real soon. Bye, Lo."

Lauren was smiling so hard and her heart is beating fast. She was on a high.

"Sorry about that, guys. What did I miss?" Lauren smiled at the two.