Chapter 23
"Wake up short stuff! You better help me for today's opening. It's an order." Amy barged in to Beca's studio, who was busy mixing at her desk.
"No worries. I got you. Do you want me to drive you there or bring anything?" She smiled at her best friend.
"I need a DJ. I only have two options you or Chloe. You know how she makes good playlists for every occasion."
"Well, I'm thankful you chose me. Chloe does have great taste in music."
"I better go before you cry. Meet you there. Bye sappy DJ."
Beca wasn't offended at all. She can shrug off any comments from Amy because she's naturally funny.
She got her equipment ready and called in her glamor team to get her styled. If there's an audience, she knew she had to make it unforgettable for them. She never performed half-heartedly. She wants everybody on their feet and would talk about it the next day. Music was her language and that's what she wants to be known for, not about the rumors on TMZ.
When she arrived at the café, she was surprised to see the sign. "l'ancre" she read out loud.
"Yup. It reminds me of the Bellas and that kidnapping incident. We're each other's anchors so I thought it's a good name. Damn, you look really good."
"You learned a lot from touring around the world. What a step up, Amy. I gotta dress up for the occasion." She bumped her fists with the other.
"I'll set my equipment up inside, better make me the best coffee ever. Congratulations to you and Flo. I've always been proud of you but I'm extra proud of you today. This will go down as the best cafes ever."
"Definitely. I'm friend with one of the biggest musicians of today. I'm definitely going to have big name clients."
They headed inside and it was already packed. Beca instantly set up everything and got the flow going. The day flew by and Amy announced that there were singers who were going to perform and the customers were all excited.
Beca didn't have a clue about anything. When she shot her head up she was surprised to see Lauren and Julia heading to the place.
"Hey, Beca. Let's get it going. Shall we?" Lauren smiled.
"You didn't tell me you were going! But thanks for supporting my friends. Which song?"
"Back to me." She winks at Beca.
Beca hit play and all eyes were on Lauren.
I've been looking at you with a little something
That you've been ignoring
You've been looking at me with
I don't know what exactly, but it's boring
Play it cool, but I see through it
You should listen to the music
Boy, I know you want it so you better get up on it
Or you'll lose it, lose it, lose it
Halfway through the refrain, Camila walked in with the one and only, Chloe Beale.
Mind if I slow you down?
No reply, you'll come round
Lauren's eyes met with her ex-band mate and she just poured out her soul during the chorus. Beca almost fell off the booth because she was unaware that Chloe would show up with Camila.
Love to watch you try and turn your back to me
When I know that any minute you'll be back to me
Back, back, back to me
Back, back, back, back, back, back, back to me
Love to watch you try and turn your back to me
When I know that any minute you'll be back to me
Back, back, back to me
Back, back, back, back, back, back, back to me
The song ended and there were cheers from everybody present.
Aubrey went to Beca in a hurry.
"Remember last night when I told you to make sure you finish the song? This is why. You're singing it here tonight. Good luck, nerd."
Beca felt numb and it's like she doesn't know if that was the best idea to do it now at the opening. She thought she'd only sing it Chloe. But she is Beca Mitchell, and she'll do anything to put on a remarkable show.
"For our final song, please welcome my best friend, Beca Mitchell. Thank you to everyone who came. Make sure to tell your friends, family, and the Obamas. Once again, give it up for the Beca Mitchell."
Lauren passed the mic to Beca with a smile.
"Go get her. It's your turn."
"Thank you. Go get yours. It's about time." Beca replied.
She pressed play and started singing.
Give me a second light, I haven't smiled since yesterday
If I need to I can pay, but let me hold this 'til I feel okay
Since you burned me at the stake, all of my feelings went away
There's no feelings in my way
At least there's no feelings in my way
I was there when you were blind to everything that I could see
I'll pretend that it's just me, but maybe really it's just me
I forgot what it was like, to think I found you finally
What if you were the one for me
I hope you weren't the one for me
Her eyes were in the brink of crying but she fought it so she can finish this song she wrote for Chloe.
Chloe stood there looking at her like the day of her audition. She's in awe of Beca's talent. She knew Beca could sing and produce but the brunette never told her about songwriting. She laughs at herself because she doesn't know how she managed to stay away from Beca for a month. She was selfish. She didn't know how to handle Beca's stardom yet, because she first saw her as an alt girl who was uninterested to perform at all. Now that the same woman is singing her heart out to her, written only for her.
She evaluated her decisions and thought of a way to never let this girl go again. She shouldn't break her heart ever again.
Beca then sang the chorus.
And I know this
I can't read it right, between the fights
I still need you
And I know this
I fell for your eyes, I just realized
I still need you
I still need you
She continued as Chloe tries to drown in her voice and the song. It was the best song she ever heard.
I tried to say thank you, but I don't know if you heard me
I know it wasn't your plan, to just be the one to hurt me
My thoughts versus my feelings, my thoughts on you hit the ceiling
But my feelings aren't a real thing
If I feel things I don't really deserve
And I know this
I can't read it right, between the fights
I still need you
And I know this
I fell for your eyes, I just realized
I still need you
The song ended and the audience were tearing up. The Bellas had their mouths wide open. They've missed Beca being this sincere. They can't blame her though. All Beca's experiences through the years were hard and she survived it by working day in and out.
All they ever wanted was for her to be happily and content. Beca continues to strive for something greater which she gets all anxious about then shut everything off. She wasn't trying to do it to hurt anyone, she does it for herself, so that when things turn to shit, she'd only blame herself.
Beca looked at Chloe for a few seconds before running towards her but she was surprised when Chloe ran out the café.
"Chlo, wait up." She ran as fast as she could to grip the redhead's hand.
"Please don't run away. I can't physically, mentally, and emotionally handle it."
"I don't mean to. I just can't handle all my emotions right now. I'm laughing and crying at the same time." Chloe said as she wiped her tears.
"I can't do this without you. I mean not literally but you I had the chance to experience life with you and I wouldn't have it any other way." She spoke so fast that Chloe almost didn't understand what she's talking about.
"Easy, tiger. No more running away now. I won't let it happen. We just needed time apart to understand how to be better individually and for the both of us. I had to settle in to this lifestyle because my clients here are wild. But I dread waking up knowing I'm not going to see your face first thing in the morning and not able to eat dinner with you when we get home from work. I missed you so much. I'm sorry I let you go that easily." Chloe held Beca's hands as she said those words from her heart.
"No more running away. I'm sorry, Chlo. For being selfish and going back to that crazy alt girl during the hardest times. Instead of figuring it out with you, I dealt with it myself. I love you. Damn. I love you so much and I just want to be with you. Come back to me." Beca was crying as she held the redhead.
"After singing your heart out like that to a song you wrote for me? I'm never leaving. Despite you being the raincloud to my sunshine."
"I'm going to marry you. You know that right? I'm just making It clear here." Beca said.
The Bellas went out of the café and were cheering for them.
"Funny you said that, Beca, will you marry me?" Chloe got down on one knee.
"Dude, are you for real? Or am I getting punk'd? I'm not that famous so it would be easy to do it."
The girls were laughing at Beca. They all knew about it. After Coachella, Chloe told the girls she'd marry Beca as soon as they're both settled with everything. She couldn't let her go after EVERYTHING they've been through.
"I'm only taking yes as an answer, babe." Chloe threatened her.
"Let me think about it." Beca joked as Chloe frowned at her.
"That's it. I'm standing up." Beca kissed her and said "Yes. Chloe Beale, I would love to be your wife."
END.