DAY 07 - MEETING THE FAMILY
Prompt from user blacktulips11 (on Tumblr): I really like to have a scene where they meet the family of one another.
Author's note: Slightly AU as this does not follow any of the Pitch Perfect movies; just uses the characters.
Beca Mitchell was out Christmas shopping with her girlfriend, Chloe Beale. They had been dating for almost four months and were helping each other pick out gifts for the other's families since they were all going to be in Atlanta for Christmas.
Beca couldn't help but stare at her girlfriend. Girlfriend. She loved being able to call Chloe that. They were so opposite that no one thought they would make a good match. No one but them that is.
Beca was a fairly well-known radio DJ in Atlanta, as well as a club DJ spinning in some of the more popular clubs. She made good money and was finally able to move into a nicer apartment. Chloe was a first-grade teacher at a local elementary school.
Beca had Stacie, her realtor, to thank for introducing her to Chloe when they came to the club to hear Beca spin. Beca had invited Stacie, who brought Aubrey, who invited Chloe and some of their friends from college. One introduction, and some major flirting later, was all it took; by the time Chloe left they had exchanged numbers and planned their first date.
"I can't believe you talked me into this," Beca said as Chloe was looking at a sweater to get for Beca's mother.
"It only makes sense," Chloe Beale said. "Both our families are going to be in the area for Christmas. What better time for us to meet each other's families than now?"
"I feel like it's a disaster just waiting to happen," Beca said.
Chloe stopped what she was doing and looked at Beca. "You don't think your family is going to like me?"
"More like I'm afraid your family isn't going to like me," Beca said.
"My family is going to love you," Chloe said going through the sweaters again.
"Okay, so maybe I'm not worried about your family," Beca said. She turned Chloe to face her and took her hand. "You know how much I care about you, Chlo. I'm just worried about putting you into the lion's den that is my family. I'm mainly talking about my dad. You're my first serious girlfriend, and I don't want him scaring you off."
Chloe leaned in and kissed Beca. "I don't scare easily," she told Beca. "I like you a lot, and I'm not going anywhere."
"Fine," Beca said as Chloe turned back to look at sweaters. "Get the blue one. It's my mom's favorite color. She'll love it."
Chloe smiled and took the blue sweater from the rack. "These are buy-one-get-one half off. You should get one for my sister, Carrie. She loves sweaters, and her favorite color is red."
"What size?," Beca asked as she reached for a red sweater.
Chloe looked through the rack and pulled out a red sweater. "This one should fit," she said as she handed it to Beca.
~25 Days~ ~25 Days ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
It was two days before Christmas, and Beca was at the airport picking up her mother. They got her mother's luggage and headed for Beca's apartment.
"Here we are," Beca said as she opened her apartment door and let her mother enter.
"Wow," Sarah Mitchell said. "When you told me you were getting a bigger place six months ago, I didn't realize it was twice the size of your old place. And, you have a second floor. I'm impressed. I knew you were doing well, but I didn't know you were doing this well."
"I get paid very well when I DJ at a club," Beca said. "Add in what I make as a radio DJ and the residuals for some of the songs I wrote, and I am doing really well."
"I'm very proud of you," Sarah said. "I always had faith in your talent."
"Too bad dad doesn't," Beca said. "He still thinks my job is 'just a hobby.' I should be thanking you, though. If it weren't for you pushing back at him for trying to make me go to college after I graduated High School, I'd be five years behind where I am now."
"Like I said," Sarah said. "I always had faith in you and your talent."
Beca's apartment door opened and Chloe walked in carrying several bags of groceries. "Hey, babe." Chloe stopped short when she saw Sarah standing there. "Oh, sorry. I didn't know your mom was already here."
"Chloe," Beca said rushing over to Chloe, taking a few of the bags. "What are you doing here already? I thought you had school."
"It was just half a day," Chloe said.
Beca led Chloe to the kitchen and put the groceries on the counter. Sarah came in behind them, and Chloe turned to her.
"Hi, I'm Chloe Beale, Beca's girlfriend. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Mitchell."
Chloe moved to hug Sarah but stopped herself and held out her hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Chloe," Sarah said as she shook Chloe's hand.
"I'm sorry if I seem a bit surprised," Chloe said. "I didn't think you were coming in until later tonight."
"Sorry, that's my fault," Beca said kissing Chloe on the cheek. "I knew if I told you she was arriving early you would have wanted to go with me to pick her up. It's your last day before the holiday break, and I knew you'd want to be there for your kids."
"It's okay, Beca," Chloe said with a smile. "As I said, we had half a day, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss it." Chloe hugged Beca and turned to Sarah. "How was your flight, Mrs. Mitchell?"
"Please, call me Sarah," Sarah said. "The flight was fine. We did hit a bit of turbulence but nothing major."
"That's good," Chloe said raising her arms slightly and then dropping them down to her side.
"Mom," Beca stage-whispered to her mother. "Would you please hug my girlfriend before she starts bouncing off the walls."
Sarah laughed. "I'm sorry. I didn't know she was a hugger." Chloe got a big smile on her face as she and Sarah hugged. "Beca's a little less of a hugger, so I made an assumption you were as well."
"She's in big trouble when my family gets here," Chloe said. "We're all huggers."
Sarah laughed at the look on Beca's face. Chloe started unpacking the groceries, and Beca was helping. They moved together like they had done this before. Beca looked up to see her mother smiling at them.
"What?"
"Nothing," Sarah said. "Want to show me where I'm sleeping?"
"Go ahead," Chloe told Beca. "I got this."
Beca smiled and kissed Chloe before going to the living room and grabbing her mom's two suitcases. "Follow me."
Beca leads Sarah to the guest room and lays her bags on the bed.
"I thought you were only going to be here for like four days," Beca said pointing to the two large suitcases.
"I have my gifts in there, too," Sarah said as she opened one of the suitcases. "Help me unpack them so I can get them under the tree." Beca does as her mom asks.
"So, you and Chloe looked pretty domestic moving around together in the kitchen," Sarah said. "How long have you two been together? Three months? And she has a key to your apartment."
"We've been dating for almost four months," Beca said ignoring the mention of Chloe having a key. "She's the best friend of Stacie's girlfriend. Stacie is my realtor, and she's the one who helped me find this place. She's also the one who introduced us. You'll meet Stacie and her girlfriend, Aubrey, tomorrow at Chloe's brunch."
"Chloe seems nice," Sarah said. "I like her. You two look good together."
Beca let out a relieved breath. "Good," Beca said. "She's really special to me. I know we've only been dating for four months, but I already know I love her."
"Wow," Sarah said and sat on the bed. "I haven't heard you use that word about someone since you were sixteen."
"She's the real deal for me, mom," Beca said with a smile. "I am really nervous about meeting her parents. But, mostly I'm nervous about her and her family meeting dad and Sheila. I feel like this is the calm before the storm."
~25 Days~ ~25 Days ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
The next day, Beca and her mom were getting ready to go to Chloe's for a nice Christmas Eve brunch. Beca fretted over what to wear and her mother laughed at her.
"You never worry about what you're wearing," Sarah said. "You usually have an 'I don't give a fuck' attitude and just wear whatever you want."
"I know," Beca said. "But I'm meeting Chloe's parents for the first time. I want to make a good impression."
"Let me give you a piece of motherly advice," Sarah said. "Don't roll your eyes at me, I'm serious. Be yourself. Otherwise, you'll have to keep up a charade whenever you're around them. Chloe likes you for who you are, not who her parents want you to be."
"Wow," Beca said. "That's actually pretty good advice. You're right. I'm going to be me and hope they don't hate me."
Thirty minutes later, Sarah was waiting for Beca in the living room. Beca came downstairs, and Sarah smiled at her. Beca had opted to be a bit festive and was wearing her black jeans with a red short-sleeved button-down shirt with Christmas trees all over it.
"You look festive," Sarah said.
"Chloe bought me the shirt," Beca said. "She said I needed a little Christmas in my wardrobe."
Sarah laughed and said, "You really do love her."
The mother and daughter were both smiling when they left the apartment.
~25 Days~ ~25 Days ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
Beca and Sarah each carried a bottle of wine as they approached Chloe's apartment door. Beca stopped and ran her free hand down the side of her jeans.
"Here goes nothing," Beca mumbled as she raised her hand to knock on the door.
Beca was surprised to see someone other than Chloe answer the door. Chloe's apartment wasn't very big, and Beca could see an older couple sitting on the sofa.
"Hi, you must be Beca," the young woman said. "I'm Carrie, Chloe's sister."
"It's nice to meet you," Beca said. "I'm Beca, and this is my mom, Sarah."
"Nice to meet you, Carrie," Sarah said.
"You as well, Sarah," Carrie said. "Please come in."
Beca and Sarah entered the apartment, and Chloe came running over and grabbed Beca in a hug. She pulled out of the hug and took Beca's hand. She looked at Sarah and smiled.
"Hi, Sarah, I'm so glad you're here. I see you've met Carrie. I'd like to introduce you both to my parents."
Beca let Chloe lead her to the sofa and stood next to her. Her mother stood slightly off to the side.
"Mom, dad, this is my girlfriend, Beca Mitchell, and her mother, Sarah."
Mr. Beale stood and offered his hand to Beca. "It's nice to meet you, Beca."
"You, too, sir."
"Move, Carl," Chloe's mother said pushing the man aside. Mrs. Beale pulled Beca into a hug. "It's so nice to meet you, Beca. Chloe talks about you all the time. And, please call me Charlotte."
"Um, it's nice to meet you, Charlotte. This is my mom, Sarah."
"It is so nice to meet you," Charlotte said and stepped past Beca to hug Sarah.
Sarah laughed. "Chloe did say you were all huggers."
"That we are," Charlotte said and let Sarah go.
"May I take those?," Carrie asked indicating the bottles of wine.
"Oh, yes, of course," Sarah said as she and Beca handed Carrie the bottles.
Before anyone could say anything, there was another knock at the door. Chloe rushed over to answer it. The door opened and Chloe's two good friends, Aubrey and Stacie, were standing on the other side.
"Come on in, guys," Chloe said and stood aside. "Beca and her mom are already here."
"We can see that," Aubrey said as she gave Chloe a quick hug. "Hello, Beca."
Aubrey moved toward Beca as Stacie hugged Chloe. Stacie then moved to stand next to Aubrey.
"Hey, Aubrey, Stacie," Beca said. "This is my mom, Sarah."
"It's nice to meet you, Sarah," Stacie said. "I'm Stacie. She's Aubrey."
"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Sarah said.
"Hey, Chloe, can you help me?," Carrie called from the kitchen.
Chloe gave Beca a quick kiss on the cheek. "Have a seat. Brunch is almost ready."
Choe went to the kitchen, and everyone found a place to sit. Beca was a little nervous but found herself immersed in conversation with Chloe's parents and her friends. They were laughing and having a really good time.
Chloe looked out from the kitchen and smiled.
"You really have it bad for her, huh?," Carrie asked as she looked out into the living room.
"I love her," Chloe said. "I haven't told her yet. I mean, it's only been four months, but I know I love her."
"So, tell her," Carrie said.
"I wish it were that simple," Chloe said. "Beca's a little gun shy when it comes to relationships. I'm afraid if I say it first, she'll run. I don't want that."
"Well, everything's ready," Carries said.
"Great," Chloe said. "Hey, everyone? Brunch is ready. We're eating buffet style, so fix your plates and find a place to sit. I'll pour wine for everyone and bring it out in a minute."
Everyone got up and went to the food. Beca went to the kitchen to see if she could help Chloe with the wine.
Brunch with the Beales went really well. Beca and Sarah were getting ready to leave, and Chloe asked to see Beca privately.
"We know what really means," Stacie called out as Chloe led Beca back to her bedroom.
Everyone laughed, and Beca was glad they couldn't see the blush that came to her face. As soon as Beca was in Chloe's room, Chloe grabbed her and kissed her.
"I've wanted to do that since you walked in the door," Chloe said to a smiling Beca.
"Same. Can we do it again?"
After many more kisses, Beca finally pulled back and said they had to stop. Beca took Chloe's hand and led her out to the living room to find everyone smirking at them.
"What? Can't a girl get a goodbye kiss from her girlfriend?"
"You do know you've been gone like fifteen minutes, right?," Sarah asked.
"Okay, so maybe it was more than one kiss," Beca said with a laugh.
Chloe led Beca and Sarah to the door. She hugged Sarah and then hugged Beca, giving her a quick kiss.
"We'll be over around four tomorrow," Chloe said. "Is that a good time?"
"That's perfect," Beca said. "We'll have time to do our Christmas presents and get everything ready before you get there."
~25 Days~ ~25 Days ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
Christmas day dawned bright and sunny. Beca was up early so she could make her mom's traditional Christmas breakfast casserole. At precisely eight o'clock, Beca was taking the casserole out of the oven and Sarah came down from her bedroom.
"Oh, my God," Sarah said. "Do I smell Christmas breakfast casserole?"
"Yep," Beca said. "It's a Sarah Mitchell tradition, and I thought I'd surprise you."
"I wasn't expecting you to be up yet," Sarah said. "I was going to surprise you with it."
"Eh, like mother, like daughter I guess," Beca said with a laugh. "Let's eat so we can open presents."
Breakfast was done, and Beca sat back patting her stomach. "I am so full."
"You did very well with the casserole," Sarah said. "It tasted just like mine."
"I did follow your recipe to the letter, so I didn't screw it up," Beca said. "I'm going to clean this up so we can open presents."
Beca made quick work of cleaning up breakfast. She and her mom exchanged their gifts and had more coffee. Beca checked the time and got up. She collected the coffee cups and went toward the kitchen.
"I need to get started on dinner," Beca said. "I want to the get the turkey ready, and then I have to make the cranberry sauce and pies. Could you make the garlic and herb mashed potatoes I like?"
"I'd love to," Sarah said. "I won't need the kitchen until later for those. Can I help with anything else?"
"Sure," Beca said. "Let's get started."
It was after three and Beca and Sarah had made three different pies, a cake, homemade cranberry relish, yeast rolls, and a corn casserole.
"I'm going to go take a quick shower and change before everyone gets here," Beca said.
"I'm going to put the potatoes on to boil and then do the same," Sarah said.
~25 Days~ ~25 Days ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~
At precisely four o'clock there was a knock at the door. Beca ran to answer it, and Chloe grabbed her in a hug almost knocking them both to the floor.
"It's good to see you, too, babe," Beca said with a laugh.
"Merry Christmas, Becs," Chloe said and gave her a quick kiss before going over to greet Sarah. "Merry Christmas, Sarah."
The rest of the Beales came in greeting Beca and Sarah. Beca told Carl to put the bags of presents by the tree.
"Does anyone want a drink?," Beca asked. She got everyone's drink request and went to the kitchen.
There was another knock at the door, and Sarah answered to find Ben and Sheila. "Merry Christmas. Come on in." Sarah led Ben and Sheila into the apartment. Beca came out and greeted them.
"Hey, dad. Sheila."
"Merry Christmas, Beca," Ben said. "Where do you want me to put these?"
"Just sit them next to the tree," Beca said. Ben did as Beca instructed and Beca went to stand by Chloe.
Ben took Sheila's arm, and they joined the group around the sofa.
"Um, dad, Sheila," Beca said. "I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Chloe."
"It's nice to meet you, Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell," Chloe said. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, dear," Sheila said. "Please call me Sheila, and it's a pleasure to meet you, too."
"Ben," Ben said and shook Chloe's hand.
"This is Carl and Charlotte Beale, Chloe's parents," Beca said indicating the couple.
Carl stood and shook Ben's hand. "Nice to meet you."
Ben nodded, and Sheila greeted Carl and Charlotte. Beca pointed to the chair behind Ben and said, "And, that's Carrie. Chloe's sister."
After the introductions were done, everyone stood or sat around a bit awkwardly.
"Ben. Sheila. Can I get you something to drink?," Sarah asked. "We have wine, beer, water, juice…"
"Wine, please," Sheila said.
"Same," Ben said and Sarah went to the kitchen.
Beca leaned in to whisper to Chloe. "I'm going to go check on dinner. Will you be okay?" Chloe nodded and kissed Beca on the cheek. Beca went to the kitchen as Sarah was coming out with drinks.
"Don't just stand there, you two," Charlotte said. "Come have a seat. We can chat before dinner."
Sheila led Ben to the sofa, and they both sat. Sheila, Carrie, and Charlotte started chatting with Chloe. Ben and Carl sat there quietly observing the women. Sarah went back to the kitchen to help Beca.
Things were going fairly well, and Chloe excused herself to go to the kitchen.
"Do you guys need me to do anything?," Chloe asked.
"We are actually just about ready to eat," Beca said. "You can help me finish setting the table."
Beca and Chloe went to the dining room and finished laying out the place settings. Beca grabbed the platter and serving bowls and took them back to the kitchen.
Chloe and Sarah put the sides in the serving bowls while Beca carved the turkey and arranged it on the platter.
"Becs, you and your mom outdid yourselves," Chloe said. "Everything looks delicious."
"Thanks, babe," Beca said and kissed Chloe. "Would you mind telling everyone dinner is ready while we put everything out?"
Chloe went to let everyone know dinner was ready. She led them to the dining room, and Beca and her mom put the food on the table. Everyone talked about how good everything looked and sat down. Beca sat next to Chloe and squeezed her hand under the table.
"Alright everyone; let's dig in," Beca said.
Plates were passed, food was dished up, and everyone commended the chefs on the meal. Conversation flowed easily, and Beca was relaxed.
"Your place is very nice, Beca," Sheila said.
"Thank you," Beca said and smiled.
"So, how do manage to afford this place?," Ben asked. "The rent has to be high."
"I don't rent it," Beca said knowing this was just the start for her father. "I actually bought it."
"With what?," Ben asked with a laugh. "Somebody die and leave you an inheritance?"
"Beca bought it with money she earned," Sarah said.
"Did you finally find a real job?," Ben asked.
Beca tensed, and Chloe put a hand on her leg to keep her calm.
"I do have a real job," Beca said evenly.
"Oh, please," Ben said throwing down his fork. "DJing is a hobby, not a real job."
"Ben, stop it," Sheila said. "Look around you. From where I'm sitting, Beca's "hobby" pays quite well."
Sarah holds her tongue as she can see Beca getting angry. Carl and Charlotte look at each other not sure what to do. Carrie was biting her tongue, but she did not like the way Beca's father spoke to her.
"Pays well," Ben scoffs. "Did you get yourself into debt because you wanted to show off and pretend like you can afford this place?"
"Excuse me," Beca said and abruptly left the table.
Chloe jumped up and ran after her. Sarah and Sheila both glared at Ben.
"What?" Ben looked between the two women. "I'm not going to pretend like being a DJ is a real living. She needs to go to college and get a degree so she can get a real job. It's not too late."
Before either woman can respond, Beca and Chloe return to the table and sit down. Chloe has her hand on Beca's back as she hands Ben an envelope. He looks at it and then looks at Beca.
"What's this?"
"Open it."
Ben opens it and pulls out what looks like a check. He looks at, and his eyes widen.
"Why are you showing me this?"
"That's my paycheck from last Friday night where I DJed at Club Intrigue," Beca said. "I had them give me a check because I knew you would start in on how I can't make a living as a DJ. I want you to see how much I make. And, just to be clear, that's for just one night's work. So, dad, still think I don't have a real job?"
Ben swallowed and put the check back in the envelope. He handed it back to Beca.
"I make this much in one night as a DJ," Beca said holding up the envelope. "How much do you make in a year with your fancy degree and tenure? I work eight nights a month, and I make this much every single one of those nights. Plus, I work at a radio station. So, to answer your question, I have no debt. Everything I have I paid for in full."
Beca tossed the envelope on the table and sat back in her chair. Everyone remained quiet, and Ben cleared his throat. Beca looked up at him.
"I, um, I owe you an apology," Ben said looking at Beca. He then looked around the table. "I owe everyone here an apology. I'm sorry, Beca. I shouldn't have belittled your choice of career. Honestly, I'm jealous that you pursued your dreams and are doing what you love to do. I wasn't brave enough to do that."
"What did you want to do?" This was the first time her father ever expressed that he wanted to be anything but a college professor.
"You'll laugh," Ben said.
"Probably," Beca said with a grin. "But tell me anyway."
Everyone around the table smiled and waited for Ben to respond. Ben looked around the table with a wry grin.
"I, um. I wanted to play drums in a band."
Beca did let out a little laugh. "Oh, my God. I guess that's where I get my love of music from."
"So, why didn't you pursue your dream?," Chloe asked.
"My dad didn't think it was a real job," Ben said. "Ironic, isn't it?"
Sheila leaned over and hugged Ben. "I bet you look hot playing the drums."
"Ew, no," Beca said. "Don't put 'hot' and my dad in the same sentence."
"Not trying to start anything," Sarah said. "But, I think Sheila's right."
"No, just no," Beca said covering her ears.
"Carl plays the guitar," Charlotte said with a grin. "You two could form a band and call yourselves Two Hot Daddies."
Beca grimaced, and everyone laughed at her.
"Keep up that kind of talk and no dessert for any of you," Beca said.
Laughter ensued, and the conversation became more relaxed as they talked about band names and playing instruments.
Chloe leaned into Beca and whispered. "I love your family."
"Well, I love your family, too," Beca said and turned to face Chloe. "But, I love you most of all."
"I love you, too," Chloe said with a big smile. "I think this is the best Christmas ever."
"I agree," Beca said and kissed Chloe.