Chapter 4 - First Fight
"We need to talk," said Stacie in such a stern voice that not even Aubrey was stubborn enough to protest. The two stared each other down as Chloe climbed off the bus and cleared her throat. The rest of the Bellas were already heading to their cars, whispering to one another about Beca and Captain Posen's fallout after their performance. ICCA was over for the Bellas, but Chloe had a feeling the aftermath was just beginning.
"I'll be in the car when you are ready," said Chloe and Aubrey gave a small nod as Stacie shook her head in disbelief. She didn't even wait for Chloe to be out of earshot before she started in on the argument that felt inevitable for the past month.
"What the hell are you doing? You can't just kick Beca out of the Bellas."
"She threw everyone off with that cheap move onstage and cost us a title!"
"Oh, come off it, Bree. Do you really think that's why we lost? Not because we did the same tired performance each round, unlike every other contender? It is because Beca tried to add something different? Not even you are that delusional right now."
"That something different tripped us up and…"
"Was it the best move ever? No. Do I wish we would have had a heads up? Sure, but she tried to tell you about the set she was working on. Instead of embracing it, you did what you always do. You shut her down like she meant nothing."
"Oh please, this isn't about Beca. You don't even care about the Bellas enough to worry about ICCA. This is about your ego, Hunter."
"My ego," exclaimed Stacie and Aubrey nodded.
"Yes, your ego, that I haven't been paying you attention for the past few weeks. For the record though, you are the one shutting things down. I kissed you that night and you pushed me away."
"I told you why!"
"We'd already slept together, Stacie. That excuse is weak."
"So instead of telling me I hurt your feelings, you just pushed me away? I thought we were fine! You were fine the next morning."
"What was I supposed to do? Pout because you wouldn't sleep with me? I was trying to be okay with it. I was, but the moment I got home, I just felt embarrassed. I practically threw myself at you and you turned me down. That doesn't matter though. You are way out of line right now. What I do as captain of this team is none of your damn business. If you can't handle me cutting Beca, then maybe you should go too," suggested Aubrey, but she regretted it the moment she saw the hurt flash in Stacie's eyes.
"You know what, maybe I will. The season is over anyways and I obviously have no reason to stick around. Have a good life, Posen," said Stacie as she grabbed her stuff and left. Aubrey looked down as tears threatened to spill from her eyes and Chloe marched over to her.
"Go after her," urged Chloe, but Aubrey shook her head. She took in a deep breath and set her jaw as she stood up straighter.
"It's for the best. I am graduating soon and she is just a freshman. I need to let her go before this gets even more complicated."
"Unbelievable," mumbled Chloe as she shook her head in disappointment and headed back over to the car. Aubrey watched Stacie speed out of the parking lot and wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly feeling cold and hollow.