Chapter 8


They came without a warning, blanketing the once beautiful night with the scent of death. They came bringing in chaos and hysteria. In a flurry of panic and terror, people clamber to save themselves. Blood curling screams are heard everywhere but despite all that, her body remained frozen down the ground where she had fell, knocked on the shoulder by a rushing body.

It was then that Chloe realizes one thing in this moment of absolute disarray, it was then that you'll find a person's true self, who they really are deep down. When it comes to it, would they run or would they stay? Would they kill or spare? Would they betray or would they save?

A hand grabs her, making her gasp and she fears this is the end, her whole life flashing before her eyes.

She's going to die.


9 hours ago.

Chloe stares up at the ceiling as she has been for the past hour. She hadn't slept well all day, not when she keeps waking up to the dreams that have relentlessly visited her for the past four days.

Four days, it's been that long since that incident in the Du Pont manor. Four days of Du Pont free abuse. She could remember it so vividly like it just happened a minute ago and she couldn't stop. The look on Beca's face before she raised up all her spikes, aiming them at Chloe as she hid behind the walls too high for one to climb. Every word she spat, burning on her skin like venom and acid combined. But despite that, all she could remember was that one moment when the brunette looked at her, lost and vulnerable. Much like the Beca she knew before… Chloe ruined it all.

She shut her eyes tight, a crease forming on her forehead.

It was your fault, you know that.

When she opens her eyes, she turns her head to the side, eyes landing on the single black invitation card, designed with sparkling hanging lights against a beautiful dark brown paper set as its backdrop. The words 18th birthday celebration, food and music written in a classy font. The main highlight of it? The name Emilia Mitchell-Stein right at the center.

The young Du Pont was going to be celebrating her birthday in a couple of hours at the Du Pont garden and Chloe was among those who were invited. She got the invitation two days ago when the adorable Emily shyly handed it to her. The young brunette had followed her to the bathroom just so she could invite Chloe. Admittedly, she had grown fond of her. Emily was genuine, kind and helped her around the kitchen whenever she was playing slave to… a certain Du Pont. They've even shared music and movies. Emily was just the little sister she never had and in some way also reminded her of a time ten years ago where she had shared… rich history with another brunette Du Pont. Thus, her dilemma. She badly wants to go but of course, it wasn't that easy. Other than the fact that her presence in a Du Pont celebration would then again raise eyebrows, Chloe would also have to face her.

Beca, the name that keeps swirling inside her head these past four days. She groans as a turmoil of emotions spark within her. She hated—which is probably a stretch because deep down it isn't purely that—that Du Pont and it was true that her intentional lack of boundaries was a part of getting back at the young heir but she never meant for what happened to happen. Beca is rude, highly sarcastic, full of herself and insensitive at times and Chloe has been at the receiving end of all that. But…

But

There are times when Beca would, somehow… slip? It was just the tiniest of moments though but still a slip is a slip. Within those moments, a side she didn't know the brunette had still been capable of having emerges quietly.

There was one time when she was too tired from theatre practice that she basically fell asleep on Beca's comfortable sofa while polishing the furniture—as she'd been ordered to do. She had woke up with a start, panicking at the thought that she had unintentionally stayed all day at the Du Pont's, to find herself wrapped underneath a warm blanket, Beca's blanket. The heir was nowhere to be seen and she figures that the brunette had headed out to her secret spot again. Nevertheless, it was ridiculous how Chloe had to come up with an excuse for spending the day elsewhere.

She would've been in an argument with Tom regarding her disappearance and her lack of decency to tell him that she wouldn't be home until just after sunset if it weren't for the sudden call of his advisers, again.

And yes, they argued about it for the next few days because he seems to be bent on of having her watched over from now on, like a child. She had argued about his lack of trust and he had thrown the 'I'm the Vanderbilt heir. I have a reputation to keep and so do you. I can't have you acting reckless and irresponsible,'

She had sworn that it would never happen again if only to end the stressful argument because she clearly knew where it would lead. Their future, her role in his ascent and the responsibilities she'd have to carry. She can't deal with all that right now.

Between her and the Du Pont however, that particular incident was never mentioned. She doesn't want to think too much of it either, of what it could actually mean. Besides, Beca had her scrub the corners of the pool the next day—the smug brunette sat by the pool side sipping her cocktail—and the hate meter she has for the Du Pont heir was too high for her to dwell on things.

But still, whenever she thought the worst for her archenemy there were those times when she orders Chloe to cook for two only to give the other half to her. Beca would also leave her brownies, cookies and cupcakes—like puppy treats—whenever she would finish the job because as she says with mirth, 'Take those evil things away. This family can't have too much sugar. It never ends well, for me' all the while, glancing warily at her cousins dancing, singing and then screaming like a bunch of hyenas as they run one by one towards the makeshift water slide outside to propel themselves across the lawn and into the pool.

She couldn't also forget about the time she accidentally cut herself while making pasta—because she really should just keep her wandering eyes down to what she is doing and not that black bikini Beca is wearing by the Jacuzzi outside with one of her human happy hour buddies because she still has eyes and nope, it's not distracting at all. Anyways, the Du Pont was inside in a second, body now wrapped in a bathrobe, not even a frown marring her features as she stares at the cut on Chloe's finger but for a tiny second there Chloe thought there was. Of course, she gets reprimanded for it along with the words 'clumsy', 'careless' and 'idiot' in one sentence but then as she is forcibly ordered to sit down despite her insistence to continue, she only realize after helplessly watching Beca finish her work that the Du Pont heir had cooked, for both of them.

For her.

Also, she finds out that Beca is way better in cooking than she is.

Shaking her head to dismiss the thoughts, Chloe finally gets up with a heavy sigh to start her morning routine. When she comes out of the bathroom, all fresh and ready to start her day, her phone rings the familiar tune she hears whenever there is an incoming call. Clad in her towel, she takes huge strides back towards her bed to check the identity of the caller. To her surprise it's a Du Pont and it wasn't the one she had been thinking about nor was it the adorable one.

Stacie Conrad

Ah, the source of Aubrey's sleep deprivation. Her cousin has been studying like her life depended on it. And one should take note that Aubrey may have always prioritized her studies even before but this time her dedication was like no other to the point that it's becoming worrisome. Obviously, Stacie's sudden perfect attendance to all her classes is the cause. The leggy Du Pont had decided one miraculous day to take her studies seriously and that had sparked this ridiculous academic competition between her and Chloe's over-achieving cousin. As of last night, Aubrey has had been hell bent on perfecting all her exams, projects, reports, papers and assignments in order to defeat Stacie who has chosen to take a seat anywhere near the Vanderbilt for the sake of seeing Aubrey look like she'd vomit from too much irritation.

"Hey, baby sparkles," Stacie greets in her usual seducing tone because anything Stacie does screams sexy time even though she is saying 'baby sparkles' and Chloe is mildly surprised how natural this whole conversation feels. A month ago she wouldn't have even answered a Du Pont's call, much less receive one.

"Hey, Shawn Bradley," Chloe replies fondly with the nickname she knows Stacie hates. But it seems the long legged Du Pont was in no mood to play the 'Cringey and Insulting Nicknames' game with her today as she breezes past their familiar greeting to get to the point.

"You're coming to Emily's birthday party," Stacie drops and Chloe doesn't exactly know what to reply to that because truthfully, she hasn't decided on that yet.

Her silence just eggs Stacie to continue, "Something changed when you left four days ago which is why you're coming, whether or not you are the reason! She's…" she pauses like she was debating whether to say it or not. "I haven't seen her like this since… since her mother's death anniversary. She's been drinking more than usual," Stacie breathes out and Chloe can already tell the guilt coming from her for releasing this type of information.

"Look, you have to admit that whatever happened that night started with your blueberries and now everything's a mess. Besides, I have to admit, it's getting boring without you around for us to play with," she teases.

"Emily misses you as well, I know she gave you that invitation. And I also happen to know that you and Beca seemed to have unresolved issues from the past which she doesn't want to talk about no matter how hard I nudge," Stacie slowly says and Chloe can tell that she was wearing a smirk at that.

"So you and this broodier-than-usual little otter should talk and end whatever this blueberry fight you two are having to at least lighten this heavy place because, lord have mercy, we cannot take this dark aura surrounding us anymore. The house has just turned into a cemetery slash military camp and if you don't fix this, we'd all be sleeping in coffins soon and you know very well that vampires don't sleep in coffins—no matter how dead those dumb humans portray us to be," Stacie begs and Chloe has never heard her so desperate.

But then there are also things she needs to clear up like, "That's unfortunate but if you haven't heard, your cousin doesn't want to talk to me, she doesn't even want me or my blueberries near her. I'm sorry to break it to you but there's nothing I can do to fix that, especially if it wasn't even my fault," she breathes out, her chest heaving from the memories of being harshly treated for being concerned.

"Well, I'm sorry to break it to you too but we need help in the kitchen for the party later and technically, from what I heard four days ago, Beca hasn't exactly told you to stop being her slave and I may have taken advantage of her drunk state to invite you over and manipulated her to say yes so technically, you've been ordered by your master to come," Stacie finishes a little bit hurriedly and Chloe's brain struggles to keep up.

"B-But I don't—"

"No buts, you're bound by blood to serve, remember? And Emily is expecting you. See you later, ginger. Bye," Stacie says before she abruptly hangs up, leaving Chloe even more confused and conflicted than ever as she stares at her phone.

Shit

She hangs her head low and sighs heavily before glancing over her closet.

She needs another excuse, a really good one, in order to go and maybe a cute little outfit to match the occasion. Of course, a Vanderbilt always has class and aura to be envied. But most importantly, she'd need a lot of courage to even step inside Du Pont territory once more because to be honest, she's not sure if she's ready to face that one person.

The person whose heart you broke and crushed mercilessly years ago, Chloe


7 hours ago

Beca wasn't home.

Chloe doesn't hide her relief with that information as she moves around the kitchen with the Conrad sisters and Jesse. The twins were outside with some of their buddies from the Niculae bloodline, hanging up the last strings of light bulbs which will glow beautifully underneath the four long tables where they'd be dining in later. The outdoor decorations had already been setup in an elegant but laid back fashion since yesterday and now the only thing left is the people, food and music, which will be provided by Jesse's musician friends who have even travelled from Sweden just to perform tonight.

Back in the kitchen, the birthday celebrant watches as they cook and bake. Emily had wanted to help but none of her cousins were having it, stating that she must be out getting massages with her friends instead of hanging around them. Stella even re-assures her that they wouldn't let Jesse burn anything.

"Hey! My cooking skills are what made my exes fall in love with moi," he boasts, a hand on his chest with his chin up as he looks over at the girls.

"Oh please," Stacie groans. "We've had enough of your unfortunate quest for love," even Chloe chuckles at that while Jesse goes on to defend himself, even citing movie references about romance.

"You have to admit though. It's a total turn on! Being able to cook for your special someone is a definite bonus, and not just cook, cook. It has to be really delicious cooking," Jesse continues to say before suddenly putting Chloe in the spotlight.

"C'mon, don't you agree, sparkly slave? I mean you're the only one in this room who is in a relationship, so tell us, does Tommy boy work well in the kitchen or not? And putting aside family wars and all, we won't tell anybody. We're very good at keeping secrets. Besides, you already know some of ours,"

The room goes silent, obviously everyone seems to be curious as well. The question stuns Chloe for a second before she answers, eyes still focused down on her work while her hands continue to chop tomatoes. What she's about to say is really no secret.

"We," she starts sounding a little hesitant. "We haven't really had a lot of time together these days since he's been busy with, you know, preparations for his ascent, he'll be turning 21 soon," she swipes her knife across the chopping board to transfer the chopped tomatoes into the bowl. "He hasn't really had the time to do stuff like that. Besides, he prefers dining out to eating at home for our dates so, I can't really say," she simply shrugs. She hadn't really thought about it until now to be honest.

"Why am I not surprised?" Jesse hums. "He does seem like the type to order people around instead of doing it himself," he says before doing his own impression of Chloe's boyfriend, making her shake her head at the excessive strutting and gestures.

What did she even expect?

"Fancy is good but home dates can be really sweet too," Stacie who was the boiling pasta noodles reacts beside her. "Beca, on the other hand, doesn't really care shit about any of those formal business meetings her father is trying to force her in. She believes they all are just trying to kiss ass and all that crap so she doesn't go. Which is probably why she can cook for a few of her closest pals with benefits and damn, that little fucker can cook," Stacie says, nodding her head for emphasis.

"Oh yeah, Beca's cooking is like Christmas, New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July combined," Jesse adds looking far away like he is about to drool right then and there. "And we're talking about her pal, Natasha, right?" he says after he snaps from a short pause.

"Natasha?" Chloe finds herself blurting out before she can stop herself.

"Dark hair, dark eyes, perfect eyebrows, luscious lips, a very hot Canadian," Stacie supplies, pausing from her work to give an appreciative nod and a smile that already says a lot about the thoughts going inside the tall brunette's head.

"Don't forget, talented and one of the coolest human beings in the planet," Jesse points out and Chloe stops to look at him in surprise.

"Human?" she asks.

"Yeah, she knows about us too and she's cool with it," Stella answers this time as she moves right between her and Jesse to open the oven.

"See? Cool!" Jesse emphasizes before proceeding. "But that's not all, she's a musician with a really pretty voice to match that gorgeous face and also works as a bartender. And you guessed it right! They met at a bar in Germany and if you know Beca then you'd know that alcohol and music mixed together is like her biggest turn on. I think that's probably one of the main reasons why she is Beca's favourite pal," Jesse says, making an okay sign with his fingers.

Chloe's eyes fall back down to the counter she is working on to chop herbs, with much force this time. Something stirs wrongly inside her and she can't shake it off. She's suddenly irritated for some reason. That is until Emily breaks in to the ongoing conversation about this Natasha and all her 'cool' and 'hot' qualities.

"I can ask Beca to cook for us, guys! She won't say no to the birthday girl," the young Du Pont suggests happily, easily earning everyone's approval at the prospect of having to eat anything Beca made. "You have to try Beca's delicious cooking, Chloe. It's the best!" Emily says excitedly.

And maybe she was still stuck at the earlier topic and distracted with how she was murdering the basil leaves that she didn't realize it until she blurted it out. "I know. That balsamic chicken was really, really good,"

The room suddenly goes silent the moment after she says it and when Chloe looks up from her work to wonder why, she finds every pair of eyes looking at her with shock and curiosity.

"She cooked for you? When?" Stacie questions behind her and suddenly Chloe feels like she's in one of those FBI interrogation rooms. Turning around swiftly, she replies promptly. "Last week. I-I kinda got a little… distracted and cut my finger so Beca did the cooking instead. It wasn't really serious, just a really small cut, but she was adamant about it," she explains, confused as to the sudden massive interest over something so small. They've literally been talking about how great Beca's cooking skills were and now they are acting all weird about it. And for a second, Chloe fears that maybe Beca wouldn't want them knowing about that small fact because obviously, she's a Vanderbilt and a Du Pont cooking for one is a huge 'DON'T' in their books but then, thinking about it, the Du Pont heir didn't tell her to keep it a secret either.

"So, you and Beca, huh?" Jesse says with a teasing look and a smirk as he rests his elbows by the counter.

"Me and Beca what?" Chloe asks exasperatedly. She's just gotten even more confused. Nobody seemed to want to answer it as they all stare at her until the younger Conrad speaks up.

"Beca rarely cooks. She does on special occasions for the family, after a lot of begging from everyone, and," Stella pauses. "For special pals like… Natasha," she finally says and Chloe slowly processes her words until everything clicks.

"No! I mean, no, me and Beca we aren't—we didn't, you know, do that," Chloe frantically shakes her hands dismissively at them. "I have a boyfriend!" she emphasizes but it seems to earn more shocked looks from everyone as the silence extends in an uncomfortable period of time.

"You didn't? Because it seems we probably had the wrong idea of this master and slave deal between the two of you—" Stacie tries to clarify.

"Oh god! Never! No, it's not like that!" she cuts Stacie quickly, her cheeks suddenly going warm at the thought. She hadn't even once thought that Beca would do things to her like that because if she did, she wouldn't be offering the blood contract.

But then if it goes down it...

"No! No, no, no," Chloe suddenly bursts out, mortified as she tries to expel the racy images going on in her head. That was so inappropriate and she shouldn't even be entertaining thoughts like that. Fortunately, her outburst only made the Du Ponts think that she was telling the truth. It was clearly a natural reaction to a Du Pont and a Vanderbilt sharing a bed.

"So, she cooked for you even though you didn't have sex?" Stacie tries to clarify once more, this time in a slower tone and much more bluntly.

"Yes she cooked! And no, we didn't have sex! Ever," Chloe seriously says, even looking at the tall brunette right in the eye to drive her point.

However, things just got even weirder after her absolute denial and blatant objection to the idea. She's already clarified everything and yet she gets this feeling that the air has changed.

It started with Stacie's barely audible, "Oh shit," as if she just realized something followed by Jesse's raised eyebrows as he straightens up and breathes out a, "Wow, that's… wow," but before she could even figure out what it all meant, Stacie was putting her arm around her shoulder—which has never happened before—and slowly dragging her away from the kitchen counter while Jesse immediately takes her spot to surprisingly, finish her work.

"B-But I'm not done preparing those," she tries to say, her feet planting themselves to the floor causing them to stop.

Stacie then turns her head to look at her with… a light smile on her face. Now, it wouldn't have been strange if she weren't smiling at her genuinely like they've been close friends for years.

"Jesse will finish that," she assure her and Chloe glances to see the youngest Swanson give her a reassuring nod and a thumbs up. "You need to relax and have fun with Emily," Stacie says, the teasing tone she always uses on her is gone and Chloe doesn't know what kind of spell everyone is in but it has to stop because it's freaking her out.

"Are you sure? I'm still good to help around and—,"

"Here, I'll have that," Stella interrupts her as she gently takes the kitchen towel in Chloe's hands to replace it with a tall glass of iced tea which she had been making for her cousins minutes ago. And there goes another genuine smile thrown her way.

Chloe stares down at the cup then at Stacie who pats her head fondly. "Relax, have fun, Chloe. We'll take it from here. Just make sure this one looks fabulous and stops stressing over her party later," she says, motioning over at Emily who hops off from one of the stools she was sitting on to tug her by the arm.

At the same time the twins step in, finally finished with their work outside to grab some snacks.

"Oh hey, Cinderella's here! We missed you," Nick greets loudly in an annoying tone.

"It's been boring and gloomy without our sparkling ball of entertainment around. Are you going to do one of those theatrical glittery things today too?" Nate fills up naturally.

For a moment, things seem to be back to normal for a few seconds when Jesse suddenly yells at them from his spot. "Hey, that's enough!"

The twins look at him with annoyance and confusion but that was quick to disappear when Stacie drags them both by the collar of their shirts. "Leave her alone, you evil parrots," she says through gritted teeth as they protest along the way.

Chloe stares at them in disbelief and before she knows it, Emily is pulling her towards the stairs.

"Sorry about those two. Don't mind them," she dismisses with a huge grin plastered on her face.

"Did I say something wrong back there? 'Cause your cousins are kinda' being… weird," Chloe asks in an uncertain tone as Emily lightly chuckles.

"No, of course not," the young Du Pont says with a shake of her head. "Being weird, loud and crazy is just the natural Du Pont vibe. Oh, and Chloe?" Emily says as she pauses in front of her door to look at her.

"I know that both our families don't really have the best of relationships but, you're like a sister to me now and I don't really want you to feel uncomfortable here," she says softly yet the sincerity in her words is evident as she looks at Chloe with those chocolate doe eyes of hers.

"Beca says a lot of harsh things but I swear she really just doesn't mean any harm. She's just been through a lot and finds it hard to trust people. I know it's hard to believe but once you get past that, you'll see how gentle and thoughtful she could be. She's just… misunderstood," the young brunette explains carefully as she fidgets, knowing very well how sensitive this topic is.

Looking at the sweet Du Pont in front of her, she feels a wave of nostalgia hit her. She has seen it before, this scene in front of her, those eyes looking back at her, all of it was very familiar. It felt like her heart was being squeezed in palm of someone's hand.

Think about this carefully, Chloe

"Em," she starts, reaching out to hold the younger female's arm.

You might end up destroying this one too

"Beca and I may never get along completely but I'd be so happy to gain a sister in you," she says with a small smile which is mirrored by the Du Pont but it fades when she says, "Even if I don't think I deserve it," and although it was said quietly it doesn't pass Emily's ears thus, the small frown.

Or maybe

"You actually remind me of my childhood best friend. I loved her so much, sometimes too much," she says with a sad smile, swallowing down the forming lump in her throat. "But that wasn't enough. I lost her along the way. We drifted apart and I can't…" she shakes her head, eyes slowly blurring. "I can't blame anyone but myself for what happened,"

This time

"Why? What happened?" Emily slowly asks, concern etching her features.

You can finally right the wrong

"It doesn't matter. There's no way I can get her back now. No matter how much I lower myself and hold out my hand or attempt to get close to her, I still can't reach her. She deeply hates me for what I did," she sniffs. "But why wouldn't she? I was too scared, too weak to fight for her in a time when she needed me the most," she sputters, only realizing now that her cheeks were wet with tears. "This guilt, it's what I'll have to heavily carry for the rest of my life," she says softly.

Mend the broken

"It's not too late," the young Du Pont says, this time it is her that reaches out to Chloe, placing both hands on her arms. "I may be too young to say this but I do believe that time and love heals all wounds. As long as you're alive, it's not over yet. Don't give up! Also, hugs are the best medicine, you should try that with her," Emily smiles warmly as she opens both her arms and Chloe doesn't hesitate in stepping in them to receive one of the most genuine hugs she's ever received. "See? It makes you feel better," she says and Chloe wholeheartedly agrees.

It's a slow journey, yes

"Thank you, Emily," she mumbles. "Funny thing is, it's usually me who says things like that to comfort people," she jokes with small laugh.

But you'll get there eventually

"That's what sisters are for! And actually," the young Du Pont starts as they release each other from the tight hug to finally enter the room. "Beca taught me all of that," she says as she turns around to step inside, leaving Chloe stunned and frozen in place, her heart beating rapidly at her words.

And find that it's all worth it


3 hours ago

The party begins.

Chloe steps down the staircase in her soft, lovely peach dress that hugged her figure and ran down to her thighs, she tops a white coloured blazer over it to complete the look. Her auburn hair is styled up in a bun with perfect wavy strands falling on the side of her face. She walks out to the manor's backyard where the event was happening, guests are chatting all around near the pool happily while the live band had already started performing on the small stage up front the tables. There are people already dancing and grabbing drinks. Glancing up above, the twins had made a pretty good job with setting up the lights, the vibrant glow across the garden was setting a romantic vibe.

She was debating on whether to stay where she was or grab a drink and mingle around when pink champagne was presented in front of her. Instinctively, she takes it and is a bit surprised to find that it was Nick who offered it to her. When she looks at it hesitantly, wondering if there is some evil prank behind it, he leans down a bit to speak, "It's clean. No dirty tricks here, Chloe," his lips curve upwards but one look on his face she finds no trace of arrogance or sarcasm. She hasn't even recovered from the shock of it when Nate slides up to her right to offer her a small plate of cookies. It's the ones Stella had been baking earlier. She carefully takes a piece.

"Thanks," she says, a little confused at the sudden kind gestures.

"No problem, Chloe," he says with a grin.

"If you need anything just say it," Nick adds in a somewhat gentle tone and Chloe almost thinks it's all a dream. Before she could even say anything—probably to ask why the sudden kindness—Stacie's voice fills up the place as she stands up on stage next to the band in order to gather everyone's attention. She greets everyone smoothly before finally building up the introduction for the star of the night.

"Our sweetest baby girl, our beloved Emilia Mitchell-Stein," she says, hand outstretched over to the direction where Chloe had came in earlier. Emily walks in with Jesse escorting her, a huge smile on her face as the crowd cheers fondly. By now, Stacie steps down to stand next to Chloe and the twins. Stella joins shortly and is first to hug Emily, both girls swaying and laughing a bit as they did.

Emily looked lovely in her gold sleeveless lace dress that fell perfectly down her knees. It made her stand out easily and Chloe feels so happy for her. The young brunette deserves the world. When Emily reaches her, she gives her a tight hug and Chloe quickly compliments how amazing she looks. When they break apart so she could give the same treatment to the rest of her cousins, it dawns on Chloe that she's standing amongst the Du Ponts in front of all the people present. Somehow, it doesn't feel wrong at all.

Tonight, she finds that she doesn't really care what anybody would think. When Emily takes to stage and starts thanking her family, mentioning all of them including Chloe, instead of fearing the incoming rumours about her presence in the event, she even feels… touched to be mentioned. She even feels proud at the sight of the young brunette wearing her birthday present a beautiful rose necklace pendant with little diamonds embedded on it. She even laughs at all the inside jokes and cheers loudly with the rest of the Du Ponts when Emily performs a surprise song, Jesse accompanies her as he strums on his guitar. All the thoughts of reputation and social standing pushed away from her mind. She was having the most fun night ever and nothing can ruin that, not tonight.

Emily finishes her surprise performance perfectly with everyone cheering loudly and asking for more. She steps down nonetheless, an excited smile on her face before hurrying over to the back of the crowd. When Chloe's eyes follow on the direction she was heading, wondering what has gotten her full attention, she finds the young brunette crashing into the Du Pont heir herself. Beca's arms were wide open expectantly, welcoming the bear hug and taking one step back at the impact. Chloe could even hear the puff of air escaping Beca's lips when the hug happened.

The Du Pont heir was all donned in black, as usual, underneath that dark leather jacket is a black romper, see-through black blouse with small red imprints all over it. She has matched it with black shorts with the same colour and design. Simple but classy.

Emily seems to be commenting about Beca's lousy punctuality and lack of presence in the preparation process with a pout. But instead of explaining herself, the Du Pont heir only smiles softly and points up in the sky. In seconds, fireworks fill up the dark night, something Emily had told Chloe she had secretly wished for as it was, in her words, 'one of my favourite things in the whole wide world!' Fireworks on school grounds however require a long process with the administration before they could finally agree to it. Somehow, Beca made Emily's wish come true and even Chloe was moved by the effort she had to do in order for it to happen.

The young brunette was close to tears at the sight of the huge colourful explosive display but it wasn't until Beca hands her a small box that makes Emily gasp and sob out loud. Inside it, a car key to the latest Tesla model.

"So, what's your excuse for being here?" a familiar voice knocks Chloe out of her moment of bliss, the party is now hyped up with the band playing upbeat music and the champagne overflowing. She felt light and really good until she turns to face her cousin.

"Scott?" she almost chokes out as she stares wide-eyed at him, looking quite dashing in his dark gray fitted dress shirt, sleeves folded up a little below on his elbows and dark pants. His hair wasn't in its usual a messy mop instead, he has it styled cleanly, hair smoothly combed up and swept to the back.

"I..." she begins before deciding to opt for honesty. "Emily's my friend, my close friend," she answers before directing the question back at him.

"Well, what's your excuse?"

He simply shrugs before replying, "I've been invited, obviously," he says before focusing his gaze over towards Emily who was now chatting happily with her friends over at a table. It doesn't take long until hazel orbs catch the sight of forest green. Chloe observes the small smile and that little wave Emily makes towards her cousin.

Uh

"I have to go and greet the celebrant," Scott says distractedly, clearing his throat as he slowly makes his way towards Emily, his feet taking him closer and closer to where the Du Pont now stands, instantly leaving the conversation between her friends, eyes never leaving Scott's.

Oh

It's like being suddenly drenched in cold ice as she witnesses the small interaction which evolves into Scott seemingly inviting Emily for a dance, not minding all of the hushed whispers around them, the song being played now heading down into a slow melody. The realization dawns at her. It's not hard to decipher the meaning behind those shy smiles and lingering looks as they sway gently together. For the first time since the night has started, Chloe remembers the feud between the two families. All the most painful memories of the past pouring down on her.

She feels a tug from somewhere behind the couples dancing. Her eyes instantly spotting Beca across the other side, sipping a glass of alcohol as she watches Emily and Scott with such intensity, her jaw visibly clenching at the sight. Stella hurriedly comes to her side as if she had been summoned. The younger Conrad whispers something to Beca and Chloe focuses in on the conversation.

"Emily invited him," Stella says, visibly nervous.

"Why?" Beca asks coldly.

"We have classes with him together—"

"I know. Why?" Beca cuts in sharply before asking yet again, her words sounding deadly.

"They were paired for the class report," Stella coughs out, hands fidgeting uncomfortably at Beca deep intake of air which is perhaps why Stacie steps in.

"It's Em's birthday, Beca," she reminds in a warning tone, a hand firmly holding on to the Du Pont heir's arm. Beca takes in another a deep breath before exhaling slowly, eyes closing before opening them once more, an empty gaze fixed down the ground. With her silence, her cousins noticeably relax before backing away a bit.

When Beca looks up, her dark blues connect with Chloe's.

She always knew where she'd be. Always. But then, so does she.

It's a deep connection that will forever haunt them for the rest of their lives.

"Now we'll never be truly apart, Chloe. Forever connected to each other,"

"Always and until the end,"

Beca breaks away as she downs her glass and walks away, disappearing in the crowd.

Chloe is going to have to talk to Scott later. As much as she finds the growing special something between him and Emily beautiful, Chloe knew better now. She knows that there's only one way it's heading.

A tragic end—

A loud explosion resonates and for a minute, Chloe looks up to expect another round of fireworks but she finds nothing but smoke rising from a far. Another deafening boom rings out and this time Chloe feels the ground shake, yelps and shrieks of shock follow.

And then chaos.

Chloe witnesses the flurry of panic happening around her. Somebody from security shouts of a dangerous group taking over the West wing and raiding houses, killing anyone in their path.

Her first instinct was to find the others, to find Scott and Emily. She looks around to find her cousin putting an arm over the young Du Pont as he leads her away from the crowd. Chloe's feet move in an instant, however, a body collides hard against her side, a sharp pain throbbing on her shoulder. She falls down, her head hitting the corner of the table and knocking her out instantly. Everything goes black.

Then silence follows.

When she opens her eyes, vision clearing up as she regains consciousness, that's when she saw it, from underneath the spot where she fell, people in dark ghastly masks holding sharp long silver blades coming in, seemingly looking for something, or someone.

One of them stabs a guy right in the chest, in the middle of his heart and Chloe muffles her whimper with the palm of her hands, her whole body shaking uncontrollably as she quickly crawls underneath the table. The masked people continues sweeping the whole place, coldly killing every student they pass by.

Her mind goes into panic with the only thought she has is needing to find an escape route fast but they were closing in quickly and there's just no place she could run to. Her heart stops when the table she was hiding under is knocked down. The next thing she feels are cold hands harshly grabbing her.

Her whole life flashes before her eyes. Each and every regret she's ever had sadly becoming all it ever was going to be, a regret.

She was going to die.


Present time

She smacks the intruder right at the face as soon as she turns because all be damned but no way is she going down without a fight. However, the intruder was no light opponent either, she would've kicked, punched and slapped as hard as she could but this person was stronger. Vampire, of course. She feels a knuckle land hard on her stomach as she doubles over, coughing while the world around her starts to spin. Those violent hands grabbing her up once more and Chloe's blood runs cold.

The mask of death stares her in the face as a silver sword is poised to end her life, one strike right at the heart, one of the two ways to kill a vampire. Well, at least, it's not beheading. It's way worse to lose a head. But what's more painful is not being able to say goodbye, not being able to see the people whom she cares for one last time, how the thought of her parents getting the dreaded phone call and being unable to tell the things she wished she had told the people her life she had wronged.

To tell her once and for all that—

The blade plunges deep into the skin before pulling out with a sickening sound and time just stops.

The masked intruder slowly lets go of her as he falls down the ground, lifeless. Behind him, Beca stands, a bloody dagger in hand.

"Told ya', you never know," she says monotonously with a light shake of her head before looking behind her, the rest of the masked individuals rushing their way.

Without another word, the Du Pont grabs her wrist and pulls her along as they start running towards the wall. The second she feels the contact, relief washes over her, her mind still trying to keep up with what's happening. Beca collides unto the cement first, hand reaching at the familiar knob that opens the secret door. In seconds they both enter the darkness, Beca's hand automatically finding hers.

The nightmares can't follow them here. It's safe here.


A/N:

Crazy. It's about to go crazy. What's going on? Well, Bechloe running away while holding hands is what's going on. We're about to charter dangerous and unknown territories now so hold on tight. Chapter 9 is going to be just as crazy, emotionally crazy.

Kasia143: 3 months without pancakes? Man, that sucks. Well, time flies by pretty quickly though. Aww, thank you for all those compliments. It makes me determined to do better. Cool! Yeah I use the one with metal strings because I'm such a masochist-nah just kidding. It's okay, I'm getting used to it. But I'll definitely buy another guitar, one with nylon strings this time so I can play both. They both have their pros and cons so, I'll just have both then.

Yuzu-chi01: Beca's about to get even more badass in the next few chapters. She'll be like the mother of all badassness or whatever. I have to say, this will be the last time I am writing the horrifying murder of a blueberry cheesecake, at least for this fic. And nope, still not changing my mind about the putting your words on frame and hanging it up on the wall. And nope I don't care what they think haha ;)

Parziwolf: Oh yeah I'm with you on going all killing rampage if you throw the cheesecake I got for you-totes unforgivable. This cute hashtag though - #RedOtter. And yes, I am learning guitar (yup, steel strings) and I agree with everything you said. Changing chords while strumming is quite a challenge too. 8 YEARS, WOW! You must be pretty good at it now. Oh boy, I have such a long way to go. I will put extra care on the fingers, don't worry :)))

Yes I am into the ladies TOO and I do believe, someone playing guitar for you is everybody's thing. I mean, c'mon you must not have a heart and soul if it isn't! This thought is really motivating me to study guitar harder haha. Oh and I've only seen the first Twilight movie. I'm more into vampire books actually.

Comiiksde: Thanks! Oh this must mean that we have the same music taste! High five, music buddy!

Thank you to all who followed, favorited and commented on the story. You guys are the best. See you all next week!