Chapter 18


Chloe was seven years old when she was introduced to the concept of care. It happened on a Saturday morning when a small incessant cry rings out at the backyard of the massive Beale residence. Being a very curious child, Chloe finds a stray kitten left by its mother just underneath the bushes. Naturally, she picks it up and brings it inside the house to shows it to the house help who was kind enough to nurse it back to health. The young Vanderbilt had been so adamant not to leave the kitten until it 'got better', despite her mother wanting to 'put it back outside'.

Even since then Chloe had a soft spot for the abandoned and oppressed. Paired with her ability to be-friend people, whoever they are or no matter how cold their hearts may be. Everyone just seems to easily give in to that bright warm smile and exquisitely blue puppy eyes. She just had this ability to make people warm up to her easily.

Which is also probably the main reason why nobody can seem to reject the Vanderbilt princess. She had everyone's attention. Everyone's love.

It's no surprise she'd earn Rafaele Vanderbilt's full attention. The head of the Vanderbilt bloodline was so fond of Chloe that he had repeatedly mentioned how perfect it would be to have her seated next to the throne.

Chloe hadn't understood what that meant back then. All she knew was that she'd become a real life princess when she grew up. Excitedly, she waits for the day that she'd have her own crown and live in her own castle, just as her mother had promised she'd have someday. But for now, she should go and play with her cousins, especially Thomas or Tommy as Chloe keeps calling him.

He was her uncle Rafaele's only son who is currently staying in Maryland for the summer with his sister, Claire and their mother. When the season changes, her cousins would eventually return back to their home in Italy where half the Vanderbilts came from. The bloodline had actually originated from America until they inter-married with their distant Italian relatives, also a rich vampire clan, the Posens.

Being the social butterfly that she is, Chloe doesn't find it hard mingling with her cousins. She was too busy meeting new friends to play with that she doesn't see the satisfied looks coming from her parents and Tom's. Her first impression of him wasn't that bad nor was it that good. They had watched the fishes swimming in the pond. It's only unfortunate that they didn't share the same taste for sweets. He preferred caramel and she loved chocolate. That marked the day when she first met him. Afterwards, they'd part ways until Chloe turns seventeen.

In between that ten year gap, Chloe would soon learn that her life wasn't was as perfect as she had thought it to be. She'd soon realize that her life has already been planned out and that she has a huge role to play in their bloodline. That despite what they say, in the end she'd still end up without a choice.

This time, the concept of care for the teenaged Vanderbilt changes. She was meant to give her care and protection to only one person, the heir of their bloodline, their own candidate for the throne, Tom.

It doesn't even help that she had lost something or better yet, someone precious to her. Someone whom she deeply cared about. Because it turns out, everything is just temporary.

Now, the things is, the role of the bloodline heir in all of the five bloodlines is very much apparent and known to all. One of them was bound to be crowned in the future and that keeps them underneath the spotlight. But then what wasn't being focused on more was the role of their beloved other half. The second most powerful person in the council. Although some would argue that they are in fact more powerful than their crowned mates, it's not a secret that their opinions on important matters are taken seriously, their influence felt strongly and in the absence of the crowned royalty, they are to take their place.

Chloe would only shake her head whenever her friends would gush about marrying an elite heir and dreamily sigh about being the crowned royalty's mate. They'd talk about how lucky it is to be seated next to the throne and how big of an honour it would be to be chosen. They'd then squeal about a royal romance, of the most extravagant wedding it would be and to live with such luxury in a castle of their own.

But not Chloe, no, she'd rather tune out of the topic and dream of travelling the world, cozy mornings wrapped in warm arms, laughter ringing in every corner of a simple flat somewhere in the city or maybe the countryside, silly dancing to a good beat and lots of ice-cream dates. It's a life she had once planned with someone special.

It's a dangerous thought to dwell upon and Chloe always pulls out of it before it goes too far and open up wounds that still bleed underneath the cloth she's tried to cover it with.

The truth is, if only she could, Chloe would tell them what it's like taking the seat next to the throne. How it's far from what they think. Because in reality, it's not easy. Half the weight of the crown isn't even light with all the responsibilities that come along with it as well. None of her friends had been brought up having to be reminded of all those responsibilities almost every day.

What's worse is, it's much harder for a Vanderbilt than the rest of the elites. At least for the other four, they still had the freedom to choose. And for those whom they marry, they would then start preparing for the role they'd take. The role, Chloe had been taught ever since she was young.

To be perfect.

To hide her flaws.

To project the true definition of being an elite.

"What if I don't end up want to be with Tom? What if... I want to be with somebody else?"

That was the question that escaped out of her lips when she sat with her parents for dinner a week after school had started, eyes down her plate and food barely touched. Chloe has turned seventeen that year. Flashes of lightning sparked and the sound of thunder rumbled outside their home. Chloe hates gloomy weathers and thunder scares her but it took no effect on her as her parents looked at her. She didn't even have to wait for them to talk, the expression of anger and disbelief from the both of them was enough for her to know the answer. In the end she had stood up and walked away from her parent's strong reprimanding.

That was the first time she openly defied them.

And maybe it all has to do with the return of someone Chloe thought she might never see again.

The girl who brought the storm with her.

As she locks herself up in her room, her parents' words follow her.

"You haven't even seem him in a long time,"

"Why would you even think that? Tom is a good young man. He'd be a perfect husband and a great leader one day,"

"Both of you are perfect together. What more are you looking for?"

No match as perfect as her and Tom? It's funny how Chloe was ready to contest to that until she kicks the breaks suddenly when she realizes where she was going with it. Because there she was again, re-oppening wounds that are supposed to have healed. But it's too late. She's already crashed. For her mind had already wandered far enough for her to stop. It flew towards serene weeping willows, stormy blue eyes and long dark brown hair. Back to that time she wished to play on loop forever.

Perhaps it's better to finally admit it. That after all these years, Chloe is still waiting.

Waiting for the other half of her soul to return.

And return it did.

She remembered earlier that day how her heart refused to stop beating loudly in her chest even as Beca vanished off to a corner of Constantine Albert's hallways. The Du Pont heir had long gone but the effect she left on Chloe remains. For the first time in a long time, the hollow shell Chloe had become slowly starts to fill up once more, her world bathing in a swirl of beautiful colours and it overwhelms her.

It was then that Chloe starts to care again.

"Hey,"

A word so simple and casual yet it can hold so many meanings that it hangs heavily between them. So she waits anxiously and nervously but at the same time, hopeful. It had been a week since the school's annual race relay and the events that had ensued, specifically, Chloe's very strong and aggressive method of winning, has made this meeting ten thousand times awkward than what she had expected. It doesn't even help that they also shared deep history together. History which desperately needed closure.

Stormy blue look piercingly at her and Chloe's heart increases its rate that she might as well be running a marathon. But could anyone blame her? Beca looked good, extremely good and it was making Chloe tongue-tied. She then decides to let the silence stretch as blurting out a bunch of incoherent words would only embarrass her further.

The Du Pont is beautiful with sharp jawline, smooth clear skin, long eyelashes that rivals her own and lips as soft as Chloe remembers them to be, her lips still feeling the intimate contact even after a week and it was driving her crazy.

"Come here to gloat, Vanderbilt?"

Beca's voice sounds good, there's a husky undertone to it and Chloe wonders if that very voice can belt out a beautiful tune. Snapping out of her musings, she admits that it's not the greeting she was hoping for but she also acknowledges that she did deserve it.

"I—No, I wasn't. I actually wanted to talk to you—if it isn't a bad time,"

And of course she stutters and trips in her words. For someone who had been bred to have perfected in the art of conversation and public speaking, she's already failed, crashed and burned.

Beca's emotions are unreadable and Chloe soon becomes conscious at the intense focus of those lovely dark blue eyes. It's like standing before the jury who would all be scrutinizing her every move. But surely, Beca would let her—

"It's a bad time,"

Those words felt like a slap and there goes her first attempt. To say that she was disappointed was an understatement. Beca had so easily turned her back on her, leaving her comfortable spot in the library to walk out and blatantly show her how much free time she actually has by sleeping on one of the benches in their soccer field.

Chloe's second attempt comes after two days, two days after Beca starts making a living target out of her without even an explanation why. Although deep down, Chloe already knows why and it's definitely not just about that stupid race anymore. So, before things escalate, Chloe tries to talk to Beca for the second time.

It backfires on her face.

Despite all her sincerest efforts to get the Du Pont to listen and just talk to her, Beca remains unreasonably cold. The more Chloe tries, the harsher the Du Pont becomes towards her.

It's starting to hurt but Chloe knew she had to keep trying.

It was her fault anyway.

She had to get back what she had lost and there's no way she's letting it go again.

By what feels like her millionth and, unknowingly, final attempt, a year had gone by and everyone in school is already aware of the rivalry they say they have. It has become some sort of scandalous entertainment that has now spread outside the school's walls that the Kardashians would've been threatened by the growing popularity of their rivalry. Even Aubrey, who isn't a fan of scandals, says it's ridiculous that she out of all the Vanderbilts would be the first to be involved in something like that. And now everyone is making an even more big of a deal about it now that they are pulling out stories about the equally scandalous rivalry between their very own fathers. Darius Du Pont and Markus Beale, both team captains of their rival soccer teams. The displayed trophies and photos of both their fathers' rivalry in a display cabinet mocking Chloe even more.

But the worst part is, the more people talk, the more the rumours spread, the farther she drifts away from Beca and that's not what she plans on happening.

Honestly, she hadn't thought that this specific attempt would be final. She actually thought otherwise. That this would finally break the wall between them. She had been bent on making sure that this time, Beca will hear what she has to say whether the Du Pont likes it or not. Beca had to know the truth. Chloe wants nothing more than to have her back in her life.

She had been so sure that this was it, the closure they needed in order for them to start fresh. Her Midnight was still in there and Chloe desperately wanted to let Beca know that she still cares.

If only she had known how deep Beca had buried that part of herself then maybe Chloe wouldn't have kept pushing harder. Maybe it would spare her from the hurt and the pain.

"Beca, please listen to me! I don't want us to keep fighting. I don't want to fight you!" she says in a pleading tone as she hurriedly walks behind the Du Pont, trying to match Beca's pace as she starts jogging behind her.

They were heading towards the abandoned gym, the old one or the one that clearly says 'Closed, keep off'. There's dust and rusty equipment but Chloe couldn't care less. It doesn't matter if she was breaking the rules and jeopardizing her reputation. The only thing she sees now is the brunette walking in front of her, deaf to her pleas.

Out of frustration, she reaches out to Beca, her hand grabbing on to the Du Pont's wrist in order to make her stop. A mistake Chloe was late to realize until it happens.

In a flash, she's suddenly pushed against a corner, her back hitting concrete. She whimpers in pain at the impact. More so when a hand firmly grips her throat while the other on her shoulder, holding her in place. The hostile grip on her shirt causes a tear on the neck line of the fabric. The cloth rips, exposing her neck down to her right shoulder. The hand constricting her throat forcibly moves her head to the side as she finally realizes what is happening. She hears a low growl and feels two sharp fangs grazing the tender skin on her neck, ready to sink into soft flesh.

But as fast as her shock came, it fades just as quick. Instead of fighting back, the hand holding on to the Du Pont's arm moves down to her elbows, gently pulling Beca close to her. Her other hand does exactly the same, sliding around Beca's waist instead of pushing away. Fingers grasping on to the cotton fabric underneath the leather jacket.

"Do it," she says in between ragged breaths, her voice shaking as the tears slowly fall down her cheeks one by one.

"If it's what appeases your anger, do it. If this is the only way then go ahead," she shuts her eyes closed, prepared for anything.

Shakily she sorrowfully adds, "I never meant to hurt you. I never wanted what had happened. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Becs,"

"Shut it!" Beca growls and Chloe flinches at the violent tone. Yet it still doesn't make her fear the Du Pont. Never. No matter how many years have passed. No matter what kind of person Beca has become. No matter what she says, to Chloe, she's still the Beca she met.

Her Beca would never hurt her completely.

Chloe would rather be an idiot than think otherwise.

Warm breath hits her neck heavily as she feels Beca's chest heaving from the rush of emotions. It only makes Chloe pull her closer, Beca's body pressed against her that she could feel the Du Pont's heartbeat.

Beca's fangs start to dig into flesh but don't cut through it as she stops, leaning her forehead against the side of Chloe's head, her lips brushing against the shell of her ear as she speaks. And Chloe knows it's a bad time to feel her stomach stir and her body to heat up at the intimacy.

"No," she breathes out, creating goose bumps all over the back of Chloe's neck. "I won't accept it," she slowly lets out, emphasizing every word as Chloe feels her heart sinking.

"I want you to suffer so you'll know what it feels like to stand outside a door wondering if it'll ever open," she says through gritted teeth. "I want you to keep knocking, crying and screaming until you'll realize that it'll remain closed forever. That it'll never be the same again and that I'll hate you, always and until the end," Beca pulls away just as harshly, taking a few steps back as she glares at her with those very eyes Chloe loves.

"Don't ever come near me again or else, god help me, I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself next time," she says before turning away. Leaving Chloe slowly sliding down to the ground, her legs weakly giving way as she breaks into a sob, crying into the palm of her hands.

Words hurt, that she can attest. Sometimes it hurts harder than physical pain. Most especially if they come from someone you care about so deeply.

It rips your heart and soul to shreds, leaving you broken.

She doesn't feel anything. Her heart numb to everything as she looks at herself in the mirror, the classy red dress she wore looked perfect, her matching expensive high heels are perfect, her make-up for the evening looked perfect and her hair, pinned to one side, styled in wavy curls that flowed down to her shoulders looked perfect.

She continues to blankly stare until her eyes land down to the bruise on her neck. The one she got just yesterday. The one Beca gave her. It was fading now but it was still noticeable on closer inspection. So she takes her make-up and slowly covers it up. She stills halfway through as a realization sinks in. That this was the story of her life, covering up the bad in order to show only the good. She would've cried if only she still had tears to conjure up from inside her. But she already emptied all of it yesterday.

She finally finishes and it looks like it was never even there. It only makes her feel like it's the end. This was the conclusion of all those eight years of wondering and wishing, of hoping and dreaming.

It was the end of them.

The death of a friendship.

And it's as painful as any kind of unfortunate ending, maybe in her case, even more.

She takes her diamond necklace and puts it on around her neck. Her feet move as she turns to the door, pausing for a moment as her fingers close in on the knob. She inhales deeply and closes her eyes before opening them again. She twists the handle and once she pulls the door open, a smile replaces the sadness. That's what she does best after all.

Covering up the flaws.

When she steps down the staircase, Tom's waiting with her parents. He smiles at her before handing over the bouquet of red roses and she politely thanks him. After months of asking, tonight was the night she finally agreed to his invitation. The night when her time's finally up. Time which she had demanded from her parents.

Coincidence?

Maybe not.

Maybe there's a reason why she's fought so hard to put her meeting with Tom on hold. And maybe a pair of stormy blue eyes are the reason.

It takes two more years until she finally says yes. And maybe that's not coincidence either. Maybe a part of her, no matter how she denies it, is still waiting. But she keeps denying because eventually a heart can learn to love.

She can learn. She only has to believe in it. Maybe if she thinks it over and over again, says it more often and makes herself believe in it then it may become real.

That she was content.

That she was happy.

That she was in love with Tom.

Her second year of college was the year she vows that she'd be better than ever before. She focuses on her classes more, actively working on organizations and projects. The constant cycle of study, exercise and spending lots of time with Tom becomes a regular thing. Because she's supposed to be perfect. The perfect student, the perfect daughter, the perfect friend and now the perfect girlfriend.

But then just as she thinks that she's finally managed to achieve that, the storm that is Beca Mitchell comes back to hit her world once more. And maybe some things are meant to end so they can start something even more beautiful than before.

Maybe death wasn't the end.

It was the beginning.

Everyone has a bad habit they just can't kick away. Sometimes it lessens but most times it never really goes away. Beca is Chloe's bad habit. Because she'd soon find out that no matter how many 'I love you's she throws back at Tom. No matter how many times she tries to believe in each and every one of it. She could never say the one thing that holds just as much meaning as 'I love you', maybe even more.

"I'll take care of you,"

The words that solidifies the fact that she was Tom's. That she was going to be his queen and those words are what she is going to swear when they finally become one. She psyches herself that maybe she just needed more time. To be ready. To prepare herself for the life she is destined to live.

Until she finally does.

She lets them slip out of her lips in a way that she has never said anything before. The utter truth coming straight from her heart. She says them like a prayer, softly and passionately.

"If you'll let me, I'll be that person," she says as she tenderly caresses the face of the sleeping person she deeply feels connected to with shaking fingers.

"If you'll just let me…," she trails off as it all sinks in. She finally understands the constant turmoil in her head now that she can put it all into words. The center of her world shifting focus, back into its one true home.

"I'll take care of you, Becs" she says to the one person in the world she swears to protect until she takes her last breath.

She presses a soft kiss on the Du Pont's forehead, sealing the promise and for the first time in such a long time, Chloe finally feels alive and emancipated.

And it is then that finally the sun fell completely and madly in love with the moon.


A/N:

Say hello to Midnight Sunshine's shortest chapter.

I guess you can say that the countdown begins until everything goes boom.

Thanks for following, adding MS to your favorites and commenting or reviewing. Always remember a double fanfic update in a week keeps cute adorable readers healthy. Gotta take care of the sweethearts.