The Weight of Unraveling
Part 3
Chloe didn't mind storms. In all actuality, she liked them. Thunder and lightning were dangerous, sure, but she found the danger to be exciting. And now that the electricity had gone out, she was sort of invigorated.
But she knew Beca didn't feel the same way, and for some reason, that made her even more excited. She had a really deep connection with the girl, and knowing that she was frightened unlocked the incredibly protective side of her. She stepped forward in the darkness, let a sixth sense guide her to Beca's side, and then she slid her hand into hers.
"C'mon Sweetie," she purred, trying to sound as soothing as possible. "Come with me."
Beca didn't say anything, just followed the redhead's lead and walked carefully down the hallway at her side. She was well-aware that her fingers were linked with Chloe's and even though she was scared out of her wits by the storm and the lack of lights caused by the storm, she felt this strange sense of calm wash over her the second their hands touched. She could hear the rain pouring outside and above them (they were on the top floor), but for the moment, she felt disconnected from that.
Chloe got her phone out of her purse and used the flashlight ap to light up her door enough to unlock it. Her hand slid out of Beca's only long enough to open it and allow her entrance. And she was pulling the girl into the small space.
"Aubrey went home already. So it's just you and me," she said, her voice quiet but still audible over the storm. "Hold on. I'm going to light some candles." She Beca standing there and then stepped away, towards her desk, putting down her purse and keys. She rummaged for a minute in the top drawer and pulled out a few votive candles and a box of matches. Beca's eyes followed the glow of the match as she lit the wics, and then, comforted by the glow of four candles, (Chloe left one on each end of the desk, put one by the vanity sink in the corner, and put the last one on her nighstand) she felt a little safer. She put her backpack down and then went to stand by her friend. In the darkness, as her eyes adjusted, she started to make out the room.
This was actally the first time she'd ever been in Chloe's room, due to Aubrey's rules, and so fascinated, she took in as much as she could see. Chloe had a thick yoga mat laying parallel to her bed, almost like a rug. Her comforter was celestial print, with stars and the sun and the moon and the zodiacs all decorating it in a huge circle. She had white pillow cases with tiny stars dotting them. There was a fabric poster of a mythological mermaid above her bed, and in addition to the candles on her desk and nighstand, she had a tiny zen garden, and tons of books on Buddism, meditation, and astrology. Beca ran her fingers over their spines and then turned back to Chloe.
"I didn't know you were into..."
"Eastern philosophy?" Chloe came to stand by her friend. "Very much." And then, witnessing Beca's subdued shiver, she reached out a hand and stroked the younger girl's upper arm with her thumb. "You're cold."
"A little," Beca admitted. "But it's cool, really. I'll dry off eventually."
Chloe laughed. "Beca," she said. Then she turned and went to her closet. There was a Joni Mitchell poster on the front of it, and Beca looked at it curiously. Her mother listened to Joni Mitchell. She was a 70's female peace singer.
"I know Joni Mitchell," she said, and watched Chloe rummage around for clothes.
"Do you?"
"Yeah. My mom likes her."
"She's pretty lovely," Chloe replied, and then spun, clothes draped over her arms. "How wet are you?"
It was a simple question, but the interpretations of the question were myriad. Beca stuttered, "Um, I mean... I'm..."
The redhead lay the clothing on her bed and then she came up to her friend. "What's the matter? Do storms scare you that badly?" Honestly, seeing Beca like this was refreshing. She adored the girl normally, but witnessing her so frail and disarmed was intriguing. Beca had this air about her that made her come off as a total badass. She let things roll off her shoulders, and Chloe found her independence totally attractive. But the storm had her stuttering. Or at least something did. Chloe wanted nothing more than to soothe her, and so that's what she did, pulling her into her arms and rubbing her shoulders with her palms. "Get undressed. I'll warm you up, alright? And if the electricity comes back on, I'll make us some tea. How does that sound?"
"I..." Beca's heart was thudding against her chest. Even soaked with rain, Chloe's scent was intoxicating. She took a deep breath and felt incredibly light-headed. Then she lifted her chin, looked into her friend's eyes, and shadowed face. The candle flickerered behind them and cast a golden glow on her pale cheeks. "...should go to my room."
"Don't be silly," Chloe responded, bringing one hand between them, to push some of Beca's wet hair out of her face. "Just stay here tonight. That way I can make sure you're up in time to leave with me tomorrow."
Beca's mouth went dry. Was Chloe suggesting they have a sleep over? "I don't have any clothes.." She rationalized.
"I know that," she laughed. "You can wear mine. I'll help you pack tomorrow, alright?"
"I..."
"Get undressed."
Chloe let go of Beca and then turned and handed her a tee shirt, and a pair of yoga pants. In the soft light Beca read 'Sawyer High Cheerleading Squad'. Chloe had been a cheerleader. It figured. She turned around, so her back was to the other girl and peeled off her shirt, kicked off her shoes, and then rolled down her jeans. "Ugg," she said, "I'm soaked like, all the way through."
"So go commando," Chloe said, her voice serious. "I'm going to."
Beca held back a whimper at that thought. She unhooked her bra and then took off her panties. Then she pulled on the yoga pants and the tee. Almost immediately, she felt a towel draped around her shoulders. "For your hair," she was told.
She rubbed her hair dry and then she lay the towel with her clothes on the floor, and turned back around. Chloe was leaning against her bed, her curls much dryer, framing her face again. She had on light grey yoga pants and a white Barden Bellas tee. She smiled at Beca. "You look cute in my clothes."
The brunette licked her lips. She could see the gentle curve of Chloe's breasts under the thin fabric of the tee. She sucked in a breath. How was she supposed to sleep next to her all night? "You look cute like twenty-four-seven," she said, before she realized how it came out.
"Do I?" Chloe's eyebrows lifted. "C'mere Beca."
The distance between them closed and the redhead's hands went to the brunette's waist. She spun her in her arms so that Beca's back was to Chloe's chest.
"Chloe," Beca said, doing her very best to regulate her breathing. "What are you doing?"
"Holding you."