The morning after

"Have you heard?"

"OMG yes! Is it true?"

"Yeah, caught with pants round his ankles!"

"Really? Ugh. I want to vom. That is just so wrong!"

"Ugh. Don't want to talk about that. Did you hear the nominees for Prom Queen?"

"Oh my god, yes! Beca Mitchell is one of them. Aubrey is going to be furious!"

"She is going to be so mad!"


"Benji!"

"Oi homo!"

Benji did not need to turn around. He knew he was in trouble. He gauged the distance to double doors and made a run for it. He did made it outside.

But that did not mean he was safe.


Beca glanced at the time on her phone and frowned. It was not like Benji to be late. She looked up, hoping to see her friend hurrying towards her but no, no sight of Benji. Beca mentally ran through what she had planned for the rest of the day - ugh, just more homework. It would be a relief to hang out with Benji for a while. She was really looking forward to that.

Her phone beeped with a photo of Chloe's smiley face.

"Chloeeee...no, I don't want to go to MAC and get a makeover..." Beca groaned as soon as she picked up the call.

"Beca."

Chloe's voice was far too serious. Beca pricked up.

"What is it?"

"It's Benji. Come quick."

"What's wrong with Benji?"

"We are in the carpark. Come now."

It took her exactly eight minutes to run to the carpark. There were only a few cars left. She saw Chloe's car at the far side and ran over. The sight that greeted her left her speechless. Benji was in the backseat, resting on Stacie's lap. He was almost unrecognisable with his face nearly beaten to a pulp.

Beca wanted to scream but she held it back. She hunkered down and looked at him . He was crying silently while Stacie was doing her best to dab on the cuts on his face with a wet hanky.

"Dude, I was waiting for you. I didn't know Chloe and Stacie stopped you for a makeover." Beca tried to keep her tone light. Inside she was swearing profusely. It did worked. Benji tried to smile through his tears although it came out like a grosteque grimace.

"Sorry, Becs." he mumbled through his cut lip.

"Eh. Chill, man," she answered. "I'm going to talk to Chloe while Stacie plays nurse."

Beca straightened up and went round the back with Chloe on tow.

"What the fuck happened?" she hissed at Chloe.

"A few jocks from the football team roughed him up outside. We came a bit too late. He was trying to stagger away after being beaten up," Chloe was gritting her teeth, trying not to cry.

"Why was he being beaten up?"

"Have you not heard? All those stupid rumours going round?"

Beca shook her head. She got better things to do than listen to some dumb gossip. Chloe chewed her bottom lip before leaning a little and whispering into Beca's ear. Her expression changed as she listened.

"Of all the fucked up, stupid things..." Beca started. She stopped and stared at Chloe. She knew exactly what Beca was going to ask next. Chloe merely nodded.


Jesse pinched the area in between his eyes. He had such a restless night, what with all those horny dreams he had and he did not have enough sleep. The headache was sitting squarely just there and he was trying to will it away. He was tired and grumpy and he could not explained it but there was this almost palpable tension in school. There were hushed whispers and students huddled in groups.

Something was happening.

It was time for soccer practice and he was just dumping his books into his locker before changing to his kit. What a day to have practice! He'd rather go home and get some sleep.

Yeah right, Swanson. And have more wet dreams? Jesse flushed at that thought. He had been avoiding Beca all day, unsure how he would act in front of her. It would be awkward. He dreamt her as a mermaid, for goodness sake! And all that fantasies that popped up after that? Thank goodness she was not a mindreader. If only she knew all the torrid fantasies he's been having...

"Hey dude! We are going to shoot some hoops. Wanna come?" Cody was standing next to his locker, playing with a basketball his hands.

"Umm... Soccer practice?" Jesse replied, quirking an eyebrow.

"Duuudddeee, where have you been all day?" Cody was looking at him strangely, eyes wide with surprise. "Surely you've heard the rumours?"

No, I have not - Jesse thought irritably - I've been too busy trying to get Beca Mitchell's breasts out of my mind. The whole entire day.

"What rumours?" Jesse was irritated now.

"Coach Wilkins, man... Have you not heard?"

"What's wrong with Coach?"

"Duuudeeee, the whole school's talking about it. Apparently, he's..."

"Jesse Swanson!"

The two boys automatically straightened up.

"Yes, Mrs. Figgs?"

"Report to Principal Owen's office immediately."


Jesse sat uncomfortably, facing Principal Owen. Mrs. Figgs was sitting nearby, scribbling on her notepad. Principal Owen was now peering at him through his bi-focals as he scratched a few notes on the pad in front of him. He knew he was not in any trouble but he could not help feeling a little scared sitting there. Oh god, please don't call my mom.

"Mr. Swanson, I am sure you have been hearing things; rumours going round the school."

"No, sir. Can I know what this is about?"

Principal Owen looked thoughtful. "We have received a complaint from concerned parents about Coach Wilkins and as per protocol, I am duty-bound to investigate, no matter how ludicrous it is."

Jesse was silent.

"I am going to ask you a few questions I am asking other students in your situation. Your response is being noted, Mr. Swanson."

Jesse nodded, still unsure what was this all about.

"Can you tell me whether Coach Wilkins had ever behave inappropriately towards you?"

That question hit him like a sledgehammer.

"What? No, sir!"

"Had Coach Wilkins ever made you feel uncomfortable, perhaps by the way he looked at you or behave? Any incidents where he had been tactile with you, which made you feel uncomfortable?"

"No," Jesse stuttered, too bewildered to say anything else.

"Perhaps he had requested time alone with you, Mr. Swanson? And he had made any sort of suggestive remarks? Any unwelcomed advances?"

"No..." Jesse felt a little sick. His head was pounding now. "Coach had always been...appropriate. May I know what this complaint is about?"

"I can't tell you, Jesse," the older man said, sounding a little softer. "We are investigating at the moment. This is a harrowing time for all of us. Meanwhile, pending the outcome, Coach Wilkins had been suspended."

"But sir, we have our final game next week!"

"Assistant coach Benson will step in. Thank you for your help, Jesse. You can go now."


What the hell is happening? Jesse walked down the hallway, a little dazed after the meeting. That was quite odd. He saw a few of the soccer boys hanging around and made a beeline for them. They took one look at his face and knew.

"You ok, dude? Owen laid it in on you?"

"Yeah. What the fuck's happening?"

"Dude, there's all these rumours about Coach caught with his pants down with some boy from Drama club...whoa! You ok, bro?"

Jesse was choking now. Of course he heard that rumour.

"Isn't that all stupid gossip?" Jesse's voice was a little high as he tried to clear his throat.

"Eh. Might have been. Someone must have been gassing about it within their parent's earshot. Parents went all crazy. Filed a complaint. And old Owen had to do something."

"Fuck, man. Wrong timing. Final game next week. We'll lose the championship at this rate."

"Yeah. Fuck."

"Don't worry, boys. The football team took care of that little sissy," someone else chimed in, a little smugly.

Jesse felt his throat constricting. "What do you mean?"

"That homo caught with Coach, they fixed him."

Jesse's chest felt tight now. That rumour he heard was about Benji, right? Does it mean...

"Swanson!"

Oh no, not now. The last thing he need. Jesse took a deep breath and turned round. "He..hey Becs."

That Beca standing right there? In her tight jeans and top and fitted leather jacket, even in this heat? That was definitely not the naughty mermaid Beca in his dreams. She was more like his demon lover now - fury was coming off her in waves and she looked all hot and wild and passionate and sexy... Wait, did he just called her his lover? Stop it, Jesse. Stop it right now!

She stalked over to the group.

"Looking good, Be..."

The catcall straggled to a halt at her icy stare. She was so icy she could have sunk the Titanic. She stopped in front of Jesse who was trying very hard not to stare at her rack.

"You want me, Becs?" Jesse said, a little high-pitched. He could not help thinking if it had been another situation, if he had whispered those words lowly into her ear, it would mean something entirely different. His trousers felt a little tight all of a sudden.

Beca was looking at him a little strangely. "Not you. Your girlfriend. Where is she?"

"Aubrey? You want Aubrey?...umm..not sure. Cheerleading practice, maybe?"

Beca snorted and shook her head in disbelief. "Should've known."

She stalked away without another glance. The boys looked at another. One of them mouthed "Catfight!" and almost as one, they rushed after Beca. Keeping a respectful distance, of course; those heels looked sharp.

All except Jesse who had immediately ran ahead to catch up with her.

"Beca, what are you doing?"

"None of your business, Swanson."

She did not stopped. They were now outside heading towards the field. Damn! Despite her short legs, she was making Jesse hurry along next to her. He actually had a hard time keeping up and trying to make her talk at the same time.

"Beca, tell me what's wrong."

"Haven't you heard the rumours?"

"What? Which ones?"

"Benji. And Coach Wilkins."

"That's just stupid gossip. You know that's not true, Becs."

Beca whirled around, her anger spitting out of her. "Of course, it's not true! But does it matter to those meatheads you called your friends? No! They messed him up pretty badly just now. He's on his way home and NOT coming back to school. Ever. Not after all these stupid rumours flying around."

"Benji is...hurt? What happened to him? And what does Aubrey have to do with all this?"

Beca scoffed dirtily; like she could not believe what he was just rambling about.

"Have you ever wondered where all these rumours are coming from?...Aubrey!"

They were on the field now, facing the cheerleading team. They stopped what they were doing, looking at hte contigent that appeared befor ethem. Aubrey turned round, taking in the sight of Beca with Jesse next to her. And the group of hanger-ons behind them.

"Oh hey, baby..did you come to see me practice?" Aubrey sweetly called out to Jesse, totally ignoring Beca.

"Aubrey, I think Beca was trying to talk to you," Jesse replied, a little embarrassed at her rudeness.

Aubrey's smile slipped a little and her eyes flicked over to Beca. Her jaw moved wordlessly a few times before she spat out. "What do you want? I don't have time for freaks like you."

Beca regarded the nervous blonde silently before saying, "Put your pom poms down, cheerleader. You and I need to talk."

"I don't have anything to say to you," Aubrey huffed.

Beca took a menacing step towards her and Aubrey fell back, practically spitting.

"Your voodoo curse shit don't scare me!" She took out a long chain from underneath her tshirt and brandished a cross at Beca. Beca merely rolled her eyes. "I got holy water here too! And I'm not afraid to use it! You witch!"

"I think we know who's the real witch here." Beca said. "Where did you get off spreading those lies, Aubrey?"

"What lies? Please! Why would I do that?" Aubrey was laughing a little now, looking knowingly at the rest of her team.

"All the lies about me being a slut, having STDs, going crazy. Lies about me trying to stab you. All the voodoo shit you said I do." Beca's voice was hard. "Lies about almost every other person in school that you don't like."

Aubrey was laughing out loud now, giving the others in her cheerleading team another look. "Told you guys. She's crazy."

Beca raised an eyebrow. "I bet that was not the only thing you told your team. I don't care you talking shit about me, Aubrey but I mind you talking shit about my friends. Why the fuck you spread that lie about Benji and Coach Wilkins?"

"Whoa, Beca! That is some serious shit you are accusing Aubrey with," Jesse finally spoke up.

"See, Jesse! I told you she's always trying to cause trouble." Aubrey piped up.

"Beca, are you sure about this? You shouldn't accuse anyone if you are not entirely..."

"You have not answered my question." Beca's eyes were hard as flint as she stared at Aubrey. She would deal with that traitor Jesse Swanson later.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Aubrey tried to be dismissive. "That Benji is a queer. And a freak like you. Is that why you are trying to defend him?"

"What did Benji do to you, Aubrey? Ruin your hair, spit in your make-up?" Beca's eyes narrowed. She continued slowly "...or maybe he ruined your plans for prom?"

No. That couldn't be it. Jesse stared with horror at Aubrey. Aubrey was laughing nervously, her eyes darting wildly now.

"That's it, isn't it?" Beca's voice low and hard. "Benji is going to ruin prom for you, isn't he?

"I don't know what you are talking about," Aubrey tried to sound casual. She was failing miserably. "How could a loser like that ruin my prom?"

"Oh. I don't know." Beca sniped. "Maybe because he's going with you. Imagine him standing next to you in your pretty dress for prom photos. Photos that will still be around ten, twenty years from now."

Aubrey's face was drained white. Jesse did not miss the look of pure horror that settled on her face

"Aubrey?" Jesse croaked out. She was now just standing there with a weird smile on her face.

"I only did it for us, Jesse! I told you Benji will just ruin everything!" Aubrey was saying out loud. "Now he's not coming back to school and not going to prom. You don't have to feel guilty not inviting him anymore. Everything will be perfect!"

Jesse could not speak. Aubrey stepped nearer to him and he recoiled back.

"You were spreading that lie? And all the rest of it?"

"Oh Jesse... So I told a little white lie!" Aubrey stepped closer, reaching out for him. "I'm sure there is some truth in it. I mean, look at this crazy girl here. She's nuts! And Benji. He's a raging fairy and a freak. Going round with his cape and magic shit. I'm sure he will gladly suck any dic..."

It all happened so fast. One moment Jesse was staring in absolute horror at Aubrey, his ears not quite believing the stream of shit coming out of her mouth. Her face looking eerily happy and triumphant. Then a fist went straight for her nose. That crack could be heard for miles.

A few things happened at once.

Aubrey staggering back, screaming blue murder, her hands flying up to her nose.

Various other shouts from others watching.

And Beca rushing forward wanting to beat the hell out of Aubrey.

"No! Beca, no!"

By some automatic reaction, Jesse threw himself in between, catching Beca in his arms. She struggled against his hold, spitting in anger, her eyes still on Aubrey. Jesse bodily carried her a distance away.

"You are a bitch whore, Aubrey Posen! You might fool everyone with that Little Miss Perfect act but you don't fool me," Beca was yelling now. "Let me go, Jesse! I want to bitchslap that whore!"

"No, Becs! Calm down."

"Stop trying to protect your girlfriend. She's a crazy skank with an asshole for a mouth! What the fuck did you see in her? She must give you a fucking good blowjob!"

"Rebecca Mitchell! Watch your mouth!" Jesse said sternly. "I have enough shit from Aubrey. I don't need the same from you!"

"Put me down, Swanson!" She was kicking his shins now which were quite painful. He let her go and she rushed back towards Aubrey, who was now sitting down and crying, surrounded by the cheerleaders. On seeing Beca rushing at her, Aubrey started screeching and scrambling to get up.

Jesse caught Beca by her jacket and she was still furiously trying to get to Aubrey. She slipped out of her jacket, leaving it empty in his hands. He dropped it quickly and ran after her, just managing to grab her top.

It was an accident what happened next.

Beca was still struggling. He tried to hold her top tighter and they both heard the rip. He let go quickly, throwing his arm out. She was turning around too fast and his hand caught her straight in the mouth. With an audible crack. He felt it. He felt his hand slapping her hard across the mouth and he saw it. The look of surprise and hurt in her eyes.

"Oh god! Beca! It was an accident."

She fell back from the blow, her hand going straight to her mouth. It was bleeding. She could taste it and it was swelling now. Jesse could not believe what he just did.

"Beca, oh god.. Becs. I'm so sorry. Let me look at it. "

He had his hands on her.

"Get your hands the fuck off me, Swanson!"

Even with the swollen lip, no one can mistake the threat in her tone. He let go and she walked over to pick up her jacket. A few of the boys were now beside him, crowding him.

"Duudddeee, did you just slap her across the mouth? How are you still alive?"

"Whoa... You did that for Aubrey?"

"Go and check on your girlfriend, bro. That nose is broken."

They were all still talking and distracting him. He vaguely saw Beca putting on her jacket and walking away quickly.

"Can you all just shut up?!" Jesse roared.

Once they stopped, he stalked over to Aubrey who was now standing up. Jesse took in the sight of her bloody nose. Yep, it was broken alright.

"How are you feeling, Aubrey?"

"Oh baby.. I hope you slap that bitch hard for me.. it hurts so much..."

Aubrey was trying to faint dramatically into his arms. He caught her easily but instead of letting her lean on him, he straightened her up firmly on her feet.

"You should get it looked at. Now if you excuse me, I have to go after my friend."

Aubrey was looking at him wildly. "Aren't you staying with me?"

"No."

"Jesse! Are you choosing to go after that freak over me?"

"Yes, I am, Aubrey and she is not a freak. Beca is my friend."

"If you go after that slut, that's it, Jesse! There will be no us anymore!" Aubrey said shrilly, still holding on to her nose.

"Yeah, I was kinda hoping for that," Jesse smiled. "It's over, Aubrey. I can't stay with you anymore."

Audible gasps rose from around them. Aubrey's face was frozen for a moment before her bloodied mouth worked into an eerie smile. "Oh, baby... you are just joking. You can't leave me. I'm going to be Prom Queen!"

"You know that does not matter to me, Aubrey," Jesse said calmly. "And if you don't, more the reason for me to leave. Goodbye Aubrey. Have fun being Prom Queen."

He spun around and walked off, ignoring more gasps and a high pitch screeching coming from Aubrey. His EX-girlfriend. God, that felt good. He had never felt this good in months. It felt like he was finally doing something right. For once.

Now he'd only need to find Beca.


Beca was walking along the pavement. Her phone beeped with texts from Chloe, saying they were at Benji's home. Beca texted back before dropping the phone back into her pocket and continued walking. Her lower lip hurt like hell. She could feel the swell and she was trying hard not to rub at it. The cut had closed but she could still taste the metallic taste of blood in her mouth and she cursed Jesse Swanson to high heaven.

She drew her jacket closer around her. The rip in her top was not too bad but she did not want to flash her boobs to any unsuspecting jogger. She was trying hard not to cry. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why did she feel like crying? It had been so good to punch Aubrey in the face. Finally. God, that skank bitchwhore had it coming for a long time. It was just... she just felt.. Jesse was... Urghhh!

Beca was dashing away those stupid tears from her eyes that she did not see the car slowing down next to her.

"Beca."

She stiffened up, pulled her jacket closer, totally ignored the person calling her name and walked on.

"Beca, come on. Get in."

Stupid Jesse Swanson. She did not have any time for traitors like him. Stupid jock with stupid skanky whore girlfriend who give good blowjobs. Only fucking reason he was still up her ass.

"Beca. Stop."

No way. Not going to stop.

She could hear him swearing in exasperation and the sound of him hitting the wheel with the palm of his hand. The car accelerated, covering a distance before he braked it to a stop. Jesse got out of the car and walked back towards her.

Beca stopped, trying to think. Should she run? Should she make a break for it? He was stalking towards her, with the most dangerous, angry look on his face. She should run.

Too late.

Jesse was right in front of her now, towering over her, looking down at her with dark, stormy eyes. She stood defiantly, meeting his gaze. They stood like that for a moment in a silent stare-off.

He did not say a word. He just bodily picked her up and slung her over his shoulder.

That seemed to break the spell and Beca suddenly found her voice. "Put me down, you fucker! What the hell are you doing?"

She tried to kick him but he held her legs easily. Even her fists battering his back did not seem to have any effect. With one arm holding a wriggling Beca over his shoulder, Jesse opened the passenger door. He finally put her down on the pavement next to the passenger seat.

"Get in." His voice was dangerous, like he would not tolerate any argument.

Not that Beca wouldn't try. "Like hell I would!"

Jesse was crowding her into that small space, leaning into her, trying to get her to step back and get into the car. She was holding her ground, refusing to be intimidated, her back now against the car. They were both suddenly aware how close they both were to each other. He was almost pressing into her, one hand on her arm, breathing down on her. Beca could feel his warm breath on her cheek, the smell of his clean sweat and that cologne he usually wore.

"You are hurt." He said simply, his voice low. His hooded gaze was locked on her lips. His hand somehow made its way to her face, his fingers splayed under her chin and his thumb stroked across that broken skin on her lower lip, so unbearably gentle that she wanted to close her eyes and just sigh. She just wanted to lean against him and... No. No. This is... No!

"Leave me alone!" Beca hissed. "Don't you have your girlfriend to look after?"

Jesse let out a breath of frustration. He took his hand off her.

"Just get in, Beca, or help me god, I would..."

"Slap me across my face again?" she yelled back. She might as well punch him in the gut. The look of hurt that he gave her. Jesse took a deep breath to stop himself from yelling.

"We are going to Benji's. Get in." he said slowly, looking away. "Please..."

For a minute, Beca thought of kneeing him in the balls and made a run for it. She finally slid into the passenger seat, face still mutinous. Jesse got in, started the car and they drove in silence. She was staring angrily out of the window.

"Why the fuck did you throw that punch?" Jesse suddenly said, breaking the heavy silence.

Beca whirled her head round in surprise. Really? He need to ask? Really?

"Oh. I'm sorry. I wasn't throwing a punch. I was just dancing around when Aubrey's face hit my fist!" Beca spat out, her eyes flashing. "I didn't mean to break your precious girlfriend's fake nose!"

"Did you ever stop to think you might get into trouble?"

"I don't really care."

"Well, you should! You might get expelled, Beca!" Jesse spat back. "Have you thought what your parents would do? They will go mental!"

"Like I said, Swanson. I don't care! No one talk shit about my friends like that."

Jesse snorted in disgust, his hands tightening around the wheel.

"I don't expect you to understand, Swanson."

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" Jesse glanced at her, his eyes angry.

"Just because you don't have a pair to stand up for your friends, does not mean I don't have a pair as well!"

Jesse brought the car to a screeching stop. He was facing Beca now, anger all over his face.

"Are you saying what I think you are saying?" His voice was tight with suppressed anger.

"You heard me!" Beca said, meeting his flashing eyes squarely. "What the fuck happened to you? You used to hang out with Benji. Now you are hardly around. Those meatheads would have left him alone if he was still your friend!"

"He is still my friend."

"Funny way of showing it! When was the last time you saw him? When was the last time you've been to his place? You are not his friend!" Beca ranted. "Let's not even talk about what happened back there!"

"Is that why you are mad at me? Because I accidentally slap you?" Jesse ranted back. "It was an accident, Beca! Stop being a drama queen."

Beca drew a sharp breath. She shook her head slowly; like she was in shock.

"You think I am mad at you for slapping me?" Her voice was almost a painful whisper. "You really think I'm mad at you for that?"

Jesse wanted to yell out loud. She would be the death of him.

"What the fuck is it now? Why are you mad at me now? What have I done now?" Jesse was yelling, his voice reverberating in that small space. "For fuck's sake, tell me, Beca! Because that's the only thing that you seem to be lately. Mad at me all the time!"

"I am mad because you didn't trust me back there!" Beca yelled back. "It was bad enough you don't stand up for me. Nor for Benji. You didn't have my back, Jesse! What the fuck happened to my best friend?"

She stopped shouting now. Because she was going to cry.

"I get it you were trying to protect your girlfriend."

Fuck, she was crying now.

"You could have at least listened to me instead of jumping in thinking I got it all wrong," Beca continued wretchedly, her tears rolling freely now. "I would have done the same for you."

Jesse sat back dumbly in his seat. She just turned away, angrily wiping these stupid tears away. He started the car again and they continued the drive. There was an uncomfortable silence; the only noise was Beca trying not to sniffle too loudly. They were now in front of Benji's house. Jesse parked the car and Beca was trying to get out as quick as she can.

"Becs.."

She stopped what she was doing and looked at him. Oh fuck. He had that despairing look in his face that always, ALWAYS made her stop.

"I'm..I'm really sorry," his voice was barely a whisper. "I've been the worst kind of friend."

Beca shifted uncomfortably.

"Jesse..."

"No, I have. I hardly see Benji. I hardly see you. I don't even know what's going on with you now. And I used to know. We have not seen a movie in ages. I really missed that. I really missed you. But.. I..I just...I don't know what's happening to us."

Beca sighed. He had stared straight ahead after that broken speech, not looking at her.

"I do," she said. It's your bitchwhore girlfriend - she wanted to say but Beca bit that down. "We've grown apart, Jesse. It's fine. It happens all the time. Don't beat yourself up about it."

Jesse shook his head. No, that was not it. His hands were restlessly clutching the steering wheel.

"Beca.."

"I think we should go in."

Beca quickly opened the door and stepped out, closing the door behind her. She pressed the bell and the door was opened.

"Beca!"

"Hey Mrs. Applebaum. I've...we've come to see Benji." Jesse was right behind her now.

"Hello Mrs. Applebaum."

"Jesse! Oh my goodness, when was the last time I saw you?" Benji's mom smiled up at him. "You've shot up a few inches."

"Umm..sorry.." Jesse did not quite know what to say.

"They are all out at the back. They went straight there," Mrs. Applebaum said. "I hope you are staying for dinner because I made meatloaf."

They gave the kindly woman a big grin and nodded their heads in unison.

"Go round the back," she said. As they were about to move away, she spoke again, "Thank you for dropping by, kids. Benji needs his friends today."


Chloe's eyes were as big as wagon wheels when she saw them coming down the pathway towards the pool house. There was Beca, looking slightly disheveled, with a fat lip, face like thunder and Jesse walking behind her, looking halfway uncomfortable and embarrassed.

She was about to say something when Beca shot her a warning look and shook her head once. It was when Beca came nearer that Chloe saw how red her eyes were and her tear stained face.

"Hey Chloe. Benji inside?" Jesse mumbled in greeting. She nodded and Jesse went into the pool house. A minute later, Stacie came careening out.

"Oh my god, Beca!" Stacie came over, waving her phone at them. "Did you really?"

"What?" Beca said in surprise.

"What happened to your lip?"Stacie asked.

"Why is Jesse here? Why are you crying?" Chloe asked.

"Did it felt good to punch her?" Stacie piped in.

"Punch who?" Chloe asked, clearly confused.

"Aubrey."

"You punched Aubrey?" Chloe asked, her eyes wider than wagon wheels now.

"How did you know? You were here all this time," Beca said.

"Did Aubrey punch you back?"

"Is that how you got your fat lip?"

"No, Jesse slapped me."

Two loud gasps went up before the two girls started babbling.

"He did what?" "That bitch! I'm gonna have him!" "No, me first." "Arghh get out of my way, Red."

Beca threw herself in front of the door. "Shut the hell up!"

Chloe and Stacie stopped their squabbling and shoving.

"Let's all calm our tits down, ok?" Beca took a deep breath.

"Did you really punch Aubrey?" Chloe asked. Beca nodded.

Both Stacie and Chloe were grinning. Stacie quickly pressed her messages and out popped a video of Beca punching Aubrey. They stared in fascination; even through the tinny speaker they could hear the crack.

"Oh my god! You did!" Chloe said.

"That's my girl!" Stacie said proudly.

"Did she really waved a cross at you?" Chloe was laughing now. Her hands were clutching her sides. "Did she...did she really threaten you..with..with..HOLY water?!"

The three of them were now falling about laughing. It took them a few minutes to keep control of their snorts.

"Ok. Your lip. Jesse did that?" Stacie asked, looking a little serious now.

"It was an accident."

"Really? He wasn't trying to defend that skank?"

Beca shook her head. "He was trying to stop me beating the tar out of her."

Chloe started to giggle. "So you got accidentally pimp slapped?"

It was terribly funny all of a sudden and they just broke out laughing, tears running down their face. Chloe and Beca were holding on to each other' laughing helplessly while Stacie was leaning on the wall for support. Her phone chimed with a message, which she read in between wiping the tears off.

"Oh."

A few messages pinged in quick succession. Stacie opened one.

"Guys, you should see this."

Chloe and Beca wiped their faces and leant in, looking at Stacie's phone. The visuals was a bit shaky and they could not really see who was whom. But here was no mistaking Jesse's voice saying firmly, "It's over, Aubrey. I can't stay with you anymore."