CHAPTER 2

POV- Chloe

I wake with the sun, lifting my head from Beca's chest to see her face. As always, she's still asleep. As I watch her, I can't help but smile at her… at her faint smile and fluttering eyelids. She looks so calm. So peaceful.

I wonder what she's dreaming about? What goes on in that beautiful head of hers?

There is a loud creak then I hear her footsteps moving across the room. I don't have to turn around to know Beca's roommate just woke up and that she's rolling her eyes in disgust.

I let my head fall to Beca's chest as my thoughts return to the fight with Aubrey

The crowd went crazy as we wrapped up our final number of the performance. The Bellas were all FINALLY on the same page. We had the look and sound of a new group last night. It's just a shame it took so long for us to get to that point…

After the performance, I watched Beca leave the stage and join Jesse in the seats. She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tender kiss. As tears began to sting my eyes, I joined the others in celebration. Fat Amy broke up the kiss between Jesse and Beca, dragging Beca along with us to Applebee's.

I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. I wondered if she'd noticed. Occasionally, her gaze would meet mine and she'd flash that shy smile of hers. That awkwardly adorable smile where she raises her eyebrows, as if questioning something.

On the drive back to the dorm, Aubrey confronted me. It was amazing how intimidating she could be without even looking away from the road.

"You really should've done something about that toner tonight. Everyone saw it. "

Knowing I was caught. I did what any normal person does... I played dumb. "You think I had a toner?"

Aubrey continued, ignoring me. "You've definitely had better taste, in the past. Like… I honestly don't get what it is that you see in her?"

"You wouldn't," I defended Beca,"You don't know her like I do."

We continued our drive in silence. I thought I had won. But there is no winning when it comes to Aubrey. She will always have the last word. She IS her father's daughter, after all.

Once we got back to the dorm, Aubrey started again. Irritation evident in her voice. "How exactly DO you know Beca, Chloe?"

I wasn't sure how to answer that. I plopped down on my bed as I began to think about Beca. All the moments we've had. All the secrets we've shared. "She just…GETS me. And I get her."

"Aca-SCUSE me?" Aubrey's voice raised. "She 'GETS' you?" Aubrey repeated, air-quoting with her fingers to emphasize how stupid she thought it sounded.

She continued, harshly, "She 'GETS' that you have feelings for her…and she 'GETS' that you feed on every bit of hope she gives you… but despite all of that, she'd rather be with Jesse than you?"

That struck a nerve… I just couldn't fathom why my BEST FRIEND, of all people, was giving me such a hard time. The woman I grew up with. Shared everything with. We're practically sisters…

And the one thing I needed my sister to do was be there for me. I was still broken up over seeing Beca with Jesse. And Aubrey, in that "tough love" way of hers, figured she'd add salt to the wound.

I left as quickly as I could. Without looking back. I needed to get out of there. Just to get some air…

But I ended up here. With the source of all my problems.

As if she can sense me getting upset, Beca begins to rub my back in her sleep. Tenderly. Gradually slower until she submerges fully into her sleep again.

Why aren't we together?

I ask myself EVERYDAY. And I just don't know.

We ACT like we're together. We hold each other like we're together. And we always know just what to say when the other is down…

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Hey!" I hear Jesse's muffled voice through the door. "Beca, you in there? You said today was gonna be 'Epic Movie Day'!" He whined playfully.

Beca begins to mumble as she lifts her head. With a mock pout, she lets her head fall back to the pillow.

He begins to knock again.

"Come on. I KNOW you're in there. It's not even noon yet. Wake up, Becky!"

As much as I hate the guy, even I have to admit he's cute sometimes.

With a scoff, Kimmy Jin shuffles over to the door to let Jesse in. I guess she got tired of him knocking.

As I lift my head and roll off of Beca, I hear Jesse start with hurt and a tinge of bitterness in his voice. "Well, I see now why you couldn't make it to the door…"

His jaw tightens as I meet his gaze. There is an awkward silence as I celebrate internally the fact that looks can't kill. Because, if they could, that one would have surely sent me under.

Beca sits up and wipes her eyes, ignoring Jesse's comment.

"I'll be ready in a few. Make yourself at home." She says with a smirk as Jesse plops down into her desk chair.

As if she had to tell him.

I figure I should give them some privacy so I hop up from the bed and slip my shoes on before leaning down to kiss Beca on the cheek.

"Aubrey should be a little easier to approach, now. I'm gonna go shower and cram some more before the finals."

"Alright," Beca calls as I start towards the door. "You know how to reach me if you need me."