CHAPTER 18

POV- Beca

"Hey! You've reached Jesse. Leave a message after the epic fanfare!" *beep!*

I end the call, defeated. This is what I hear everytime I try to call him. I can't say I don't deserve it. I've been a real dick to him. I was a shitty girlfriend and now I'm an even shittier friend…

So shitty, in fact, that Jesse doesn't even show up to work at the station for the next two weeks. That's how I know I've really screwed up. Jesse LOVES stacking CDs…

"You need to figure out what you want, Beca… Don't even bother calling until you do."

I wish it was that easy. The thing is… I honestly don't know what I want.

But, I need to figure it out. Soon.

As the semester comes to a close, I'm actually forced to focus on my classes. With Jesse ignoring me and Chloe being busy preparing for her dance assessment, I don't have much of a choice. I end up finishing the semester with all B's and one C in music history. (I'm surprised I'm even passing, but hey I won't complain)

Luckily, the break goes by quickly. Dad and Sheila are just a little too "cute" for me sometimes. It's sickening, really.

Chloe wastes no time making herself at home again, once we return to school. Before I even have a chance to settle in, there she is knocking at my door. We didn't talk much over the break but we fall back into our routine pretty quickly. Chloe helping me study, me mixing as she sits on the bed with her laptop, her being asleep on my bed when I get in from late shifts at the station. The only thing that bothers me is that she seems to be having disturbing dreams some nights. She'll whimper and scoot back into my chest, pulling my arms around her as she whines in her sleep.

"Why?...Why not?"

As always, I just ignore it and snuggle closer. Making no effort to open my eyes. But tonight, I can't ignore the faint sniffles and the violent shaking of her body. My eyes snap open as she begins to sob, quietly. Her sniffles echoing throughout my room…

She's terrified… What's she dreaming about? The Semi-Finals?

I consider waking her so I can calm her down and comfort her. Do whatever. But I stop when Chloe's whines start up again.

"Why not, Beca?" She asks quietly

What?

"Please… "

Umm…

Unsure what to do, I begin to (awkwardly) hum some random melody. Relief washing over me when she finally stops shaking and her breathing returns to normal.

I wonder if I should talk to her about these dreams she's having?

After an internal dispute, I decide to ask her after the Semi-Finals. I wouldn't want to bring it up before the performance and stress her out more.

ICCA SEMI-FINALS-

After two long weeks of Bellas' rehearsal and studying, it's time for the ICCA Semi-Finals. Thanks to Fat Amy, we end up parking next to the Trebles. We exchange (somewhat) friendly competitive words with the guys as we unload the buses and start towards the auditorium. Other than a death glare Jesse gives as he maneuvers past me, he doesn't acknowledge me. No friendly wave. No... "Be-CAW!".

I watch the show from backstage with the rest of the Bellas. The competition is much better this year. I'm actually pretty glad to see the B Harmonics and The Sock-a-pellas return. I always find their sets cute and entertaining. As the Treblemakers take the stage, I try not to pay too much attention to Jesse. Which is hard considering he's singing the lead.

I feel soft fingers lacing through mine as the Trebles finish up and make their way past us. Jesse making it clear that he wants nothing to do with me, right now. My first instinct is to pull my hand away and sock whoever it is, but I stop the moment I feel another hand rubbing the inside of my arm comfortingly.

"I'm sorry, Beca…," I smile at the softness of the familiar voice, blinking the tears away before they have a chance to fall… Squeezing the hand gratefully as I recognize the voice as Chloe's. I turn to meet her eyes.

I can't help but wonder why she is apologizing. I mean, sure she was the one I slept with, but it's not like SHE started it. I can't really get mad at her for anything. If there's anyone to blame, it's me.

But, that's Chloe for you.

"Let's do this," She mouths, nudging me playfully before unlacing our fingers and filing onto the stage with the rest of the Bellas. She winks back at me, as I file on last.

Once again, the crowd absolutely loves our performance. Looking for anyway to participate, they join in. Clapping and singing when they recognize part of a song.

When the performance is over, we all rush of the stage excitedly. Exchanging hugs and high fives… squealing to contain our excitement…

Because this performance was better than any performance we've ever done and we KNOW we're going to the finals. A few of the girls stop and stare at something behind me. Jaws dropped as they dart back and forth between the figure and myself. Chloe offers a nod and nervous smile.

What the-?

I turn around and find myself looking into dark blue eyes that match my own.

Eyes I haven't seen in years…