A/N:Okay, I got my inspiration back again turns out all it takes is a new chapter of 'Falling for You' to read, or rereading old ones but not as effective, and watching the film. So, this Chapter is longer, over 4,000 words, I will mention ppeople and stuff and ask for suggestions at the bottom. I have used the whole lyrics to 2 songs in this chapter. I will explain at the bottom but here is a key: (Also one has swearing in it, I copy and pasted those lyrics that's why they are there I didn't type them, in my head I tend to replace them with 'beep' or something of a similar nature) 'backing singers' "main singing" also in main paragraphs 'song name' artist name Okay I think that covers it.
So on with the next chapter...
Chapter 21
"Okay!" Aubrey started cheerfully as she stood up and clapped her hands together twice; taking charge as she was apparently still used to. "Since we are going to be following tonight's original entertainment plans it's only fair we follow their rules too." Everyone again groaned in protest. Aubrey continued on as though she hadn't heard them. "The rules dictate that because the year that the oath was revokes ran from 2012 to 2013 the songs we sing must be from 2013 or older. The song you pick must reflect a part of your life since you joined your respective a Capella group at Barden. It can be an event or just your feelings; it could even be about something you witnessed. However, you may be questioned on your song choice so make sure you're honest." She finished with a serious tone to her voice before becoming her over peppy and slightly forced usual voice as she started again. "Okay, now you argue amongst yourselves then we can start to sort out who is going first!" She announced. She stood smiling and Beca could see her internally counting to 10 before the shouting started and Aubrey nodded and sat back down next to Chloe with a sigh looking relieved she had managed to state the rules first.
"Wow, this sounds like fun." Beca started sarcastically.
"Considering you don't like fun things this should be perfect for you." Was the equally sarcastic response from the person sat next to her.
"You know I don't know where you got this idea. I never said I didn't like fun things." She protested.
"But you hate movies! And you know German!" He argued in an exaggerated tone.
"I don't hate movies. I never said I hated movies, I said I find them boring. And what does knowing German have to do with anything?" She was really quite curious about the last part. She honestly never knew where the link came from.
"That's basically the same thing! And it doesn't have anything to do with it, it just explains a lot."
"How? What does it explain?" She was getting a little frustrated by his lack of real explanations.
"Why you hate fun things." He said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Have you been listening so far? I'm sure we already covered it."
"You're unbelievable. Have you grown up at all in the last 10 years?" She asked, sensing she was never going to get a real straight answer to her previous question.
"Where would be the fun in that Beca?" He joked. She just shook her head at him trying to hold back a laugh.
"Okay, on the topic of fun things, watching everyone arguing with each other over the rules when almost all of them are on the same side is kind of fun."
"I'll give you that one." He conceded. It was definitely true; they were actually fighting with each other when really they agreed with each other. The chaos ensuing was actually quite entertaining to watch.
"How it that fair! I was like 8 when those songs came out at most!" One of them shouted.
"You can't be serious! There is no way you can expect us to know songs from then!"
"Music was weird back then!"
"Maybe it's just weird now!"
"I don't think I know any songs that old!"
"Great, I'm gonna have to sing songs my parents listened to!"
"Wow, I feel old."
"I can't remember all the songs we used to sing."
"That was ages ago. Those songs are ancient by now!"
"This is madness!"
"You can't do that!"
"Are they blaming each other for rules Aubrey just came out with?" Jesse asked leaning closer to Beca so she could hear him over the noise. They were both sat an the edge watching as the other fought it out against each other. Never once, it seemed, considering turning on theone who had just set the rules they were fighting over.
"Yep. I think they are. So how long before Aubrey puts a stop to it?" She pondered. All that they were missing was popcorn.
"5 minutes, 10 minutes tops."
"This is better than movies."
"I won't go that far."
"I would."
"There it is."
"There what is?"
"The proof, you practically admitted it. You hate movies."
"No, I said I was enjoying this and that it was better than movies, not that I hate movies. Now who wasn't listening?"
"You're just trying to twist your words to deny what I know you said."
"I didn't say it!" She protested but it came out more like a child's whine.
"Now, now Beca. No need to be like that." He said it as though he was talking to a mardy child
"I'm gonna kill you in a minute!"
"Then who would carry you back to the bus?"
"I'm sure I'll find someone."
"But then you would definitely spend the rest of your life pining for me." He smirked as he said it.
"I knew that would come back to bite me."
"Don't worry Beca, I promise to only bring it up when absolutely necessary." He said trying to sound serious and keep the grin off his face.
"I don't trust your opinion of when 'absolutely necessary' is."
"You have trust issues."
"Can you blame me on this one?"
"I'm offended at the insinuation!"
"You're a drama queen."
"There's something very wrong with that statement that I know for a fact you are aware of."
"I'd take it back but I can't risk feeding your ego. Can it get any bigger?"
"There's always room from growth Beca, don't worry." She just shook her head at him again as he put an arm around her shoulders and unconsciously pulled her closer. At that moment Aubrey stood up again.
"5 minutes, you were right. Not that you ego needed to hear that."
"If you keep it up you might actually do it permanent damage."
"I think we have a way to go yet." She said as Aubrey started to speak
Aubrey stood up and surveyed the group for a moment before getting her whistle out and blowing it to get everyone's attention. At the whistle everyone stopped and turned to face Aubrey. The ones who had turned to physical fighting picked themselves up off the ground and sat back down.
"Alright. I appreciate that many of you do not like the rules but rules are rules and we must follow them." She stated calmly. "Okay so, who's first?" She asked in her cheerful, albeit perhaps a little stressed, tone. One of the youngest Bellas stood up first.
"Okay, I haven't been a Bella for very long, barely a year but here's my song." She started to sing 'Good time' by Carly Rae Jepson. As she sang Beca started to reminisce. If this was how it was going to go to could be a while until it was her turn. She had a song in mind but she wasn't exactly sure of the outcome of it.
Fourth Year at Barden
Beca had now started her fourth and final year at Barden. She had been struck by conflicting feelings. At the end of this year she could finally go to L.A. and live her dream but the end of this year also meant the end of this thing she had with Jesse. She would probably never see him again. She didn't know what she wanted anymore. The Bellas didn't feel the same anymore either. She had managed to fix some of her friendships with them after their win at finals. Now however there was only the three of them left. Cynthia rose, Denise and Stacie had all graduated last year. Beca was admittedly surprised that Stacie had actually had time with her 'secret' extracurricular activity, and the Bellas of course. Now it was only her, Fat Amy and Lily left, although Jane was pretty much part of the group now, she dreaded to think about what would happen when they all left Jane next year.
As auditions came around again Beca had to again pick 5 new Bellas. It also occurred to her that this year she had to pass on the pitch pipe too, but to who? The new recruits bought Dolly, Molly and Polly, -who yes were triplets- as well as Olivia and Nicola. Beca wasn't exactly thrilled with the attitudes of the new girls but they could sing and that was what mattered, besides they didn't have much other choice. It wasn't until they got to the party however that Beca started to notice something. As the Bellas walked into the stadium the Trebles seemed to scatter, each heading for a Bella, excluding Benji, Lily, Fat Amy and Jane. Who could be seduced or in Benji case took no part in the war. Beca waited for the ever so expected greeting so had no doubt she would be getting soon enough. Sure enough after some stumbling she heard it.
"BECAW! BECAW!" She closed her eyes and looked away a second to hide her smile. In a way she liked that even when they were like this he still kept up their little tradition.
"What's up weirdo?" She slipped up before she could stop herself. She looked away a second praying he would ignore it. He was probably drunk enough that she could persuade him he imagined it.
"What game are you playing now Beca?" He asked as he narrowed his eyes, only a slight slur in his question, just enough to let her know he was drunk.
"Don't know what you're talking about." She tried to brush it off.
"Why are you doing this Beca?" Now she really didn't know what he was talking about.
"Doing what?"
"The war. Acting like there isn't a war. Take your pick." She was a little taken aback. Surely he was too drunk for this conversation.
"You're drunk."
"You're doing it again, and evading. Why Beca?" He sounded almost desperate for an answer; his words still slurred a little.
"Come back in an hour when you're too drunk to remember the answer and maybe I'll tell you then." She said before quickly dodging round him and heading down for a drink before he could process her words.
It some became apparent what the Trebles had planned and it looked like they were succeeding. Yes, she was going to lose some Bellas tomorrow morning. That was for certain. Sure enough about an hour later a considerably more drunk Jesse staggered up to her. She hadn't actually expected him to come back, or to remember.
"I want answers Beca!" He demanded, his words also more slurred than before.
"Fine, you probably won't remember anyway but first, what's your plan all about? You really think the Bellas will fall from your lots act?" She knew one had but she refused to believe they all would. He came closer to her until he could whisper in her ear. Hiss closeness and breath on her ear almost making her lose it.
"Look around Beca, they already have. How you enforce the oath is your choice but they've all broke it." He whispered. She looked around to see he was right. Her anger at him, for both his words and that they were true, gave her the strength to push him off her to a suitable distance again.
"You want the truth? I don't know why or what I'm doing. I just know that I can't stop. I can't leave you alone, or let you go or whatever. Is that what you wanted to hear?" She could hear her voice getting emotional. He just stood there shocked, his alcohol clouded brain unable to process her words properly. "That's what I thought. Good thing you probably won't remember this in the morning." She said with a little venom in her voice before she turned away and stormed off leaving the party. She had seen what she needed to and she couldn't stay where he was any longer. She walked straight past Benji, not hearing him calling out to her.
She knew treating Jesse the way she had had been a little unfair. She had purposely refused to tell him until he was too drunk to remember but also too drunk to be able to properly respond to her outburst. She just hoped he didn't remember it in the morning when he woke up.
While Beca had been about the past other Bellas and Trebles had sang their songs. Some songs had a deeper meaning while others really didn't seem to mean much at all. One of the Trebles had sung 'Twist and Shout' by The Beatles while Darcy had sung 'Holding out for a Hero' by Bonnie Tyler. The first song meaning little more than they enjoyed their time as a Treble while the latter was about Darcy being stuck in the cave. There was also a Treble who had sung or rapped 'Lose Yourself' by Eminem, he has come from a rough back ground and at first struggled with Stage fright but he had made a life for himself in college and after. That was one of the more inspirational stories. She was also surprised at the number of relationship that had ended or hadn't happened because of the war, because of her. One story that had gotten to her was about a Bella and a Treble who had been childhood sweethearts. They wanted to go to college together, then graduate, then get married and have kids. That had all ended when she joined the Bellas and he joined the Trebles. She had sung 'It must have been love' by Roxette and he had sung 'One Last Love Song' by The Beautiful South. She was also surprised by the number of apparent affairs that had occurred between the groups. One Bella had sung 'Picture' by Carly Rae Jepson, she had then had to explain how she had one night with a Treble but due to the war they never got to be together, they had planned to get together after graduation but the war had somehow changed everything before they made it. He never came back for her. They were both happily married now, just not to each other. Another Treble had sung 'She's the only one' by Bread about his unrequited love for one of the Bellas. Said Bella had sung 'Just a Step Away' also by Carly Rae Jepson. Beca wondered if it had been about the same Treble. Some of the Relationships had been destructive and most likely war motivated. One Treble had sung 'Nothing but Trouble' by A1. Apparently one of the Bellas had taken to playing with him to benefit the Bellas' war efforts throughout their entire time at Barden. Amelia, who's voice had recovered somewhat over the years since she was in the Bellas sang 'Take a Bow' by Leona Lewis. That one was definitely about the start of the war. Some songs had just been against the other Group and quite pro-war. One angry Treble had sung 'They Don't Care About Us' by Michael Jackson, Donna had sung 'Stronger' by Kelly Clarkson, another Bella had gone with 'Fighter' by Christina Aguilera, An old Bella leader had picked 'Predictable' by Delta Goodrem, about her experience with the Trebles and their pranks. They also had 'Just Like Jesse James' by Cher and 'When The Going Gets Tough' by Boyzone, the latter which was sung by a Treble recognised as joining in her fourth year. Some of the songs took a different path though. 'Yesterday Once More' by The Carpenters was sang by one rather nostalgic Bella, one of the new Bellas sang 'Skyfall' by Adele, obviously thinking it was time the war ended. Jane had sang 'Mr Rock N Roll' by Amy MacDonald. Beca got the feeling it was somehow more about what Jane had witnessed between herself and Jesse than anything else but perhaps she was just being paranoid.
What had really bought Beca's attention back to the present however was Fat Amy singing a rather unique version of Shania Twain's 'You're Still the One' obviously, or hopefully, to Bumper. Unique or disturbing, Beca wasn't sure which word fitted best. All too soon, or in the eyes of most not soon enough, it was the next person's turn. It was Beca's turn after this. She wasn't exactly looking forward to it. The next one was a Treble. He and his desired group stood up and he relayed to them his song choice. He was never particularly bothered about the war, he explained, but he had lost to the Bellas one year so it was about the ICCA's and the pranks in a way. As the tune started she recognised Frank Sinatra.
"That's Life," 'That's Life' "that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April, Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune
When I'm back on top, back on top in June"
He started off with the first verse doing a surprisingly good job of it. Beca was starting to get nervous for her own song now.
"I said that's life" others did the backing up with a surprisingly high 'That's life'
"And as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks, stomping on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down
'Cause this fine old world, it keeps spinning around" He continued. She could see how it fitted in to his life and the war.
"I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing
Each time I find myself, flat on my face
I pick myself up and get, back in the race"
"That's Life"
'That's Life'
"I tell you, I can't deny it
I thought of quitting, baby but my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly"
"I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing
Each time I find myself, flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get, back in the race"
"That's Life" He started his final verse and Beca's nerves were really starting
'That's Life'
"That's life and I can't deny it,
Many times I thought of cutting out but my heart just won't buy it
But if there's nothing shaking come this July
I'm gonna role myself up, in a big ball and die, my, my," He ended.
Everyone clapped as he bowed before he sat down and all the attention turned to Beca. Jesse Nudged her and she managed to stand, thankfully one of the doctors had come back to her leg and managed to sort some sort of support out for it so she could just about stand up without help, she still couldn't really walk without it though. She carefully picked the best selection of Bellas to back her up for the song before being helped into the centre, but not in the fire, ready to sing.
She told the Bellas her choice. They nodded and started the tune to 'Six Degrees of Separation' by The Script.
"You've read the books,
You've watched the shows,
What's the best way no one knows, yeah,
Meditate, get hypnotized.
Anything to take from your mind.
But it won't go, ohhhh ohhh
You're doing all these things out of desperation,
Ohhh ohhh,
You're going through six degrees of separation."
She watched Jesse out the corner of her eye as she started to sing, facing him was just too difficult. She was the first so far to sing about heartbreak, in this way at least. She could see it was effecting him. He was getting angry at her for hiding it for all those years and maybe also for living this way ever since they broke up. It was true, she realised. She wasn't just singing about her time at Barden since they broke up, it matched her own life pretty well even after college, it still matched it she realised as she got into the second verse.
"You hit the drink, you take a toke
Watch the past go up in smoke, yeah
Fake a smile, yeah, lie and say that,
You're better now than ever, and your life's okay
When it's not. No.
You're doing all these things out of desperation,
Ohhh ohhh,
You're going through six degrees of separation."
It was exactly what she had been doing in L.A., what she had started right after finals, that was what the whole lie was about. The Chorus really summed it up though
"First, you think the worst is a broken heart" It reminded her of when she first thought he had cheated.
"What's gonna kill you is the second part" She hadn't believed him, she had tried to get revenge only to find out the truth.
"And the third, Is when your world splits down the middle" Then she had tried to apologize only for him to say it was too late, they were over.
"And fourth, you're gonna think that you fixed yourself" She had managed to persuade herself that she had over the next two years, right up until graduation.
"Fifth, you see them out with someone else" She had seen him with various fans but it had been different that night, she hadn't been able to stop herself.
"And the sixth, is when you admit that you may have fucked up a little" She had spent the last 7 years thinking about that one. She had worked that out at the graduation party. She had sort of worked it out before when she went to apologize but when the war had started she had made it worse. That was what she had to accept and admit then. It was hard to realize that maybe it was the war she created and fuelled to keep hold of him was what had pushed him away more. Maybe was what had lost him. She was yet to find out if she had. He never answered her question, and he never denied her accusation.
She turned to face him, she hadn't really meant to but now their eyes were locked and she couldn't look away. Somewhere in the song with the emotions it had evoked tears had started to fall, she hated how weak he made her feel when they were fighting. When she was with him and they were together she felt strong but he also had the ability to bring her down on her knees feeling weak when they weren't. She hadn't really cried over anyone before him apart from her dad when he left.
'Oh no there ain't no help, it's every man for himself
No no there ain't no help, it's every man for himself' the other Bellas backed her up.
"You tell your friends, yeah, strangers too,
Anyone who'll throw an arm around you, yeah
Tarot cards
Gems and stones,
Believing all that shit is gonna heal your soul.
Well it's not, no, wohhhh"
That was what she had done in L.A., poured her heart out to a stranger, she had tried drink and men, none of it had worked.
"You're only doing things out of desperation,
Ohhh no,
You're goin' through six degrees of separation."
It was true, just over 9 years later and she still hadn't moved on, she couldn't. She continued to sing.
"First, you think the worst is a broken heart
What's gonna kill you is the second part
And the third, Is when your world splits down the middle
And fourth, you're gonna think that you fixed yourself
Fifth, you see them out with someone else
And the sixth, is when you admit that you may have fucked up a little"
"No there's no starting over,
Without finding closure, you'd take them back,
No hesitation,
That's when you know you've reached the sixth degree of separation
Oh, no there's no starting over,
Without finding closure, you'd take them back,
No hesitation,
That's when you know you've reached the sixth degree of separation"
It was true, she hadn't got the closure she needed, there was no way she could start over without it but she also knew there was absolutely no way she could start over or move on without him. That would be unbearable. She managed to finish the song.
"First, you think the worst is a broken heart
What's gonna kill you is the second part
And the third, Is when your world splits down the middle
And fourth, you're gonna think that you fixed yourself
Fifth, you see them out with someone else
And the sixth, is when you admit that you may have fucked up a little"
"No, no, there ain't no help
It's every man for himself
You're goin' through six degrees of separation"
"No, no, there ain't no help
It's every man for himself
You're goin' through six degrees of separation"
"No, no, there ain't no help
It's every man for himself"
The last part she also knew to be true it seemed. Neither she nor anyone else seemed to be able to pull her out of it, except perhaps one. As soon as the song had ended Jesse had stood up and walked off. Beca tried to hobbled after him. Once she was outside the log circle a little way and had hopped just out of normal voice level earshot she stopped and rested against a tree, she could still make out his form just ahead of her.
"Jesse!" She shouted, she was taken by surprise what he did turn around at her call, she walked back up to her.
"What Beca? What are you gonna try next?" He demanded his voice raised.
"What do you mean? The song wasn't..." She was lost for words.
"I know the song wasn't. But you can't deny the war was."
"I..." She didn't know what to say.
"What's wrong? No speech? No plan?"
"Plan?"
"That's what the war was wasn't it? To try to hold on to me? You pretty much admitted it on hood night." Beca froze.
"You remember that? You weren't supposed to remember that." She said the second part almost as though to herself, if he remembered that then he would know why she had told him then, and it looked like she had played a game with him, that she had set him up, so she was justified for getting upset. It looked like she had manipulated him. And the worse part, it was sort of true.
"Yes Beca, I remember it all too well."
Okay, I hope you enjoyed the chapter I forget that bit up top. So we started off with teasing and ended up with fighting. Jesse has yet to sing.
Beca's song 'Six Degrees of Separation' by The Script was suggested may chapters ago by TrainOfThought15 so thank you. As soon as I heard it I thought it was perfect for the story I just had to find somewhere to put it. So here it is.
Sorry if it didn't fit her voice exactly, that's why I mainly stuck to Bellas not in the film for the songs I mentioned that was I can't be moaned at for getting it wrong because they're my characterd and I can make their voices sound however I want.
Also Thank you to .792 (AKA my official most loyal reviewer) Who had been with me since the beginning and has reviewed to all bar one of my chapters. She suggested 'Good time', 'Just a step away' and 'Picture' all by Carly Rae Jepson, I hope you thing they were used okay.
The rest of the songs were picked out of my itunes library. I just looked through and picked ones that could relate to events and where my fairly well known artists. The Beatles etc. will probably still be well known in the next 10 years. I also just picked some of my favourites. My itunes library is all over the place but mainly older songs, just be thankful I couldn't fit 'flash bang wallop' or 'little white bull' by Tommy Steele in, they are weird songs and from '59 I think. Although they are funny so if don't rule them out. Frank Sinatra was, and still is one of, my favourite singers for many years and 'That's Life' was, and still is one of, my favourite songs so that's why it's in there. I also realised as I typed, that one I typed I know the words that well but it was my favourite for as far back as I can remember and my first memories are of being about 2/3, that it fitted into the story.
If you can think of any other songs let me know, not everyone has sung yet so suggestions are always welcome for present, past and future chapters. We have also started the fourth year, this is where the pranks get nasty. If anyone has any guesses about what happens at Graduation let me know, it popped up again in this chapter. Also this one will be effected by you. Do you think the Bellas should find out that Beca in the present has lied to them about the lie and why she didn't tell them before. One person said yes and one person said no so far, Remember i'm sadistic and I like to make people suffer so leaving me to my own devices is dangerous. Besides, I'm not forced to write a happy ending for everyone. I'm not blackmailing just warning/reminding.
So recap, let me know what you think, please answer my last question as I am undecided and that never ends well. Random thought; what do you think to pranks in the present- I can see Beca and Jesse starting up another mini subwar, not exactly malicious - let me know what you think. So I hope you enjoyed it, and see you in the next chapter. (*smiles*)