Chapter 12-Niravam

Chloe finished all the shopping and was waiting nervously out in the parking lot of the mall. She kept her cell on the dashboard of her car, hoping to receive some communication from Beca.

When she heard her phone ring, she grabbed it immediately before the caller I.D. registered... "Beca?"

"Uh, no..it's Bree, Chlo. What's going on, you sound upset."

"Bree, thank you for calling back, I really need to talk to you."

"What's going on?"

"Bree, I'm freaking out..I told Beca about working for her dad, and well, she didn't take it well"

"Slow down Chloe, tell me exactly what happened." Aubrey said trying to get her friend to focus.

"Well, we kind of fooled a round a little, and I took the opportunity to tell her why I was trying to put the brakes on everything between us, and when I mentioned working for her dad, it's like the light went out of her eyes. She just basically shut down, and told me she just needed some time. I suggested maybe we split up for the afternoon and meet back up, but it's been like four hours, and she hasn't returned. I gave her my number, but I don't have hers. I really don't want to call her dad, Bree... I just know that would be a bad idea."

"Chloe, if she doesn't show up soon, you're going to have to call him. I need you both back here by tomorrow morning."

"I know, I know. How did this get so messed up?" the ginger exhaled deeply.

"Well...don't ask me. You're the one who got a toner for the little EMO alt girl, and then you're surprised when she acts just like she looks...weird."

"Bree, that's not helpful, you know I really feel something for Beca."

Aubrey knew that despite being amazingly brilliant, Chloe somehow struggled with reading people. She often needed her best friend's help to see things clearly. "Fine...you do realize, she's young...like really young Chloe. Do you know if she's ever had a relationship, let alone one with someone of the same sex before? Do you even know if she's ever suspected she could have feelings like this? I mean, you remember how much you freaked out when I kissed you the first time...I'm sure Beca is just a little overwhelmed by everything that is happening between the two of you, and on top of it, add the stress of it being with a same sex person who also happens to be in close contact with her parent. You can imagine how stressful that might be..right?"

"God..Bree, I'm such an ass, I never even thought about it like that. No wonder she reacted that way. I need to find her Aubrey." Chloe's phone began to ring in. "Bree that could be her, I have to go."

"Ok, just relax Chlo, it's going to be fine." With that Chloe ended the call, and answered the in coming one.

"Hello."

"Hi, is this Chloe Beale?"

"Yes it is, I'm sorry who is speaking please?" she heard an unfamiliar women's voice.

"Hi Ms. Beale, this is Dr. Kendrick from St. Joseph Hospital."

"Dr. Kendrick, is my friend Beca with you?...Is she ok?"

"Ms. Beale, Miss Mitchell is just fine. She asked that I give you a call while we run a few tests, can you come meet her at the hospital?"

"Yes, Dr. Kendrick, please tell Beca I am on my way."

"Good, please use the Emergency Room entrance, we'll see you shortly."

Chloe started her car, threw her phone into the passenger seat, and quickly pulled out of the parking garage. The hospital was only a few blocks away. It was less than a five minute drive. She quickly parked her car, and ran into the emergency room area. She saw a small reception desk, and asked for Beca Mitchell or Dr. Kendrick.

"Please take a seat, someone will be with you shortly." the nurse said, motioning to the waiting area.

Chloe was beyond worried, she couldn't stand the thought of something happening to Beca. How could she have been so stupid. It was a terrible idea to split up today, and even though Beca seemed to need the time alone, she should have stayed with her, she should have known better.

"Ms. Beale?" a Nurse called into the waiting area, and drawing Chloe from her current rumination.

"Yes."

"Please follow me."

Chloe followed her though the corridor and just outside a small exam room where Beca was laying on her side on top of the hospital gurney, IV in her arm, eyes closed and breathing deeply.

"The Dr. will be in shortly to meet with you." The nurse said as she turned and walked back down the hallway.

"Thank you" Chloe acknowledged as she quickly went to her friend's side.

She couldn't help but reach out for her. Beca looked so tiny and frail in the bed. Chloe placed her hand on the smaller girl's back and began to rub light circles.

Beca stirred at the contact.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, I just couldn't help myself." Chloe said as she looked to see if her attention was welcomed.

At first, Beca just looked at Chloe...and before the small brunette could find her voice to speak, she felt the tears streak heavily down her face.

Chloe's heart literally broke at the sight..Beca looked shattered, and she wanted so much just to hold her, but was so afraid to move further without some hint that her expression would be welcomed.

In the end, it was Beca who reached for Chloe's hand, pulling her close. Chloe closed the gap quickly, and wrapped her in strong arms, wanting to protect her from anything and everything that could ever cause her pain. Chloe stood like that, not willing to let go. Finally Beca needed air, and pulled back ever so slightly, and Chloe released her embrace to look down into the eyes that seemed to have captured her heart overnight.

"I fainted again Chlo."

"Are you ok?" She brushed Beca's hair to the side and rested her cheek on the girl's forehead, her arm still draped around Beca's shoulder.

"I didn't hurt myself...but they found me unconscious in the bathroom, and called an ambulance. I couldn't talk my way out of it, being seventeen they insisted that someone of age be responsible for taking me home."

"Ok, do we need to call your parents?"

"No, you're old enough to qualify."

A short woman in a lab coat came into the room at that time. "Well how are you feeling Beca?"

"I'm ok, still a little dizzy I guess."

"Well, all of your tests have come back, and it doesn't look like you have a concussion. I am a little concerned about the iron level in your blood."

"She's anemic?" Chloe asked.

"Yes she is, are you Ms. Beale?"

"Oh, yes I am, sorry, and it's Chloe" she reached out her hand.

"Dr. Kendrick or just Doc" shaking her hand with a warm smile. "I think we spoke earlier."

"Yes, we did. I didn't mean to interrupt."

"No that's fine, I'd like you to begin taking an iron supplement Beca, and I'd like to keep you here just a little while longer, as it looks like you are a bit dehydrated. I'm also going to write a prescription for Lorazepam, it should help with the panic disorder, but I'd like you to follow-up with a therapist back home as soon as you can, to come up with a more long term treatment. Any questions girls?...Ok then" Dr. Kendrick sat at the small desk and began writing out her notes briefly before making a move to exit.

Chloe looked at Beca who looked a little lost in all the information. Chloe took the opportunity to speak up.

"Dr. Kendrick"

"Yes, Chloe"

"I'm a little concerned with the long-term effects of Benzodiazepines, but understand your treatment plan. I would like to suggest that you consider an oral disintegrating tablet instead, as these episodes hit Beca quickly, and the absorption rate of a normal tablet would be ineffective."

"You're very right Chloe, thank you for the suggestion, I'll adjust this for .5mg of Niravam, PRN. You look way too young to be a physician, do you have medical training?"

"Just an EMT at the moment, Doc."

"But she's heading to medical school after graduating Barden next year." Beca said, brightening at the impressive display.

"Good for you dear. Here's my card, let me know if you need any advice, its hard work..." she turned in Beca's direction giving a wink "but well worth it. You two take care, now." she made her quick exit.

A nurse came in to hang another IV bag, and Chloe pulled up a chair beside Beca. "Why don't you get some sleep, I'll call Aubrey and will let her know we are going to stay the night in town, but we'll be back early tomorrow, does that sound like a plan?"

"Yeah Chloe, that sounds perfect, thank you."