Moxain: Can't really blame you.
Whatizthiz: I like Ben. I have yet to find out what to do with him though.
charliepollock1357: A very big thanks for waiting.
NightmareWalker: Come on, the ending was the best part! Okay, I get it, I'm evil.
Guest (Feb 28): That's exactly the point, dear. :)
cxcxcx386: She won't be. She's getting better.
Rennie Laroche: We'll get there. Eventually.
avidreader: Oh I can't wait to share you, guys, Back to Basics. It's kind of cool in my head, I just hope it will transcend in the story.
itsmefiebs, AlphonseAl: At least they were together in the dream, right? :)
brittanysnodes: Chloe can try to fight for it, but the Board would never let her. At this point, as long as you're a Beale you're bad for the business. And don't worry about Beca, she prepared herself for it. She knows exactly what she's doing.
MysticFalls94: I can't simply bring Beca back just like that. It'll defeat the entire purpose of Chloe moving on.
Natali1798: Hmm. One last time? Maybe?
asdfg, madness2013, Guest (Feb 27), purplefurball: I'm so sorry...
BeChloeFan01: I can totally feel the frustration.
So at this point, I just really want to thank all the crickets out there who still read the story. I did warn you that it's going to be different from Stolen. But really, the reunion can happen anytime now - if I could just spoil it to you. I think, creatively, this is my favorite chapter so far.
CHAPTER FIVE: Shadow
"Chloe!" This persistent reporter from the local newspaper who had been much of a stalker lately called out, running after the young heiress who was surrounded by bodyguards, holding out his audio recorder just in case she would accidentally slip out a few statements for a news story. "Chloe, just a quick interview. How do you feel about your father getting demoted? What will happen to Phoenix Corporation now that Richard Posen is both the CEO and the Chairman of the Board?"
Chloe was securely escorted out the television studio to the Range Rover alertly waiting for her.
"What about the allegations that he's been running underground activities? Is your father financially troubled? Sources are saying that he will soon be filing for bankruptcy. Any comment on this?"
"Miss Beale has to go," was Kimmy Jin's only firm response before trailing behind the redhead into the car and then shut the door close to his face.
"Wait! Just answer a question or two!"
A couple of men in black suits stood in the way as the car soon drove away just to make sure that the reporter wouldn't pull off a last minute crazy trick; these people always did. Just how did he even manage to learn about Chloe Beale's schedule? When it was already deemed safe, the pair hopped into the black luxury car waiting for them to join the rest of the convoy.
"Unbelievable," he puffed and threw his hands in the air, dismayed. Still, nothing for a worthwhile story. "One day, Chloe Beale. I'll squeeze out a statement from you."
He then put the recorder away and turned around to leave only to make an abrupt halt at the sudden presence of a man with muscular arms in the size of beach balls – he had a cup of coffee on hand while he peered down at him. He wasn't even trying, but the mere appearance rapidly sent great terrors to the man of average height.
"They call me Thud," the stranger introduced himself after taking a sip of hot coffee.
The reporter furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. What did it have to do with him?
"That's the sound it makes when I throw people over my head and then they land on the ground," revealed the big man like a casual piece of information.
Taken aback, the poor guy swallowed the lump of fear stuck in his throat.
"So if you don't ever wish to hear it, I strongly suggest that you leave Chloe Beale alone. Are we clear?"
The other automatically nodded his head in truthful agreement, his face adorned with beads of sweat.
"Excellent," Thud flashed a grin then began to walk away, fully satisfied. The girl with the ladybug tattoo had at least one less problem on this planet to be burdened with from then on. What? He was just trying to help. It wasn't his business, he could get killed for it – for meddling, for being a half loyal Phoenix – but something about it felt like it was the right thing to do. Chloe was still special whether or not his boss would ever admit it, so consider it a favor to a very good friend. Anyway, CR and the Head Phoenix never had to know about it.
She really tried to fight it – the urge of being such a judgmental bitch – but Ronie simply could not let the opportunity pass. Here was Chloe who looked chirpier than the last occasion, and the evident difference between then and this historic day was that she brought along this guy who danced with her during the party. Oh, was this the one who would dare to steal the heart of her daughter's so-called one true love or whatever kids these days would call it? Stupid Beca, if she could just change her mind.
He was shorter than Stan, but still tall – probably five feet and ten inches in height – compared to Beca's… Never mind, he swiftly dominated that round. Gorgeous face, indeed. But Beca was more than attractive and appealing. The List could certainly speak for itself. Silky smooth dark brown locks and a pair of ocean blue eyes; eugh, he's basically a copycat! Chloe didn't like a bit of him, Ronie concluded. She only liked the Beca in him. Yes, it's still Beca. There was nothing to worry about.
"I believe you two haven't been introduced to each other yet," her ears were starting to listen just in time for Chloe's voice. "Ronie, this is Benjamin McDouglas. His family operates several manufacturing companies in the country… Ben, meet Veronica Grant, the never-tiring Chief Directress of Barden Homes. She's done a lot of amazing things."
"Please call me Ben," he grinned. So he's into handshakes when the mighty Phoenix was popularly known for her rude blank stares. Handshakes are too mainstream anyway.
Ronie shook his hand but noticeably refused to offer a nickname. They're not that close enough yet.
"It's nice to finally meet you, ma'am."
Fine, he's very polite. Typical cultured person. Could be boring at times.
"Any friend of Chloe Beale is welcome to Barden," Ronie plastered a smile all for the redhead's sake.
"I've heard a lot of good stories from Chloe," he said, looking over at the young heiress standing next to him. Did he ever not display his enchanting charm? It's completely unnecessary. "I must say, I'm already in love with Barden. This seems really nice. This is…"
"Charity?" the Chief Directress proposed, injecting a little sour taste into the conversation, not being able to behave herself any longer. "I mean, let's face it, most people come here as if the kids are some kind of a mystic perfume that could make their grubby images magically look squeaky clean… Chloe was the very first one who treated these people otherwise."
There had to be something off about this guy. He couldn't be that perfect. Even Chloe, intrigued, waited for the visitor to salvage his dignity.
"I-I was supposed to say 'home'," Ben clarified, maintaining his poise with a pleasant smile, not showing any trace that he was taken aback at all by the change of mood. "This is home. For me, it feels like it."
Why in the world was he so good at picking up the right things to say?
"That's good to know," was all Ronie could utter after all.
"Thanks for letting us in, Ronie." Chloe put on a smile of gratitude before another state of awkwardness would ensue.
"Anything for you, Chloe," the brunette nodded her head delightfully. Indeed, anything for Chloe Beale. "Now why don't you two meet the kids in the playground? They're having a playtime right now. I just have to check on something then, uh… I'll be joining you soon enough."
"Brilliant," Ben agreed, excited for the day ahead, and turned to the redhead beside him linking a friendly hand to hers without her consent. "Shall we?"
Chloe didn't see that one coming, and somehow Ronie rejoiced a little when the redhead's face had fallen into a frown. It only meant that even when she was trying to, the young heiress wasn't entirely over Beca just yet. In fact, she even sneaked a glance at her dead girlfriend's mother as if asking for permission. Unfortunately, in contrast to how she really felt because her callous of a daughter had to play dead, Ronie surrendered a reluctant nod along with a small smile as a form of blessing. And so, Chloe, half-hearted, kept her hand in his grip. Goddamn it, this guy actually had a chance of winning.
"Am I really that much of a bad company, huh?" Ben jokingly inquired when they had been strolling halfway through the building and the redhead still didn't make any reaction to his supposedly witty stories.
"What?"
Of course, her mind wasn't with him the whole time. Chloe was having a mental panic attack; he might have thought she was being ill-mannered. Luckily, he found it very amusing instead and eventually chuckled.
"If it bothers you a lot that I call this a date, then we can throw the entire thing out of the window."
"I-I'm sorry, Ben," was all she could say. The itch to pull her hand away from his was increasing; it just didn't feel right. Nonetheless, she kept it right in place because she was done crying and waiting and hurting. It was the proper time to leave the pathetic Chloe behind.
"All this time I thought you're a fake. I couldn't believe how much people adore you that even the press couldn't paint dirt on your portrait. And then when I danced with you… I was so shocked to see it's true. Believe it or not, Chloe, you are the most beautiful girl I've ever known. And it puzzles me how, at the same time, you have the loneliest eyes I've ever seen… So tell me, what happened to you?"
Chloe looked up to check on his face, to meet his eyes. He was dead serious, patiently waiting for the concealed story to unfold.
"I fell in love," she answered in all honesty. More than anyone, she surprised her own self that she was giving him a piece of her heart. Maybe it's because of the dark brown locks and the ocean blue eyes. "And then I lost her. Just like that."
"Her," he repeated just to make sure that he had heard it right.
The redhead nodded positively. "She… was the best I've ever had."
"Well, I will never try to replace her," he promised. "That would be cruel… and plain stupid. She sounds irreplaceable anyway. Right now, I just want to be your friend, Chloe. I just want to try and hopefully be that person who could make you feel… not lonely anymore. So if you ever need somebody, you should know that I'm here for you."
"Thanks," escaped from her mouth while her eyes stare at him in awe. He seemed too perfect that he seemed surreal. "Thanks, Ben."
"Chloe!" suddenly rang in their ears as soon as they had exited the building.
Chloe shifted her gaze and found cute little Maverick by the open field, grinning wildly and waving enthusiastically specially for her. Just as thrilled, the young heiress dragged the visitor all the way to meet the adorable kid and the rest of the group in the playground. Almost immediately, the kids turned their heads and gathered around their beloved redhead.
"Whoa, wait!" she snapped before she could end up forgetting that she actually brought someone along with her. "Guys, meet Ben."
"Hi, Ben!" everybody cooed followed by adorable giggles, mostly from girls.
"Why don't you all get acquainted with him?" Chloe suggested, encouraging the new guy while keeping the crowd interested. "Ben will be around more often."
The brunet subsequently picked up a ball lying nearby. "Who wants to play a game?"
The kids erupted into a loud 'me' together with hands raised up in the sky as the young McDouglas directed the group to the center of the open field to start a fun game. Of course, he was good at kids too! Little Maverick, however, didn't follow the lead. He simply stood in place looking not so equally fond of the new guy.
"Hey, Maverick," Chloe bent over to check on him. "What's the matter? Don't you want to play?"
"Uh…" he rambled for a moment chewing on his lower lip until he could search for the right terms for his speech. "I'm just confused and worried."
Then the redhead was confused and worried. "Why? What's wrong?"
"I just thought if Becky sees you with Ben, she might not be happy about it."
"Beca?" was all she could say in a faint whisper of surprise.
The young fellow nodded his head to confirm. "She is so quiet again."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, she is hardly even happy these days. She won't tell me, but I think she misses you. And if she sees you with the new guy, I think it will make her feel... sadder. So could you do me a favor, Chloe? Please don't let Becky see you with him. I worry about her, you know… Thanks."
And Chloe was left absolutely dumbfounded, not even noticing that Maverick had already gone off to join the others. His words were meant to be innocent but the implication of the statement was all too powerful. The candid use of present tense as if he was naturally telling her that her dear Beca was in fact alive… just when she had successfully convinced herself that the mighty Phoenix was already irrevocably dead. The problem was that kids never lie, and she was too vulnerable to ignore the bait.
Gathering whatever was left of her sanity, Chloe stood up and ran her eyes wherever they could, franticly searching for anything, any sign of, any form of Beca Mitchell, be it a ghost or one that was actually alive and breathing. All there was, however, was Chloe's very own shadow. And so she laughed because she realized that she should have known nothing was about to change. It's as if that's all there ever was – Beca was only a shadow of memories, a phantom this point forward. The mighty Phoenix had turned into something apparent to sense but with no substantial existence, and that's all she would ever be since that day she died. With that in consideration, Chloe rationalized that maybe little Maverick just really missed his old friend too, the old friend who made him feel like a brave little warrior.
"How the fuck did this shit happened?" Bumper screamed at the line of mortified men even pushing them violently in tremendous affliction.
"We did everything according to the plan, boss," Donald meekly answered in behalf of the bunch of failures. "The team had the road for themselves. All Syndics were out on the field, stationed on every quarters of The Society. We kept an eye on every Phoenix out there. Nobody managed to leave their turf."
"Then how do you explain to me that our guy is now dead?"
"I-I don't know, boss…"
The Head Syndic exhaled sharply and closed his eyes momentarily to extract the growing tension out of his system. Stress, so much stress.
"Do you know how important that transport is, dude?" he posted a rhetorical question. "I don't care about the others, but the guy that they were supposed to deliver here knows how to find the damn treasure. He's the fucking key to that fucking treasure! I'll trade all of you shitheads for him! We need that fucking information!"
"T-There must be someone else who is after the treasure."
"Then what are you still waiting for, idiots?" Bumper shot them loads of death glares more. "Find. Whoever. They. Are. Fast."
Rattled, the assembly of Syndics rushed out of the room desperately moving away from Bumper's wrath. Must find who killed the guy. Must find who stole the information. Must retrieve what was stolen.
Beca rested her feet on top of the table and leaned back to her chair, not taking her gaze, even for a second, away from the screen. Tap…tap… tap… Just a little bit more. Tap… tap… tap… and the game was over. The screen displayed her Flappy Bird score of 12, two points short from the minimum possible high score she's been dying to achieve. Fuck it. She angrily threw the device away – CR and Lilly had to duck in an effort to save their faces – and a bottle of Johnnie Walker broke as it took the deadly impact.
"You do realize that that game is not meant for you, right?" Cynthia-Rose scowled at the brunette who had an apparent ridiculously bad temper.
"Here, boss," Lilly, sounding inaudibly as usual, nevertheless tossed another communication device to the Head Phoenix.
Subsequently, the young Mitchell turned to shoot her old friend her very own rendition of sticking her tongue out – the ever annoying black stare.
"If you're actually paying The Secret Society for every communication device you break, we won't need the fucking treasure at all. We would make a fortune out of you alone. We could be richer than Bill Gates, Mitchell."
However, Beca was already back to playing, ignoring all the more the rest of the galaxy. CR shook her head one last time in annoyance then resumed her work with Lilly. Benji and whatever 'Back to Basics' meant, there must be some sort of a connection somewhere when all the Syndics willingly risked their lives that night in order to assure one man's survival. It was quite an attempt, but the plan was not maintained in secrecy. If only Beca wasn't too impatient, and waited at least for a useful interrogation before slaughtering the guy.
"That Bumper dude is fucking hilarious," Thud came bursting through the door, heading directly to the bar to get a drink. "He still hasn't figured it all out."
"What is?"
"First of all, that his greatest nemesis, is actually alive."
"That's good."
"Our intel said that the Head Syndic believes there's another party involved other than The Secret Society. He's seriously sending his men to a search party."
"At least things are still working in our favor. As long as Beca is dead for them, that means we can freely move in the background. We are the unseen dark shadows. We continue with this play as well as crack the lead, then this game is all ours… Incredible plan, Mitchell."
Of course, it was Beca who designed the plan. She didn't kill herself for nothing.
"Wait a minute," CR held up a hand in behalf of the IT expert whose voice was incapable of being heard. "Lilly found something."
Thud almost spit out the liquor on its way down his throat while even the indifferent Beca Mitchell paused from playing to pay attention to the announcement. One year had passed, and something big was finally about to happen. Lilly was murmuring words to a very attentive CR, explaining the unlocked lead based on the data displayed on the laptop screen. A few minutes more and the old Phoenix slowly turned towards the rest of the team, a fulfilling smirk sitting on her lips.
"Lilly put all the accounts together. Looking closely into Benji's whereabouts during his last few months, there's a pattern. All those times, he had been secretly travelling to Savannah… This could be it, people."
"I don't understand," confessed Thud. What's in Savannah?
"It could mean than Benji kept his old files someplace else," the Head Phoenix elaborated. "Pandemonium wasn't safe enough anymore, and it would put his master in danger if Benji left them with him."
CR nodded her head in agreement and ultimately concluded, "Back to Basics must be in Savannah. We could be one step closer to the fucking treasure."
It wasn't a surprise at all when another shattering sound echoed in the atmosphere. Chloe, however, still let out a heavy sigh at the picture of mess forming in her head. She would have to clean it up later.
"That was not our fault," Stan shouted from the other room.
"I-It was the Force," Jesse's voice automatically followed in a defensive tone.
Giving Stan and Jesse each an authentic lightsaber toys as random gifts in order to feed their fan boy feels probably wasn't a very good idea after all; and the redhead was already starting to regret it. The duo had been literally playing for long straight hours, invading every room there was in the house, breaking nearly everything upon careless contact, and the loud buzz that the weapons produced was growing eerie to the senses.
"Boys, brownies are ready."
The young heiress looked over from the kitchen to see them still engaged in a combat, their lightsabers glowing up the dining room.
"Coming, Chloe."
It was obviously a consensus lie, and so she scoffed and shook her head in surrender. Boys with their silly toys. Taking a deep breath, she fetched the plate of brownies and a pitcher of lemonade from the counter and started to move out of the kitchen.
"Watch out!"
The warning was abrupt just in time to give her reflex a millisecond to duck and miss the pair of lightsabers that was about to hit her on the head. Stan and Jesse were rightfully apologetic about it but much to her dismay, the playing still carried on.
"Come on, Padawan," Stan taunted his opponent sporting a mischievous grin on his sexy pair of lips. "Is that all you've got?"
"I'm not a Padawan! A Jedi master I am!" Jesse replied as he poised to make another attack only to be deflected by the other Jedi wanna-be.
Chloe took it as a cue to simply leave them alone and just let them be. They would stop when they get hungry – that was always the perfect ending for occasions like this. And so she proceeded to the patio to join Aubrey and Fat Amy. It was a relief that they were still getting along, not trying to drown each other in the swimming pool, although at the same time, it felt awkward in a way. If Stan could make a choice soon.
"And that is how torrent works," the IT expert ended her lessons leaving the Posen heiress in complete admiration. Wow, it was very astounding considering how extremely rare it usually happened that even her own best friend had her mouth hanging open.
"So what you're saying is that I can practically download everything I want… for free?" inquired Aubrey as she stared at the laptop screen.
Fat Amy nodded her head as she reached for her first two brownies for the night. "You got it, mate."
"Are you sure it has everything?"
"Does a bear shit in the woods?"
"Does it have Casablanca though?" the blonde heiress challenged. "It's a movie from the 1940s, for your information. This torrent thing most probably doesn't have the classics."
"I told you, it fucking has everything!"
"Alright, alright!" the other held her hands up and rolled her eyes. "I'll give you a list of things to download tomorrow. I don't have time for these kinds of stuff."
"It comes with a price," joked the Australian.
"A hundred bucks per download," offered the young heiress, then paused for a moment, afraid that maybe she was being cheap. "Wait, would that suffice?"
Fat Amy had to retrieve her jaw from the floor in shock. A hundred dollars for each download? Of course, it would suffice! The paycheck from the blonde bitch would surely be as sweet as the delicious brownies that Chloe baked. Yeah, she was really getting the hang of cooking.
"So, Chloe..." Aubrey chirpily turned to her awfully quiet best friend as she poured lemonade into a glass. "Where's Ben? I thought you would invite him over."
Chloe grimaced in confusion. "Ben? Ben McDouglas? Why would I invite him over?"
"You know, 'cause he's clearly into you and you two were waltzing back at the party and you're actually leaving the house now to spend some time with him. Chloe McDouglas... not bad."
"We're just friends," was the redhead's firm response.
"Oh that sounds familiar," the Australian chick chimed in munching on another pair of brownies. "Where in the world have I heard it before? Ah, show business. That's what they always say. Freaking liars."
"But we really are just friends," insisted Chloe.
"Did you clarify that to Ronie when you brought Ben along to Barden?" Aubrey questioned knowingly. "It's not like you're not allowed to date anymore, Beca's gone anyway, but it's pretty much of a big deal when you've been such a pathetic ass for over a year then suddenly you're going out with this guy and parade him to your ex's mother."
"Ben and I don't go out," the redhead made it crystal clear. "We go to Barden, and that's all about it. And Beca's not my ex, Posen, we never broke up. She just… died, you know. I-It wasn't her choice to leave."
Her best friend rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Same thing."
"I'm sure Ronie won't mind," Fat Amy assured after taking a big gulp of lemonade. "Sooner or later, you really have to move on anyway."
"But I'm not-" Chloe started out with a strong conviction but stopped herself midway. She almost blurted it out, that she wasn't really moving on after all, and then realized it was everything the others would never want to hear; they would never understand. Fat Amy was right though. Eventually, she would have to move on. It would take time, probably a really long time, but eventually she would.
"Are you okay?" asked her best friend.
Speechless, the redhead slowly vacated her seat and started walking back to the house. The pair of blondes exchanged baffled looks at the unforeseen turn of events.
"Chloe, where are you going?"
"Out," was the only bland response. "Don't worry, I'll be back."
"But we're about to start with the meeting!" exclaimed Aubrey, but her best friend was already out of sight.
"And we're going to coerce Stan to play strip poker!" the other blonde added in all honesty.
Stan who just arrived at the scene immediately frowned at the plan, "W-What now?"
"And by the way," Chloe was back at the door already wearing a grey Cashmere sweater and black pants instead of the previous casual tee and denim shorts. "I'm taking some of the brownies."
"Don't you fucking touch those brownies!" the Australian blonde instantly erupted in a vulgar protest, but the redheaded monster had already disappeared out of their sight once again.
Holding on to the box of brownies she brought, Chloe rehearsed a big smile one last time before nervously ringing on the doorbell. She wasn't even supposed to be standing here at this doorstep this late at night with no valid excuse except from the gut-feeling that she should be here this very moment. The idea of running back to the car as fast as she could, leave, and pretend it never really happened just popped in her mind when the front door finally creaked opened. Fuck, too late to change her mind.
[Rescue me
Come on and take my heart]
"Chloe," Ronie breathed out in disbelief.
"Hi," replied the redhead with a shy smile, so far off from the big one that she had perfectly rehearsed several seconds ago.
"What a pleasant surprise!" the brunette exclaimed, even letting out a chuckle, because it really was. "Come in, come in."
[Come on, I'm lonely and I'm blue
I need you and your love too]
"Make yourself at home, honey. Can I offer you something?"
"No, thanks, Ronie."
Chloe took a seat on the couch where she used to spend all those days with Beca while Ronie walked over to the turntable located at the far corner to lift up the tone arm away from the spinning record; she would have to continue the music afterwards.
"I hope I didn't interrupt anything," said the young heiress when the other was again visible to her sight.
"Of course not," the hostess assured, shaking her head as she sat on the chair to the right. "I actually just had dinner, and I was just listening to some music. Well… same old, same old stuff."
"In that case, I brought something for dessert. They don't taste anything like my omelet, I swear."
Chloe eagerly held up the box of brownies that she had prepared. She knew it was good, a present that's right for someone she truly held dear in her heart. The gracious hostess gladly accepted the gift with a laugh. Oh god, Chloe's omelet. Waiting for nothing, she opened the box, picked her first brownies and ate it with delight.
"Yum!" Ronie let her mouth savor the caramel flavor. "Chloe, this is absolutely delicious! I see the cooking lessons really paid off, huh?"
The young heiress chuckled and nodded her head, "If I want to continue living on my own, I needed that."
"There's always take-out food," the brunette pursed her lips before picking up another brownies. "The invention of take-out food and delivery is the best thing that ever happened in history. It saves time and keeps my stove clean. There's actually a decent Chinese takeout somewhere here, and pizza never gets old, right?"
Her guest laughed at the entirety of the statement. How it was always fun to hang out with Ronie.
"Still not talking to your father?" she started asking though. "He called up this morning to ask if you were going to visit Barden today. I mean, if you were talking to him, I assume you would tell him about your schedule yourself or at least let Kimmy Jin share it to Gail."
Chloe lowered her eyes to avoid Ronie's gaze, "I'm a 24-year-old grown woman. He doesn't have to treat me like a baby."
"Ah, kids. You never really get how this works, do you? You think parents are only made to be needed by their children that when you've grown up into an independent person, you think the job has already been done. We need you too, you know. Parents need their kids in order to live an imperfect yet fully-satisfying life."
"You're being weird," the redhead couldn't help but comment as words of wisdom escaped naturally out of Ronie's mouth causing the hostess to snicker in understanding; that was out of character. "I just want to say I'm sorry, Ronie."
"For what?"
"I'm sorry about Ben. I'm sorry for bringing him over. That was so uncalled for."
Getting on the same page, the brunette put on a smile to put the young heiress at ease, to assure that there was nothing to be sorry for. She was not mad or anything. Well, she was scared, but it wasn't Chloe's fault.
"Benjamin seems like a great guy," she admitted. "He's like a male version of you."
"But Beca…" Chloe's voice trailed off. Was there anything more to be said? 'Beca' seemed to be more than enough.
"Beca is dead," persuaded Ronie. "Chloe, she's gone. You have to move on now… and moving on doesn't mean walking away from Beca, alright? It only means that you're still going to be happy even without her."
Convinced, the redhead sighed and nodded her head compliantly along with a small smile. "I'm trying to move on. Really, I am. But I will always love Beca, Ronie. There won't be any time that I'm not going to miss her. And I want you to know that."
[-'cause I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely?]
All of a sudden, Fontella Bass was singing again, and Chloe intuitively turned around to check on it, a baffled look painted all over her face. Ronie, on the other hand, secretly heaved a sigh of relief when it was certain that the redhead only saw an innocent malfunctioning turntable.
"I shouldn't have left the record spinning," she called for the other's attention. "Plus the tone arm is kind of loose. That happens with a very old turntable."
Before Chloe could give out a response, her ringtone blasted in the air.
"It must be Aubrey," she hypothesized then rolled her eyes in annoyance when it was definitely her best friend calling. "I have to go, Ronie. I'm sorry. She's totally going to kill me if I don't leave now."
Chuckling, Ronie stood up as well to show her guest the way out making sure to give her a warm hug before the young heiress could head back to the car. She even waved goodbye as Chloe drove off.
"Coast is clear," she locked the door and returned to her seat. "You can come eat brownies with me now. I saved some for you."
Sluggishly, the mighty Phoenix emerged from right behind the couch where Chloe had been sitting for the past few minutes – they were never that close since more than a year ago. Ronie ate another piece of brownies as she followed her daughter's moves with a pair of quietly mocking eyes. Beca took a seat and shoot back a blank stare as if nothing happened.
"Your girlfriend came for a surprise visit and suddenly you don't know how to make a graceful exit through the window. You almost destroyed my turntable, young lady."
The notorious brunette simply sat there, mute.
"You've been hiding behind the couch all along, you could have touched her already. Oh your back indirectly on her back… how romantic!"
Still, Beca appeared unaffected.
"It really bothers me how you can tolerate her enduring the pain of not being able to be with you. Have some mercy!" Ronie knew she might not get an answer, but she was going to post the questions anyway. "Tell me, how does it feels like to hear her say all that? Aren't you scared, Beca? Do you honestly think that she would keep waiting for you? She's finally grasping the idea that you're dead, and so any moment now, she can grow tired of you. You do know that, right?"
"I know she can," muttered the young Mitchell. "...I just hope she doesn't"
"So remind me again, please, why I still have to lie to her."
"Because her heart is no place for a monster like me."
Gasping and shaking her head in a combination of great disappointment and utter frustration, Ronie leaned back to her seat, filled her mouth with as much brownies as it could possibly hold, and showered her cold-blooded daughter with child-like glares.
Song: Rescue Me - Fontella Bass
Okay, I know it's a drag and such an agony waiting and waiting for that highly anticipated reunion... but I really like how it's going so far, and it's very important to me that Chloe gets to restore herself first. I mean, she's not just some fictional character to me. When I write, I can feel her emotions too, and I bet having Beca back would be more heartfelt when she already thought she'd lost her. Anyway, we're going to have a really fun party next chapter. I hope to see you all there. :)
Disclaimer: I don't own Pitch Perfect.