Author's Note: So, here's a pretty long chapter. Aubrey's POV is the next chapter but it had to be Beca's for this one and you'll see why. Thanks for the follows. Let me know what you think if you have a chance. P.S You guys excited about the PP2 trailer?! (:

AUTHOR'S NOTE 2: Sorry if this put an update in your email-was correcting some minor mistakes that were driving me apeshit. 3

Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize.

Chapter Four

Beca is exhausted what with classes, Bellas practice, work and Jonah, but she manages. She keeps up a straight face around anyone who would notice and no one does—or so she thinks. Not only that but she's starting to tire of rebuffing Jesse's not-so-subtle advances. At one point he tried to learn what dorm she was in so they could have what he liked to call, a 'movie-cation' but Beca quickly shut that down, stating she didn't live in a dorm and there was no way he was coming to her place. He seemed hurt by that but quickly got over it.

Time seems to fly and with it, Beca's energy and patience but soon enough it's time for Regionals. Beca has to keep from grimacing as the judges seem to yawn at their tired performance; that is until Fat Amy does her solo. She can't help the large grin that spreads across her face as the Aussie sings enthusiastically and adds a little of her own flare. This seems to spark something in the judges. The Bellas manage to make it by a hair and Beca is sure they would have lost to the Sock-a-pellas had it not been for Amy but Aubrey thinks otherwise… of course. Beca sighs at the thought as she follows the rest of the Bellas down the stairs.

Everyone stops though when they see Bumper arguing with some past a capella graduates. Things seem to get out of hand very quickly and Jesse ends up in the small scuffle, trying to stay out of it. But Beca feels oddly protective of him like he's her stupid kid brother getting into trouble. She groans inwardly.

"I'm just… I'm gonna check on them…" Beca moves down the stairs and she's not sure what gets into her and somehow she ends up punching the older man. "Oh my god! Oh my god, ow!" Damn they never tell you how bad it hurts to punch someone but it's kind of satisfying to watch him stumble back.

Jesse looks a little bewildered but before anyone can do anything she hears Amy "The Kraken has been unleashed!" She grabs the trophy from Jesse but Beca is quick to grab the other side.

"Amy, don't. Amy!"

"Fat Amy, kick me in the balls!" Beca's head snaps to the guy she's just punched and Amy does as he's asked.

"Amy!"

"Give me the sharp weapon; I wanna put it up his butt!" Amy tugs on the trophy and Beca tugs back, trying to defuse the situation but of course Beca's luck doesn't work like that. The Trophy breaks and flies through the glass shattering it and Beca is left holding the other half while Amy runs the other way. (It's the fastest she's ever seen the blonde girl run.)

"Amy!"

"Vertical running, I'm vertical running!"

Beca looks back at the glass to see the policeman who's headed toward her. Fantastic. Just what she fucking needs…

…..

To Beca's surprise, she is bailed out by none other than Aubrey and Chloe. As soon as she steps outside, she's enveloped in a hug by Chloe. "Hey, Million dollar baby!" The redhead teases as she pulls back, punching her arm playfully.

Beca chuckles. "Hey." She punches back softly before turning her attention to Aubrey who stands rigidly to the side. "Gotta say, wasn't expecting either of you to bail me out. I swear I'll pay you back."

"Well, Jesse was going to call your dad," Beca feels her heart stammer in her chest and she's sure the color has drained from her face. Chloe is nodding. "Yeah, so of course I intervened." The DJ lets out a sigh and suddenly brings Chloe in for another hug, surprising them both.

"Thank you." Beca breathes. God, that would have been the perfect fucking cherry topper to her night. Her father coming to get her and lecturing her like a child. It wasn't her fault.

For the first time, Aubrey finally speaks up. "We wanted to send the Bellas to your dorm but we weren't sure what section or dorm number you were in…"

Beca swallows her anxiety and nods. "Uh, yeah… I don't live on campus; I live in an apartment a couple blocks away."

"Right, that's what Jesse said." Aubrey continues. "So, we said we'd call them to let them know the address to meet us there." The blonde is already taking out her cell phone.

Panic unfurls itself from the pit of Beca's stomach and her throat tightens. Fuck. "Beca?" Chloe's hand is on her arm but Beca can't really feel it. What the fuck is she supposed to say? "Beca are you okay? Bree, I think she's having a panic attack!" A panic attack? Is that what this is?

She can't breathe. Beca can't fucking breathe. God she's been so stressed and if it's not one thing it's another and now she has to come up with a reason to avoid them going to her apartment—but she can't think. She can't breathe! Why can't she breathe? Her hands move up to claw at her chest and black dots swim in her vision.

"Beca?" Aubrey's voice. It's softer than she's ever heard it but firm as she continues. "Beca, I need you to breathe for me, sweetie."

She's dying. This must be what it feels like because she's sure her lungs are going to explode. Her cheeks are wet and she briefly realizes that she's started to cry, to hyperventilate. "Beca, focus on my voice, okay? Do you understand me?" They're sitting on the steps now, when did they sit? Beca isn't sure but she brings her wide eyes to meet Aubrey's worried green ones. "Nod if you can understand." Beca thinks she nods. She's pretty sure.

"Okay, Beca. Hold your breath for three seconds for me and then let it out slowly." Aubrey instructs her. Hold her breath? She can't fucking breathe and her chest is so tight it feels like an anvil has been thrown onto it. She's sweating and dizzy and if she could breathe, she's pretty sure she'd throw up. Beca tries to hold her breath though, and then it comes out in a shudder, rattling the inside of her chest. Aubrey smiles softly. "Good, now breathe with me, okay? Chloe, sit behind her, she looks like she's gonna pass out."

Faintly, Beca feels someone pull her gently back and then she's pressed up against something soft but her eyes never leave Aubrey's because they're the only thing anchoring her. Aubrey begins to demonstrate deep, slow breaths—in through her nose, hold it for three seconds and out through her mouth. Beca tries to follow along but she struggles a little, blindly reaching for something to hold onto. She feels a warm hand in her own, squeezing gently. "You're doing well, Beca. Keep breathing with me." Aubrey encourages. Soon, the pressure in her chest eases and breathing becomes less like she's sucking up gravel and dirt into her throat and lungs.

After a few silent moments of Beca breathing normally she finally notices that Aubrey's the one holding her hand. "You okay?" Aubrey asks, green eyes looking concerned. Beca gives a small nod, swallowing thickly. She feels embarrassed and like crying. "Good. That was a bad one. Do you have panic attacks often?" It's so strange to have Aubrey speaking so softly and looking so concerned for her.

An arm wraps around her waist and Beca remembers that she's been leaning against Chloe this whole time. "I—n-no. I've n-never had one." The brunette croaks, shaky hand coming up to wipe at the tear tracks on her face. An involuntary tremble starts from the inside of her chest and shakes her entire body. Aubrey gives her a sympathetic look.

"You're going to feel worn out for a bit and you'll probably do that for a while too… The chest tremors." She glances down at their hands which are still clasped together.

"Aubrey used to get really bad panic attacks." Chloe explains softly in her ear.

Beca understand now how Aubrey was so calm and knew what to do. She squeezes the blonde's hand in her own. "Thanks." Beca says quietly.

Aubrey looks up and smiles softly. "It would have been easier had I had a cold rag to put on your chest. It helps—shocks the heart a little to stop beating so fast and making you panic. It helps me, anyway." She says quietly. Beca nods once. "Think you can walk?" Again, the brunette nods, attempting to get up.

She stumbles a little but both Aubrey and Chloe grab an arm and keep her steady as they walk to the car. They're both silent, giving Beca a moment to gather her thoughts and for that she's thankful.

"You've been stressed lately." It's not a question, but a statement or more of an observation. Aubrey glances in the rear-view mirror at Beca who has given up on feeling embarrassed and vulnerable and is laying her head on Chloe's shoulder.

"Yes." Beca admits quietly. Chloe's arm wraps around her waist as a tremor runs through her body, rattling her teeth. She feels so weak. They haven't left the parking lot yet and Beca knows that Aubrey is waiting for the brunette to tell them what to do. She sighs. "Listen," Beca starts, sitting up a little. "Uhm, can you not call the Bellas to go to my apartment I—There's something I have to tell you guys and I just—I don't think I can handle all of them at once learning this—this part of me." Beca runs a trembling hand over her face.

"Of course, Becs." Chloe says easily and Aubrey nods. So Beca gives the blonde directions.

…..

"Are you going to tell us what it is that's so big?" Chloe asks as she helps Beca out of Aubrey's car.

Beca's heart is beating so fast that it feels like it's going to break out of her chest. She swallows thickly and a moment later, Aubrey is beside her, holding her arm and shooting Chloe a look. "Whatever it is, Beca… I'm sure it's not as big a deal as you're making it out to be." Aubrey says gently.

"It's a pretty big deal," Beca says nervously as she leads them to her apartment door. "I'm not really sure how you're going to take it. Most people are pretty judgmental." The brunette unlocks her door, taking a steadying breath before she opens it.

"Beca, I doubt—"

"Mommy!" A flash of brown crashes into Beca, cutting Chloe off.

Beca doesn't look at the shocked faces she's sure are on Aubrey and Chloe's faces. Instead, Beca kneels down and picks the little boy up in her arms. "Hey, baby." Beca says, pressing a kiss on his cheek.

"Ms. Mitchell! Gosh, I'm sorry. I've been trying to get him to sleep but he's been so amped about you coming home…" Emily looks sheepish as she stands up from the chair she had been occupying in the den.

"It's Beca, Emily. I told you that. Ms. Mitchell sounds super weird. Just let me get my money and—"

"Oh it's cool. You can pay me later. I can see you have visitors. See ya later, J!" Emily chirps, ruffling the little boy's hair as she walks past Beca, Aubrey and Chloe.

Beca turns to see Aubrey and Chloe standing there with mouths agape. She chuckles nervously. "I told you it was a big deal—uh, come in?" She steps aside as the two finally enter, Aubrey shutting the door behind her.

"Mommy, did you win your singing comp'tition?" Jonah asks eagerly, arms wrapping around her neck.

Beca chuckles again. "No, buddy, but we did make it to the next round." She smiles and meets his eyes. "I want you to meet some friends of mine. Jonah, this is Aubrey and Chloe. Chlo, Aubrey this is my son, Jonah." She watches her son regard the two women closely before he holds out his hand.

"Hey! Mommy talks about you all the time." Jonah gives a cheeky grin as Beca whispers for him to hush.

Chloe recovers first and places her hand in Jonah's. "Hi, Jonah! It's super cool to meet you!" She smiles brightly. Jonah seems as dazzled by Chloe's smile as Beca is because he just grins and blushes.

Aubrey finally smiles shyly and shakes Jonah's hand as well. "Pleasure to meet you, Jonah. Your mom talks about us, huh?" She quirks a brow and smirks. "And just what does she say?"

Beca's eyes widen as Jonah opens his mouth to speak and for a moment, Beca panics but she lets out a sigh of relief when he says, "Sorry, It's a secret. But, Its good things." He grins, dimples popping.

"You guys wanna sit down, have something to drink? I'm sure you have questions." Beca sets Jonah down who immediately goes to stand between Aubrey and Chloe, tiny hands slipping in theirs and tugging gently to lead them into the den. Beca looks just as surprised as Aubrey and Chloe. "Uh… drink preference? I have water, orange juice and… capri suns."

"I'd like a capri sun!" Jonah says from the den as he gestures for the girls to sit on the couch.

"Water for us, thanks, Becs." Chloe says.

A few minutes later, Beca comes into the den with their drinks, raising a brow at the scene in front of her. The girls are sat on the couch with Jonah in between them. "How old are you, Jonah?" Chloe asks in a sweet voice.

Jonah blushes again under her smile and Beca chuckles. "I'm five." He smiles and holds up five fingers before pushing messy brown hair from his face.

"Five! Wow, so you're a pretty big boy, then huh? I really like your dinosaur pajamas." Chloe says pointing at them.

"Thanks!" Jonah smiles brightly. "Do you like music as much as my mom? You know she mixes music? Like a DJ. It's really awesome."

Beca blushes as both girls look up at her. She clears her throat and hands everybody their drinks. "Nobody wants to hear about that, Jonah."

"We love music," Aubrey answers with a smile. She looks like she's finally starting to settle down around the little boy when at first she looked unsure of how to act around him. "What do you like to listen to?" The blonde asks him.

The little boy brightens at the question. "Everything," He says a little breathlessly. "But my favorite of all the favorites are The Beatles. When I'm sick or sad, mommy sings me 'Here Comes The Sun'."

Chloe and Aubrey look impressed at his music choice but they both look up and give Beca this smile that makes her heart flutter like a baby bird. "We like The Beatles too." Chloe says with a grin.

"And Ace Of Base, apparently." Beca quips, giving Aubrey a playful smirk. She narrows her eyes at the brunette but smiles back.

Conversation between the four comes pretty easily after that until Jonah ends up falling asleep with his head in Aubrey's lap and his legs curled up against Chloe's thigh. Beca watches as Aubrey carefully runs her fingers through his hair, apparently not really aware she's doing it. It makes Beca's heart swell.

She shakes her head gently. "He's asleep." Beca says gently. Both girls look up at her. "He doesn't normally take to strangers so easily. He won't even talk to my dad." Beca says a little in awe.

"So this was your big secret?" Chloe muses quietly, her hand moving to gently pull the blanket off the back of the couch to cover the little boy beside her. "Is he why you had to leave so quickly at the diner a few weeks back?"

Beca sits up in her chair across from them, thinking back on the memory. "Uh, yeah. Jonah got sick. I'm sorry I didn't say anything I just—"

"Beca, Its fine." Chloe cuts her off, smiling gently.

Aubrey is quiet, looking down at the little hand resting on her knee, her fingers still carding through Jonah's hair. She finally looks up at Beca. "Do you uhm—you do this all by yourself? Beca, no wonder you had a panic attack. You've got to be stretched pretty thin."

The brunette squirms under those concerned green eyes. She bites her lip. "Well I—I have to go to class, work and Bellas practice… And then I take care of Jonah but Emily and her mom help out sometimes. We manage." She says, twisting the ring on her thumb.

Chloe smiles as she looks down at him. "He looks so much like you. And he's so smart and sweet." The redhead looks up at Beca with a look she's not quite able to discern.

Beca blushes. "Uhm, yeah. Thank you." She chuckles. "He's a really good kid."

"He's so tiny for five." Aubrey notes. "I suppose he gets that from you too, huh, hobbit?" The blonde smirks as Beca laughs.

"Yeah, I guess so. But I like him small. I can still hold him and before long he won't let me cuddle him anymore." Beca frowns at the thought as she stares at her sleeping son. When she glances back up, Aubrey and Chloe are looking at her with soft, sweet smiles. "What?"

Chloe grins. "You're not as big of a bad-A that you claim to be, Ms. Mitchell."

"It would seem that Beca Mitchell has a heart after all. You're a big softie." Aubrey adds.

Beca blushes hard. "Yeah, well you're not such a tight ass. You're running your fingers through my kid's hair and you let him hang all over you. I kind of took you as the kind of person who got anxious around kids because they're kinda messy and unpredictable."

Aubrey blushes too as she glances down at her hand as if it's been moving of it's own accord. She swallows. "I like kids… I just… Some parents are idiots." She says. "Besides, I didn't exactly take you as the motherly type."

"Touché." Beca says with a nod as she watches how Aubrey continues to run her fingers through Jonah's hair.

"Well, you should bring him to practice."

Two heads snapped in Aubrey's direction.

"What?" "Seriously?"

Aubrey looks between Chloe and Beca. "What?"

"Aubrey, you—you need everything to be neat and orderly and yet you want to bring a child to practice? No offence, Beca." Chloe adds.

"None taken, I was going to say the same thing."

The blonde fidgets a little but tries to stay still so she doesn't wake the sleeping boy. "Well, Beca… Clearly you need a little help and I certainly don't mind and I doubt Chloe does and the other Bellas—well, they'll love him too… And he seems so well-behaved." She stammers.

Chloe is grinning madly at Aubrey and they look at each other, seemingly having some sort of silent conversation that apparently Chloe wins because her smile turns smug.

Beca clears her throat. "Uh, thanks, Aubrey. I'm sure he'd probably love that. I guess I could. It'd be a lot of help when I have class if someone were able to watch him when Ms. Avery or Emily can't…" The brunette sounds hesitant.

"We'd love to watch him anytime!" Chloe says happily. "He's so cute."

"Yeah, maybe we can get him to tell us your secrets. Whatever it is you say about us." Aubrey says playfully.

Beca's eyes widen at that. "He won't." She says, though she looks nervous. "He's a good secret keeper."

Aubrey raises a brow. "I don't know. Chloe can be pretty persuasive…" She sing-songs.

The redhead grins as Beca blushes. "Yeah, I've been on the receiving end of those damn Disney princess eyes." The brunette huffs and cross her arms, causing Chloe and Aubrey to laugh.

Looking at the clock, Beca notes how late it is. "I should wake him and get him to bed. I don't want to keep you guys any longer." The brunette stands and stretches as she moves toward the couch and gets on her knees in front of the sleeping boy. Her fingers run over his little jaw as she speaks softly. "Hey, buddy. Wake up. It's time to say goodnight to Chloe and Aubrey."

Jonah blinks and sits up, fisted little hands coming up to rub his eyes tiredly. He stands up on the couch, using Aubrey's shoulder as purchase but Chloe has her hands held up behind him just in case. "Bye, Bree." Jonah leans forward and wraps his arms around her neck and turns his head to smack a kiss on her cheek.

Aubrey looks surprised but she grins and wraps her arms around him. "Goodnight, Jonah. I'll see you again, soon." She says.

Jonah pulls back and gives her a sleepy but happy smile. He then turns to Chloe who already has her arms open and ready for a hug. Beca laughs. "Careful, Jonah. I think Chloe could almost beat you in best snuggly hugs." Chloe is grinning.

The little boy's eyebrows raise and he apparently takes this as a challenge. He moves and wraps his arms and then his legs around her, squeezing tight. Chloe's arms engulf the little boy and she snuggles him like she's known him all her life. It doesn't surprise Beca at all. Jonah turns his head and kisses the redhead's cheek. "You do give good hugs. Warm." He says tiredly, letting his head fall against her shoulder and face burrow into her neck. Beca watches as his little body relaxes against her.

"Hey, no falling back asleep, munchkin." Beca pokes him in the side playfully.

Chloe grins. "I think it's time for bed, Jonah but you give amazing hugs. You gotta promise to hug me the next time I see you." She says softly, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead when he reluctantly sits back.

"G'night Chlo-Chlo." Jonah says on a yawn as he turns to fall into Beca's embrace.

"Sweet dreams, handsome." Chloe replies, waving as he waves to the two of them from his mother's shoulder.

When Beca returns, she smiles. "Thanks, guys. He really likes you both. He made me promise to make sure you were going to come back and see him." She chuckles.

"We really like him too." Chloe says softly, smiling.

Aubrey smiles too, both of them now standing. "We should go. You'll start telling us if you need help, correct?" An eyebrow raises expectantly and Beca nods with a small, shy smile. "Good." And then, surprising them all, Aubrey leans in and hugs Beca tightly. After the initial shock, Beca hugs back.

"Thanks again—for… well, all of it tonight." Beca sighs. "I'll pay you guys back the bail money."

"Don't worry about it right now. We'll see you soon, Becs." Chloe hugs Beca tight and Beca is inclined to agree with her son as she relaxes into the redhead's embrace; Chloe gives good, warm hugs.

But Aubrey's hugs are pretty good too, Beca thinks as she watches them pull out the parking lot. They're probably not something she gives out often and Beca can't help but feel kind of special for getting one. She sighs and shakes her head at her confusing feelings as she locks up and tiredly heads to bed. Its too late to be thinking and she's exhausted.