Chapter 14
A/N: You guys are awesome with your Favs, and Follows, and Reviews. It's still hard for me to believe that so many people are reading this first-time author's story. Since you guys are spoiling me, I figured I'd return the favor with my longest chapter yet! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own any of the music in this story. I also do not own Pitch Perfect, or any of its characters.
Music:
-She (For Liz) - Parachute
Beca waved goodbye to Stacie, Benji, and Fat Amy, before falling into step with Jesse on the way back to the choir room, chatting about music. She had played the song a few times on stage before deciding to take requests as she worked on feeling comfortable in the new location. Jesse had set up a microphone for her, but she shook her head no when he offered to grab her a stool, preferring to stand instead. She liked being able to shuffle her feet and adjust as necessary, and felt more confident with her feet firmly on the ground.
Jesse unlocked the choir room, holding the door open for Beca to walk through first. He gestured for her to resume her seat on the stool, and sat down opposite her in a chair. She looked at him curiously, but made her way to the front of the room.
She waited patiently, holding back a smirk at the nervous look on his face as he spoke. "I was hoping you'd play another original song or two," Jesse finally said, his voice hopeful. "I know they're really personal to you Beca, but if they're anything like that first one, I can't help but want to hear more."
Beca shook her head at him, but her lips were spread into a grin and she thought for a moment before starting to strum the opening chords to "It's Only Life." She made it through the first verse and chorus, biting her lip to keep from laughing at the expression of amazement on Jesse's face. As she was halfway through the second verse, someone walked into the room, unknowingly interrupting them.
Beca froze when she glanced up to see General Posen in the room, eyes wide with surprise as she took in the scene. Jesse quickly jumped up to greet her.
"Hey Bree, come on in!" he said enthusiastically. "Did you know Beca started writing songs over the summer? She was just in the middle of playing one for me."
Beca shifted uncomfortably on the stool as Aubrey turned her gaze toward her, seemingly undecided on whether that information influenced her already negative opinion of the brunette.
"I didn't know that," Aubrey replied, turning back to Jesse and giving him a smile. "Are we still grabbing dinner before your choir rehearsals?"
Beca smirked at Jesse behind Aubrey's back, hopping off the stool and returning the guitar to the open case on his desk. "He totally is," she said, causing Aubrey to spin around and glare at her. "I was actually just leaving. You two kids have fun," she said, moving quickly towards the door. "Drive safe. Use protection!" she called from the doorway, grinning ear to ear at Jesse's bright red face and Aubrey's horrified expression. Before either teacher could respond she closed the door and bolted for the exit, not waiting for Aubrey to give her detention for her additional comments.
Beca burst out laughing the minute she exited the building, escaping to the safety of the empty senior hallway and grabbing her stuff for the evening out of her locker. She pulled out her phone as she crossed the parking lot to her car, unlocking it to read the texts from Chloe.
My Muse [3:40PM]: Aww you poor thing
My Muse [3:41PM]: Come over later and I'll take your mind off it
Beca raised her eyebrows, knowing exactly how Chloe would go about distracting her. She checked her watch and sighed, realizing it was a quarter to six. She quickly fired off a text and got into her car, smirking when Chloe replied almost instantly.
Beca [5:47PM]: Wish I could. Way behind on homework
My Muse [5:48PM]: Sex before homework
Beca [5:48PM]: Seriously? Do you tell all your students that?
My Muse [5:50PM]: Of course
My Muse [5:50PM]: I'll start without you if I have to...
Beca rolled her eyes at that and started her car, fully intending to drive home, only to look back at her phone as a new text came in, freezing when she realized it was a picture. Not just any picture though. Beca felt her mouth go dry as she stared at Chloe's breasts, barely covered by a lacy, black, push-up bra. Fuck. She wasn't sure how long she'd been staring at the picture when her phone started ringing, blinking at the screen a few times before realizing it was Chloe. She fumbled for a moment, finally gathering her wits about her enough to answer it.
"Hey, uh..hi," she said, the picture still solidly imprinted in her mind.
"Mitchell," Chloe's voice was pure sex in her ear, and Beca felt her whole body go weak with desire. How was it possible for the redhead to affect her like this with a photo and one word? "Are you calling my bluff? Because it's been ten minutes, and you're not here..." she trailed off, and Beca heard a faint buzzing start up in the background.
Before her brain could register what the sound was, she heard the change in Chloe's breathing. Beca's eyes widened as she realized what the buzzing was, and exactly what was happening on the other end of the phone. The images flooded her mind as she was hit with a rush of pure lust, pressing her legs tightly together and sinking back into the seat. Frozen in place, she could only listen as Chloe began to pant harshly into the phone, before moaning her name, long and drawn out. It was insanely erotic and Beca was beginning to breath heavily herself, listening to Chloe's moans and becoming increasingly more distracted at the pulsing between her own legs.
Chloe's pleading voice in her ear was the final straw, springing her into action. "Becs," she moaned, a few breaths separating her next words. "I need you. Now."
Beca snapped, tapping the button to switch to speakerphone and setting the phone down on the passenger seat, before jerking the car into first gear and speeding out of the parking lot. Her engine revved loudly as she accelerated around slower cars, Chloe's moans filling her ears, urging her to go faster. As hot as it was to hear, Beca wanted to be there. She wanted to watch as Chloe came apart, wanted those moans to be from her touch, and her kiss, and her tongue.
She sped into the apartment complex in record time, pulling awkwardly into the first spot she found. Ignoring her terrible parking job, she grabbed her phone, jumped out of the car, and sprinted for Chloe's door, pressing the lock button without a backwards glance until she heard a couple consecutive beeps. She sent up a silent prayer of gratitude at finding the door unlocked, quickly entering the apartment, dropping her keys and phone on the table.
Beca saw that the bedroom door was ajar, and moved quickly towards the moans that were filtering through the opening, growing increasingly louder. When she opened the door, the sight that greeted her took her breath away. Chloe was laying in bed, her bra the only visible clothing, one hand tangled in her hair while the other was moving beneath the sheet that was bunched around her waist. Crystal blue eyes snapped open and locked onto Beca's, as if she could immediately sense the brunette's presence in the room. Beca was frozen at the sight of Chloe pleasuring herself, lowering her eyes to watch the way her hips were moving under the sheet.
Chloe's voice broke through her haze of desire, moaning her name loudly, and she snapped her gaze back up to see the redhead's eyes were once again closed. Beca quickly moved forward, walking over to the edge of the bed and calling Chloe's name. When their eyes met, Beca slid onto the bed, settling her body on top of Chloe's, before slipping her hand under the sheet and gripping the vibrator steadily. She leaned down to press her lips against Chloe's neck, asking, "Are you close, Chlo?"
In a split second, Chloe's hands were in her hair as she gasped, "Yes…I'm so…Fuck!"
Beca grinned, the curse slipping from her teacher's lips as she turned the vibrator up a level. Chloe's hips were thrusting frantically against the toy, her moans growing louder as Beca's lips trailed down her neck to her breasts. Within minutes Chloe was crying out, clinging tightly to Beca until her entire body relaxed back into the bed.
Beca leaned up on one elbow, gently removing the vibrator and clicking it off, before placing it on Chloe's nightstand. She looked down into Chloe's eyes, slightly glazed over with pleasure, whispering, "You're just full of surprises, Beale."
Chloe took a few deep breaths, keeping her eyes locked on Beca's as she replied, "You have no idea."
Beca smirked as Chloe's eyes trailed over her body, swallowing hard at her next words.
"You need to take your clothes off. Now."
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Beca buried deeper under the blankets, determined to escape the annoying noise coming from her alarm clock. Not wanting to keep her fingers plugged in her ears, she snuck a hand out and managed to turn it off on the first try. She took that as a sign, deciding she was meant to stay in bed instead of going to school that morning. Beca tried to fall back asleep, but jerked awake again, her dad banging on her door as he passed down the hallway. She contemplated her options, deciding against giving Sheila the opportunity to further damage her hearing, and laid back against her pillow with her eyes open.
She really couldn't help how tired she was. Between the insane amount of homework her teachers were piling on, practicing and fine-tuning her song for the concert this evening, and carving out time to spend with Chloe, she felt completely exhausted. The late nights were starting to catch up with her, and Beca had been yawning continuously at school for two days. Even her friends had noticed, wondering why she was suddenly so tired all the time. Beca didn't have an answer beyond being a little extra stressed out due to the upcoming concert. Telling them that it was because a certain redheaded Biology teacher had an insatiable sex drive was out of the question, especially when Beca was such a willing and active participant. She knew something had to give though, unsure how long she could keep up managing everything before it all fell apart. Although the extra rehearsals for the concert would end, Beca still needed to dedicate a good amount of time to her music if she was serious about moving to LA.
She sat up as Shelia called to her through the door. "Hey kid, you awake? If you don't make me the bad guy this morning, I'll convince your dad to cook pancakes."
Beca grinned and shouted back at her, "Deal!"
She climbed out of bed, ducking into her bathroom to brush her teeth and fix the mess her hair turns into during the night. Wandering back into her room, she pulled on a pair of skinny jeans, along with a black and purple plaid shirt. Slipping her feet into her favorite pair of black Chucks, Beca made her way downstairs to join her parents for breakfast.
Sighing happily at the sight of fresh pancakes and maple syrup already on a plate in her spot, she sat down and grabbed her fork, digging in immediately. She looked up at her dad, glancing between him and Sheila as they moved easily around the kitchen.
Clearing her throat, she got their attention. "So, uh, there's this choir concert tonight," she began, unsure why she suddenly felt so nervous. "And even though I'm not in the choir this year, Mr. Swanson offered me the chance to perform one of the songs I wrote over the summer."
She couldn't help the smirk that spread across her lips as her dad stared at her, jaw dropping open in surprise. Sheila too, had a look of surprise on her face, before it seamlessly morphed into a wide smile.
"Uh, Dad you can pick your jaw up off the floor. It's not a big deal," Beca said, shifting uncomfortably in her chair. "Anyways, it starts at seven tonight, and I was wondering if you wanted to come?" She shoved another bite of pancakes into her mouth in an attempt to avoid any awkward silences, waiting as her dad processed her words.
"Becs, of course we'll be there," Ben said, finding his voice as his wife slipped her hand into his.
Sheila added affectionately, "We wouldn't miss it for the world, kid."
Beca released the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding in, smiling as Sheila came to wrap her arms around her neck from behind her in a warm hug. "We're so proud of you! We know how hard you worked on your music this summer. It's amazing, and people should hear it," Sheila continued, giving her shoulder a squeeze as she moved to join her at the table.
Ben sat down at the table as well, chiming in, "I completely agree, Becs. I'm so proud you have the courage to get up there and perform in front of your teachers and peers. We'll be there, with bells on," he added with a wink.
Beca grinned back at him, feeling thankful again for how supportive they both were of her music. She and her dad had been through some tough times, both thankful to be happy and truly enjoying life again. Ben broke the silence after a few minutes of nothing but chewing and scraping forks.
"So, Becs, next week is fall break at the university. Coincidentally. Sheila also accepted a job that runs next week through Sunday. In Hawaii," he finished, smiling across the table at his wife. "We thought it might make a nice family vacation, even though Sheila will have to work some days. What do you say?"
Beca felt her jaw drop, looking back and forth between her parents, not quite believing it wasn't all an elaborate joke. "Wait, seriously?" she asked, the excitement apparent in her voice. "What about school? I don't get fall break."
Ben nodded as he answered, "Yeah, we know. But Sheila's trip is paid for, and it seems like too good of an opportunity to pass up. If you don't mind flying alone, we figured you could fly out after school on Thursday, skip Friday and fly back with us on Monday. So you'll only miss two days. It's a long trip for only three days, so we understand if you don't want to come."
Beca smirked at him, knowing money wasn't an issue and that he was enjoying teasing her. It didn't matter to her, she was fine with whatever excuses he came up with. "Really, Dad? You think I'm going to turn down missing school to go to Hawaii?!"
Sheila laughed, sliding her hand over to fist bump with Beca. "Awesome kiddo, I'm glad you're going to join us. We haven't taken a family trip in too long. I'll be sure to finish up the shoot by Friday so we can have Saturday and Sunday to explore."
Beca nodded and asked, "When will you guys leave then?"
"Sheila flies out Sunday in order to start shooting on Monday. I'm cancelling my class on Wednesday and flying out Tuesday evening to meet her, so you'll be here alone on Tuesday and Wednesday. You'll fly out Thursday evening and we'll pick you up from the airport when you land," Ben explained, scrolling through the calendar on his phone to be sure.
Beca grinned. "Sounds awesome. I can't wait!"
She glanced at the clock, rising from the table and putting her dishes in the sink. Realizing she needed her guitar, she sprinted upstairs to her room to retrieve it, before grabbing her backpack and heading out the door. She called over her shoulder, "See you guys tonight!" as she exited the kitchen, smiling as they both wished her luck.
Although she had started out the morning confident about her performance, Beca was a nervous wreck by the end of the day. She cornered Stacie at her locker before Biology, determined to back out.
"I don't know what I was thinking, Stace," she said, bouncing on her toes as her eyes darted nervously around the hallway. "I can't do this."
Stacie rolled her eyes before placing her hands on her shoulders, forcing her to be still. "First, you have one more class before the bet officially ends," her friend said, waiting expectantly for Beca to correct her mistake.
"Right, sorry," Beca quickly apologized, before repeating herself. "I don't know what I was thinking, Mistress!" Her sarcasm was evident, but thankfully, Stacie let it slide.
"Not a fan of the tone, but I get that you're nervous," Stacie replied. "Becs, you're gonna be amazing! I know it, Swanson knows it, the choir who heard you last night at the final rehearsal knows it. It's time for the rest of the school to see how amazingly talented you are." Stacie gave the speech with such certainty, Beca dumbly nodded in agreement, allowing the taller brunette to pull her down the hallway to class.
"Did you invite your mystery girl to watch you tonight?" Stacie asked, attempting to subtly change the subject. Beca smirked, knowing exactly what Stacie wanted to know. Her friend had been dropping not so subtle hints all week about where Beca was disappearing off to after school, at one point begging Beca to tell her what was going on. Beca's denial lasted about five seconds, ending swiftly due to Stacie's uncanny ability to deduce which nights she had visited Chloe.
"No, I didn't," Beca retorted, rolling her eyes at Stacie's newest attempt to uncover more information about her relationship. It felt weird to think of Chloe as her girlfriend, and they hadn't really talked about putting such a serious label on things. "And I told you I'd tell you about it when I'm ready," she added irritably.
Stacie groaned in frustration, linking her arm through Beca's as they walked. "Come on, Becs," she said, shooting her friend her best sad face.
Beca laughed and shook her head. "Not gonna work, dude...I mean Mistress," she quickly corrected herself. "Don't worry, it's not Carrie," she added in an attempt to pacify her friend.
"I know that," Stacie grumbled, letting go of Beca and walking into the classroom ahead of her. "She would definitely have shown up here already and been all over you."
Beca grinned at her friend's tone, shaking her head behind Stacie's back. "Maybe you're the one that needs to get laid," she suggested, following Stacie to the back of the room to their seats. "You've seemed awfully tense lately, Mistress," she added with a wink.
Benji rolled his eyes, overhearing Beca's last statement as they joined him. "You two are ridiculous," he said, eyeing them as they sat down. "When can you start calling her Stacie again?" he asked Beca, ignoring the hurt look Stacie was giving him.
Beca smirked at Stacie before replying, "I'm done as soon as that final bell rings."
Stacie retorted quickly, "Too bad, this has been the most agreeable week of our friendship."
Beca rolled her eyes, opening her notebook and looking up to the front of the room as Chloe began speaking. After furiously taking notes for the entire class, Beca stood up and cheered when the bell rang.
"FINALLY!" she shouted, pointing a finger at Stacie. "You're so dead, Conrad," she said, emphasizing Stacie's last name as she circled around the table and wrapped an arm playfully around her friend's neck from behind, messing up her hair with her other hand. Stacie yelped and shook free from Beca's grasp, standing up and turning to glare down at her.
Beca cracked up laughing at Stacie's hair, watching as the taller girl ran her fingers through it in an attempt to look somewhat presentable. Benji just shook his head at the two girls, gathering up his books and heading towards the door. He turned and called over his shoulder, "I'll see you guys at the concert tonight. Good luck, Becs! You're gonna kill it."
Beca shot him a wink and a double thumbs up, turning to grab her books. As she followed Stacie towards the door, she heard Chloe's voice call her name. "Beca, can I speak with you for a minute?"
Stacie spun around to look at their teacher, before directing her curious gaze to Beca. She just shrugged, fixing a confused expression on her face and said, "Sure, Beale. I'll catch up with you in a minute, Stace."
Stacie clutched her heart dramatically, responding, "I miss it so much already. Can you give me one more, to treasure in my memory forever?"
Beca smirked. "No way," she said, rolling her eyes at the wounded expression on her friends face. "Ugh, fine. Oh Mistress, don't worry, I'll meet you at your locker as soon as the teacher is finished with me," she quipped, equally dramatic and sarcastic, with one hand pressed against her heart.
The happiness that spread across Stacie's face was worth it, and Beca called after as she exited the room, "That's the last time! Hope you're happy, because you'll never hear those words again!"
Shaking her head she turned towards Chloe, walking the short distance over to the teacher's desk and perched on the closest table. "What's up, Beale?" she asked, glancing at the door before quickly dropping her gaze to the open buttons on Chloe's shirt, looking up when the redhead cleared her throat.
"You're a shameless flirt, you know that right?" Chloe sighed, shaking her head at Beca, though her eyes still burned bright.
Beca nodded, smirking back at her. "Yep, but I only do it because you're super hot when you're jealous."
Chloe narrowed her eyes at her, replying, "I'm not jealous."
Beca snorted, "Yeah, okay Beale. Keep telling yourself that, and I'll keep hiding the scratches and hickeys that appear after anytime Stacie is mentioned when we're alone." She braced her hands on the table behind her, leaning back slightly. "Did you need something?"
"Are you really performing tonight?" The question was delivered hesitantly, Chloe looking at her curiously.
Beca nodded, studying Chloe's face carefully. "I'm playing one song at the concert tonight. Sort of a little five minute break for the choir," she explained.
Chloe's expression was blank as she asked another question. "Were you going to tell me?"
"Uh..." Beca realized instantly that Chloe was a little hurt that she hadn't told her about performing. "I figured you were going to be there anyways, since you're so tight with Posen and Swanson." She knew it was weak, but hoped it would suffice. The look on Chloe's face told her it wouldn't.
"Do...Did you not want me there?" Chloe asked, eyes drilling holes into her own.
Instead of answering honestly and letting herself be vulnerable with the redhead, Beca quipped, "That's not it at all, Beale. I just remembered what happened the last time you heard me play, and didn't want a repeat since it would break...well pretty much all the rules." She hopped off the desk, turning away from the hurt look in Chloe's eyes and walked to the door.
Before she exited, Beca spun around and voiced a final thought. "Uh...about the song I'm playing tonight. I wrote it for someone special, and I'd love it if my favorite teacher came to hear me sing it."
Chloe's head twisted towards her upon hearing her words, her eyes wide in surprise, and Beca winked at her before turning around and leaving the room.
It was a quarter to seven when Beca followed Stacie and CR into the auditorium, finding seats off to the side, close to the door that would allow her to sneak backstage before it was her turn to perform. Beca wasn't scheduled to play until about halfway through the concert, and she planned on watching most of the show from the audience with her friends. She was full of nervous excitement as the lights went down, knowing that she could do this. She could get up there, on stage, and play one song that let everyone in the room see a little piece of her. Beca knew that if she was going to succeed in the music industry, the one thing she couldn't afford to be was scared. She had to be confident, bordering on cocky, letting everyone know that she was good and that she was going to be producing music for a long time.
Jesse bounced excitedly onto the stage holding a microphone, and proceeded to welcome everyone and thank them for coming. He spoke for a few minutes about the choir and how hard they've been working, before hinting at a special surprise to come later.
Stacie nudged her, whispering, "That's you, dude!"
Beca rolled her eyes, responding, "I don't know if I'd call it a 'special surprise.'"
CR leaned in from her other side. "I would. I feel bad that you're gonna show up the whole choir and steal the spotlight."
Beca shook her head, staying silent as the choir filed into view to a round of applause. The three friends cheered on Fat Amy, Benji, and Emily as they crossed the stage to find their place. Beca glanced at her program, despite knowing it by heart already. The choir would sing five songs, then she would perform, followed by another five songs from the choir.
As the third song came to an end, Beca slid out of her seat, quietly slipping through the door that lead backstage and making her way over to where she'd left her guitar. Jesse looked relieved when she finally came into view, walking quickly over to her. "Jesus Beca, where have you been? I was starting to think you weren't gonna show up."
Beca rolled her eyes, smirking at him. "Relax, Jesse. Have a little faith," she said, flipping open her guitar case and running her hand over the strings. She lifted it out of the case and slipped the strap easily over her head, relaxing into the familiar feeling.
Jesse took a few deep breaths before speaking again. "Okay, so once the choir finishes this song, they'll leave the stage and I'll introduce you. Then, you go out there and stun the hell outta them. Sound good?" he asked, finding his composure and giving her a wide grin.
Beca nodded, surprised as her nerves vanished and only excitement remained in the pit of her stomach. She was ready for this, and felt confident in her song choice. Plus, her parents and friends would support her no matter what, and she didn't really care what anyone else thought about her, only that they liked her music.
The choir finished the song, and Beca rolled her eyes as Jesse bounded back on stage to introduce her. He really did act like a kid most of the time, which was a big part of why the choir was enormous. Everyone loved Jesse and his laid back attitude, but what really endeared him to the students was how he took the time to get to know them as individuals. Beca knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesse could name each student in the choir, along with at least several of their likes, dislikes, hopes, and dreams. Her name echoing around the auditorium snapped her back to attention, and Fat Amy appeared beside her, grabbing her arm before she took the first step out from behind the curtain.
"I know we're a hard act to follow, but you got this, Shawshank," her friend encouraged, giving her a wink and a shove onto the stage.
Beca managed to keep her feet under her, shooting a glare at Fat Amy before walking over to where Jesse was putting the mic into a stand for her. He gave her a side hug, carefully avoiding her guitar, before walking away. Beca plugged her guitar into the single speaker that was sitting on the floor a few feet away, and stepped up to the microphone.
"Hey everyone," she said, looking around at the audience, her lips breaking into an easy grin eyes settled on Stacie and CR for a moment. "I'd just like to take a moment to thank the choir, and Mr. Swanson, for letting me interrupt their fall concert with a song of my own. This one's called 'She,' and it's relatively new, so it might be a little rough around the edges." Beca stepped back from the microphone and took a deep breath, nodding her head up to the sound booth that she was ready.
After playing the song so many times acoustically, Beca had gone home on Tuesday evening and listened to the finished track on her laptop. She loved the finished version so much more, and instantly wondered if there was any way to make it happen by Friday. Knowing that would be impossible to put together a band in three days, she came up with an alternative idea. Stripping the lead guitar out of the track, she saved it to a flash drive and brought it to Jesse with her idea of playing along with it at the concert. Naturally, he loved the suggestion, and they had spent the final two rehearsal days working out the kinks in the sound levels, the finished product sounding almost exactly the same as the original.
Beca heard the song start playing through the speakers, waiting a few seconds before adding her own guitar part right on cue. Glancing around the audience, Beca began to focus on the music, feeling any last minute anticipation fade away as her fingers confidently strummed the melody. Stepping back up to the mic, she began to sing the first verse, her clear tone filling the silent auditorium.
She has no problem with secrets
She knows how to keep them
She never felt the need to let them show
And I've had no trouble with speaking
Or trusting my instincts
That maybe this is one that I should know
But as I'm waiting there, the devil on my should stares
Laughing that the one thing I can't get, is what I need
Beca felt the song pick up as she hit the chorus. Looking around, she saw heads bobbing throughout the audience as people started to get a feel for the rhythm.
She, She is the words that I can't find
How can the only that's killing me make me feel so alive
And I couldn't speak
I couldn't breathe to save my life
All of my chances swim like sinking ships
This time it's it
I'll drown or make her mine
Glancing again at her friends, the first thing she saw was CR moving her head with the beat. Shifting her gaze to Stacie, she felt her heart swell at the proud expression on her best friend's face. Beca quickly turned her head to see the whole choir dancing backstage, and couldn't help the laugh that escaped her, despite the fact they'd done the same thing the night before. Stepping back to the microphone, she began the second verse.
My vocal chords have been fighting
My mouth likes to spite me
It never says the words that come to mind
I brought a stick to a gun fight
And I'm stuck with my tongue tied
I run but I can't hide what's always there is
She, She is the words that I can't find
How can the only that's killing me make me feel so alive
And I couldn't speak
I couldn't breathe to save my life
All of my chances swim like sinking ships
This time it's it
I'll drown or make her mine
Beca almost couldn't believe how natural it felt, to be up on stage playing her music for a few hundred people. She had been nervous, honestly unsure if she would be able to do it. Now that she was in the moment, she was positive that this is what she was born to do. Her comfort level was through the roof as she continued on, singing the bridge, before cruising into the chorus one more time.
She glanced around the audience again, unable to spot her parents before the song ended. Just as she was about to sing the last lines, her eyes were drawn to red hair and stunning blue eyes. Chloe was only a few rows back from the stage, sitting next to Aubrey of course, and Beca wasn't sure how she hadn't spotted her immediately. What kept her attention, though, was the look on Chloe's face, and the fire in her eyes. Beca had gotten to know that look very, very well over the past few days, and knew exactly what awaited her after she was done. 'Stacie was right about that,' she thought, smirking at the audience as she finished the last lines.
I couldn't speak
I couldn't breathe to save my life
All of my chances swim like sinking ships
This time it's it
I'll drown or make her mine
Just as smoothly as they had practiced, the song abruptly ended on the last word, and Beca took a step back from the microphone as the final note echoed around the auditorium. Before she realized what was happening, the audience erupted in loud applause, with almost everyone standing up to cheer for her. Taking a deep breath, Beca found that her grin was permanently screwed onto her face, despite her best efforts to remove it. She waved at the audience, before running her fingers through her hair, more than a little stunned at their reaction. Thankfully, Jesse was at her side moments later, grabbing the microphone and practically shouting into it.
"You heard her here first, ladies and gentlemen! Mark my words, you'll be hearing that song on the radio someday soon! I know Beca is going to do amazing things with her music," he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and raising the hand with the mic into the air to another round of cheers. Beca rolled her eyes at him before giving him a quick hug back and escaping off the stage.
The surprises kept on coming, as the entire choir surrounded her, excitedly praising her performance. Fat Amy bulldozed her way through, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as she spoke into her ear. "Crushed it, Becs! That was awesome!"
It seemed to Beca that just about every other person in the choir felt the same way, and also felt the need to tell her immediately. Thankfully, Jesse had announced their next song, and they were forced to return to the stage, giving her a much needed moment of time to process what just happened. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out to see several missed texts.
Father Mitchell [7:12PM]: Good luck Becs!
Stacie [7:45PM]: Everyone loves it!
Stacie [7:46PM]: I knew you'd be a star. Get out here so we can celebrate
My Muse [7:30PM]: Did you really write a song about me?
My Muse [7:45PM]: OMG it's amazing
My Muse [7:50PM]: You were incredible. And hot. Really hot.
Beca smirked at the texts from Chloe, typing out a quick reply.
Beca [7:56PM]: How does a private encore sound?
My Muse [7:57PM]: Perfect.
She put her phone back in her pocket, and carefully stowed her guitar back in its case. Beca felt like her whole body was buzzing with energy from the performance, and she could barely believe it had gone so well. Picking up the case, she snuck back out into the audience, returning to her seat between her friends to watch the rest of the show.
After Jesse's final speech, once again thanking everyone for attending the concert, the girls followed the crowd out into the lobby. Beca realized instantly that bringing her guitar with her was a terrible idea. Without it, she might have been able to slide under most people's radar. Carrying it into the lobby generated a similar reaction as if she had a bright spotlight permanently trained on her. People immediately recognized her, and flocked over to give her compliments and encouragement. Beca was beyond overwhelmed, meeting Stacie's eyes and wordlessly begging for help.
Stacie delivered an Oscar-worthy performance, tears instantly forming in her eyes. "OH MY GOD! Beca, you are not going to believe what just happened! Come on, I have to talk to you right now!" she said loudly, her voice cracking like she might cry any second.
Beca glanced around at the shocked faces of the adults around her, allowing Stacie to grab her free hand and drag her outside, away from the crowd. They found a secluded spot off to the side of the entrance before bursting out into laughter, Beca desperately clinging to her guitar case. She straightened up at the sound of her name, ready to make a run for it, only to break into a relaxed smile upon seeing her dad and Sheila. Stacie gave her a knowing grin, and left to find Fat Amy.
"Becs, you were amazing!" Ben said, wrapping her in a hug.
Sheila joined in, hugging both of them as she added, "We're so proud of you, kid! You didn't look nervous at all."
Beca hugged them both tightly, before stepping back and leaning on her guitar case. "Thanks you guys. It meant a lot to me that you were here," she said awkwardly, the vulnerability still not coming easily to her.
Ben smiled at her. "You were different up there. I get it now, Becs," he said, slipping an arm around his wife. "I understand what you two were trying to tell me, about going to LA instead of college. I still wish you'd reconsider, but I want you to know that it's your decision, and I'll support whatever you choose."
Beca sighed happily, giving them another hug. "I still get to go to Hawaii next week, right?"
Sheila laughed, responding, "Yeah, you can still come to Hawaii."
Beca grinned as she stepped back, a question popping into her head. "Hey, I think Stacie and I are gonna hang out for a little while. Is it okay if I sleep at her place?" she asked, thinking of Chloe's earlier text messages.
Ben nodded, exchanging a look with Sheila before speaking. "Sure. We're going to take off and enjoy our kid-free night, then," he said. "Have fun, and call in the morning if you're not coming home right away."
"Will do," Beca said, grabbing her guitar and heading back inside to find Stacie.
Thankfully, the lobby had mostly cleared out, only scattered groups of students and a few parents remaining. Beca spotted Stacie easily, the tall brunette chatting with Benji and Emily. She quickly walked over, avoiding the few looks from people that recognized her.
"Hey guys," she said when she finally reached them. "Emily, your song sounded amazing!"
Emily blushed, but her grin spread from ear to ear as she replied, "Thanks, Beca! I didn't know Mr. Swanson was going to announce that it was my song before the choir performed it."
Benji butted in proudly, "Everyone loved it! And the choir sounded amazing. She's been getting compliments all night."
Beca smirked knowingly at Stacie. "As she should. You two gonna celebrate tonight?" she asked, looking pointedly between Benji and Emily. The couple exchanged a nervous look before they both blurted out something about being friends.
Beca fought desperately to keep her face straight as she raised her eyebrows and responded, "Right, well, Stacie and I are going to let you two figure that out. Stace, can I talk to you for a second?"
Without waiting for an answer, Beca grabbed Stacie's hand and dragged her off to a quiet spot down the hallway by the door to the choir room. "What's up, Becs?" she asked, still chuckling at the looks on Benji and Emily's faces as they left.
Beca looked around, before locking eyes with her best friend. "Okay, promise you won't freak out?"
Stacie's eyes widened and an eager smile stretched across her face. "Are you finally gonna tell me about your mystery girl?" she asked excitedly.
Beca nodded, rolling her eyes at Stacie's enthusiasm. "You can't tell anyone, dude," she said, waiting until Stacie nodded before she continued. "So I'm uh…I'm kind of hanging out with Ms. Beale."
She smirked as Stacie's jaw dropped, knowing it wasn't often her friend was rendered speechless, continuing, "And by hanging out, I mean we're sleeping together." Beca waited a minute for Stacie to process her words, watching her expression change several times, before settling on curious.
"Well," Stacie prompted her. "How is it?" she asked, giving Beca a sly grin.
Beca smirked again as she answered, "Dude, it's mind blowing."
Stacie nodded, her grin widening as she said, "I thought you seemed much more relaxed this week, although also really tired. Has she been wearing you out? Your stamina is probably shit after such a long dry spell."
Beca winked at her, glancing around again before replying, "All I'm gonna say is, if I died, I would die so, so happy. Actually, that reminds me. I told my parents I was sleeping at your place tonight. Will you cover for me?"
"Yeah, I got you. No worries," Stacie said. "What are best friends for if not to help each other get laid? But, Becs, you owe me so many details. We're not even close to finished talking about this."
Beca grinned happily. "Fair enough. Dinner tomorrow?" At her friends nod, she winked and said, "You're the best, Stace. I'll call you tomorrow."
With that, Beca waved goodbye and left the building. Carrying her guitar in one hand, she pulled out her cell phone with the other and sent Chloe a text.
Beca [9:03PM]: Free! Where are you?
She waited for the reply, frowning when it didn't come instantly. Slipping her phone back into her pocket, Beca crossed the parking lot to her car, stowing her guitar in the trunk. Getting behind the wheel, she checked her phone again, breaking into a smile to see a text from Chloe.
My Muse [9:07PM]: My apartment. Waiting for my private show ;-)
Beca grinned, typing out a quick reply.
Beca [9:08PM]: On my way
A/N: As always, the first thanks goes out to my spectacular beta, Ravenclawsome33!
Don't be too mad at me for stopping here! This was already super long, and that was a natural end to the chapter (but not the night!).
Thanks everyone for reading and reviewing! I try to respond to all the users who comment, but to all you anonymous people/guests out there that are reading...THANK YOU!