A/N Sorry about the delay in update. I've been busy moving and had a family emergency. I'm sorry it's so short but this is a transition chapter and I felt like this information was really important. So here you go. Reviews are appreciated.
"Rebeca Mitchell, what the hell are you doing with your life?" His voice echoed in the hollow parts of my mind, the stack of papers he slammed on the desk snapped me back to the moment. I never came in my father's office unless I was being lectured. His eyes were fixed just above my head and it was in this moment that I realized my father hadn't made eye contact with me since my mother's funeral. "Are you just going to stare or are you going to answer me?" His voice was venomous now and I couldn't understand why my older sisters looked at him with so much love in their eyes.
"Dad I was just protecting my friends, I was putting myself out there and making friends." I whined desperately. My dad huffed at my response and stood up, I flinched knowing he was about to lose his temper.
"If you think I'm helping you go to LA after a stunt like this? You can forget it." His words were sharp and I stood up without saying anything and stormed out of the office, straight towards the door and blindly down the street. When I blinked my eyes clear of tears I realized I was standing outside Chloe's on campus apartment building. I leaned against the railing and closed my eyes.
"Beca? Are you okay?" The voice caused me snap my eyes open. Chloe was suddenly standing next to me all concerned and upset.
"Oh hey, yeah Chloe." I nodded absently before she raised an eyebrow in discontent. "I got into it with my dad about the incident tonight. With getting arrest and all." I admitted kind of embarrassed. Chloe shifted slightly before raising her hand towards the building.
"Do you want to come up?" Chloe asked with a sense of reassurance in her voice. I nodded and followed Chloe through the doors and let the tears fall. Knowing I'd never be able to tell Chloe what was really going on because it would break her heart.
"Beca." His voice snapped me out of my memory of the last time I saw him before the accident. "You look amazing." A lazy smile crossed his face as I stiffened.
"What are you doing here?" I snapped at him.
"It's thanksgiving and I haven't seen you kids in a long time." His eyes drifted around the room. Ryan and Brad took their respected places next to my sisters. "Well I seem to be the only one without a date. Stacie and Cynthia good to see you again." He nodded at the boys. "And you, I'm surprised to see you but can't say it's a displeasure." He directed his full attention to my fiancé and I pushed her behind me protectively placing my body between the offender and Chloe. Just as I was about to say something the timer for the turkey went off.
"About time." Stacie joked confidently before rushing to the oven. "Everyone sit down; we'll get the food on the table." Stacie grabbed Chloe's wrist and we all made our way to the table. I sat across from Stacie's empty place and next to Jared's girlfriend. Chloe bustled about to get the food out before slipping into the seat on the other side of me. Her hand landed softly on my thigh with a gentle squeeze and a nervous smile.
"How's work at the office going?" Megan ventured as Cynthia carved the turkey expertly. I nodded taking a sip of the whiskey and coke Jared has placed in front of me.
"It's not going too bad, a little stressful right now with planning the events coming up through the holidays. The New Year's party is going to be insane. You guys are more than welcome to come. I mean I know CR and Stace will be there but it would be cool if you guys all came out to see what we have planned." I spoke slolwy trying to keep a calm tone as my nerves seemed to stand on end.
"Is it formal or no?" Chloe asked polietly from the rim of her wine glass.
"Yeah, it's kind of like a masquerade thing I guess." I laughed at the thought of having to wear a mask and how ironic it felt that I was thinking that in this moment that's exactly what I was doing. "It's pretty fancy actually." I added thoughtfully watching Chloe's entire face light up, she lived for nights like that.
"Hun will you pass the rolls?" Ryan asked my sister quietly and the sound of his voice practically made me jump. He shot me an apologetic glance and a shy smile.
"Oh hey, speaking of work did you get the plans in the email I sent. You know the one for the festival next month in Atlanta?" I turned completely towards CR as I spoke and grunted as I get a swift kick to the shin from Stacie under the table.
"Beca Mitchell. What did I say about work talk at the dinner table?" Stacie growled between clenched teeth. I nodded to show I understood that I overstepped a long time agreement. The red head next to me giggled at the exchange of glares and squeezed my thigh again.
"So…" Amber's voice broke the tension settling over the table. "Jared and I were wondering how you all would feel about taking a snowboarding trip? I know work is busy and everything right now but like maybe the end of next month or something." Her hopeful gaze fell on everyone's face but my father's. "We figured we could load up in the Jeeps and make like drive out. It would be a two-day drive if we push it but I figured we could take off for like a week and a half or something. The eight of us." Jared nodded as if to say he accepted even though it was probably his idea. My older sisters both looked at their partners and smiled. Showing that they completely agreed.
"Let me make sure Sara can cover at the bar for me and won't burn it down but I'm in." She looked at Cynthia and then at me. "Assuming CR's boss will give her the time off." A playful smirk twitched up on her lips.
"Let me think about it." I managed in a fit of laughter. "What do you say babe?" I asked Chloe softly, she bounced her head back and forth in thought and smiled.
"I'll put in for the time off on two conditions." She grinned widely.
"I don't like where this is going. But okay, have at it. Let me hear them before I protest." I shifted in my chair to give her my undivided attention. Realizing the whole room was holding their breath except my father who seemed uncomfortable. The thought pressed a small feeling of accomplishment to the back of my brain.
"One no work. No phone calls. No meetings. No emails. You can mix but only for your enjoyment not for work purposes." She paused and looked at me expectantly before I hesitantly nodded for her to go on, not realizing in that moment just how hard that condition was going to be to meet. "Two, you teach me to snowboard. I mean I can show anyone up on a set of skis but I want to play with the big kids." There it was, the famous Chloe Beale smile. The brilliant megawatt smile that only Chloe could manage.
"Deal." I agreed before placing a soft kiss on my love's cheek.
"That first condition goes for you too Cynthia Rose. So help me god if I find out your sneaking in time to work on this trip you're never getting laid again." Stacie warned and Cynthia's eyes grew as she nodded violently. "We can talk dets later, let's eat." Stacie grinned before picking up a bowl full of mashed potatoes and slapping a large pile on her wife's plate. The group all fell into soft, light hearted chatter as we dished up. Everyone but my father who couldn't seem to stop staring at my future wife.
"Is there a problem?" I finally growled, Chloe's eyes shot up to the older man and I realized I was the only one who had noticed his staring problem. He shook his head and dropped his eyes. I lifted my glass and chugged the remaining contents. Feeling the alcohol's warmth in my body and my head begin feeling floaty. Chloe sighed as she watched on with sadness. Stacie shot me a disapproving look and stood up to get me a refill. I nodded a thank you, never breaking my fiery stare on my father.
"No kiddo. Just observing." Her stated flatly.
"Observing what exactly, there's no reason for you to be staring at her like that." I hissed and Chloe's hand clenched my forearm on the table hard in a warning. The room was deathly still until Stacie hurried back and handed me my glass.
"You're wearing a ring, so is Chloe." He stated again in the same tone.
"Don't say her name, you don't have that right." My blood was boiling by now and I was struggling to breathe. "What about it?" I asked wanting to know what pathetic excuse he'd come up with.
"Are you married?" His question seemed harsh. Making Chloe flinch. I glanced at her to check her facial expression and to my horror she looked offended.
"Yes." I lied. "We are, is that a problem?" My voice was a low growl.
"No. I just thought you'd outgrown this phase." His voice was angry or embarrassed.
"What being gay?" I asked wanting to throw a knife at him as Chloe seemed to shrink at the tone of my voice. The alcohol seemed to be full force now and my words were flowing without any thought.
"No." He frowned. "Just Chloe I guess." He stated casually as if it was the most normal thing to say about a human being. The air seemed to be sucked out of the room as everyone but I gasped and I stood up so quick that my chair flew backwards.
"I told you not to say her fucking name! Who the fuck do you think you are?! Get the fuck out of here. Now." I screamed shaking violently. He didn't budge and this sent me even further into the pit of doom.
"No, you can't just push me away Becs." He deadpanned.
"Don't call me that." I hissed but my attention was caught by the sob that escaped from Chloe's body. I reached down and pulled her to her feet and hugged her. When I stepped back the anger flooded me instantly. "Leave now. I'm going to spend the rest of my life with this perfect woman and you have no say in that. Not that your opinion is valid anyways."
"Everything bad that happened to you, happened after you met Chloe and joined that stupid acapella group." His voice echoed in the silent room.
"You mean when I disowned you because I found a real family other than my siblings?" I retorted harshly. "The Bellas were the second best thing that has ever happened to me. They're always here for me no matter what. Chloe is the best thing that's happened to me despite whatever you've convinced yourself of."
"Where were they after the accident?" His voice rose a little and this time I was left with my mouth ajar when Chloe spun around and started yelling.
"We weren't ALLOWED to be there for Beca because you threatened legal issues. You tried to BRIBE me with money. With a check that was of ridiculous amount and you threatened to have Stacie's bar shut down! You didn't give us a fucking option." I shot a look at Stacie who's face looked ashamed and her eyes filled with tears.
"And you almost accepted it Ms. Beale." I looked back at my father and something snapped. I side stepped Chloe and twisted from her grip as I made my way around the table to my father's now standing frame, I didn't even think. The next sound was a loud crack and a thud before I felt CR's arms twist around my waist and yank me away from the man lying on the floor with blood covering his face.
"Leave. We'll talk later." Jared's voice spoke evenly to our father as I was torn from the scene. The pounding in my ears was overwhelming as I clenched my fists so tight I thought my hands would start to bleed. It wasn't until my heart rate slowed that I looked around the kitchen frantically when I recognized Chloe's soft sobs. Stacie stepped forward as her eyes locked on my face with concern. I waved her off gently and stumbled a step forward towards Chloe. The red head was leaned against the counter, face twisted in pain and eyes red from crying.
"Chlo?" My voice was smaller than I had intended. "I'm so sorry for what you just saw. I'm sorry for how evil his words were. I'm sorry for letting you be put in that position. You're not a phase. You never were." I inhaled sharply trying to steady my voice. "Chlo baby, look at me." I tilted her chin up slowly with my hand and took in the look of guilt in her eyes.
"That's not why I'm crying. I've seen you punch someone before. You did get arrested remember? I also already knew your dad wasn't a fan of me, he made that very clear after your accident. In more ways than one. But he's right… I took the check with me to LA. It was a very large amount of money. I thought about depositing it. But after a couple months of staring at it, I tore it up and burned it. It's just the fact that I actually considered it… Even if it was just for a moment." Chloe's confession sat lightly on my chest and I actually laughed when she finished talking. "What's so funny?" Chloe looked seriously confused.
"Chloe, I can't blame you for considering it. Hell I wouldn't blame you for taking it. But you didn't and that's what matters. You came back for me. Even though you knew that I might not even be here, metaphorically, when you got back. You didn't give up. You never give up and that's one of the millions of things I love about you." I kissed her cheek lightly and twisted my fingers into hers. Turning towards Stacie next.
"Beca I'm so sorr-" Stacie began before I clamped my hand over her mouth.
"Please, Stacie don't. I understand. That bar is your life legs. Please don't fret." I smiled softly but then a frown took over. "Did he threaten all the Bellas?" My eyes shifted to Chloe who looked around the room slowly trying to avoid eye contact.
"He threatened to call the music company I was writing songs for and ruin my name. Jessica was threatened with something to do with her teaching job. Something about some small issue he dug up and Ashley stayed away because he used Jessica's issue against her also. You know how attached they are. Lily was out of the country by then but he threatened to turn her in for arson or something. Amy has… A lot of things to be used against her but she was the most persistent when it came to arguing with him. Other than Chloe of course." CR offered when Chloe wouldn't answer me. I stiffened at the feeling of Chloe's hand letting go of mine. Panic struck me hard in the chest as I spun around. Chloe smiled gently before handing me a glass of water.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you Becs. Here drink this please." Chloe's voice was soothing even if her eyes looked tired. I drank the water quickly before excusing myself to make a few phone calls.
"Hey Jess, is Ashley there also?" I asked into the phone knowing they would be the easiest to start apologizing to. "Will you put me on speaker please? I have something to say to both of you." After confirming that she had done so I began to speak quickly. "I had no idea how low my father had stooped after the accident. I know you both wanted to be there to support me and I understand that he made that impossible and I just want you to know I'm so sorry for what he put you through. I just found out and if I had known sooner I swear I would have… Just how can I make it up to you?"
"Oh Beca, stop please. We love you." Ashley spoke first, the thickness in her voice told me she was on the verge of tears.
"Yeah Becs, it's okay. We're just so thankful to have you back in our lives. If I could go back, I would have done it differently. I swear. I'm so sorry for not being there. I'm even more sorry for keeping Ashley away from you. Please don't apologize none of this is your fault." Jessica's peppy voice brought a smile to my face.
"You ever need anything please, I'm begging don't hesitate to ask." I responded softly. I love you was exchanged but before we disconnected Jessica took me off speaker and mumbled something to Ashley.
"Are you being serious about that offer Beca? Because if so I do need help." Jessica's voice was tiny and a lump grew in my throat as I agreed without even hearing her request. "I need someone to take me to the hospital next week for some tests. I haven't told anyone about it and I really don't want to until after the results come back. But I don't want to go alone… I'm kind of scared to be honest." The sound of fear in her voice was obvious and I sighed.
"Jess, you don't even have to ask. Text me the details and I'll be there okay?" She thanked me over and over again before laughing.
"Oh and one more thing. Happy thanksgiving Becs. I love you."
"I love you too Jess." I disconnected the phone and dialed Amy's number.
"Shawshank! What's up?" The Aussie accent and familiar nickname calmed my nerves. I could hear shouting in the background but it sounded playful.
"I just want you to know that I am so sorry about what my dad put you through following my accident." Amy and I had never been one for lengthy or wordy conversations so I knew I didn't need to go into details. My once bunk mate knew me better than most.
"Short stack don't worry about it. Do you really think I actually stayed away? I snuck into your hospital room almost every day and I used to follow you around bar to bar. When you were too drunk to function I'd call you a cab and send you home. I was always there, lurking in the shadows like a black Mumba." I couldn't help but laugh, knowing that she wasn't making up some crazy unbelievable story. "For what it's worth though? I'm glad to have you back."
"Happy thanksgiving Amy, tell Bumper the same for me." I disconnected quickly. Deciding to send Lily a text instead because I knew I wouldn't be able to hear her anyways. I walked back into the kitchen where I found Alex and Megan fighting and Jared staring with amusement in his eyes.
"What are you trying to say Megan?" Alex hissed.
"That you're big headed, self-centered and your ass has gotten huge." Megan spat. I couldn't help but burst into a fit of unappropriated laughter. "What the hell are you laughing at?"
"When you too argue, since you suck at fighting with each other. You always insult Alex's ass. Because you know it hurts her feelings and she insults your abs. Which are always on fleek but since you are super paranoid it always pisses you off. You both have perfect bodies, so it's really just pointless bickering." My older siblings shared a small glance and joined me in my giggles. I took my spot next to Chloe and she slipped her arm around me.
"All good?" I nodded. "Can I ask you something since we are all being so honest with each other?" I shrugged nonchalant and smiled. "Why did you tell him we are married?" I cocked my head and answered instantly.
"Because I want to be married. If it wasn't for the fact that I want to give you the big wedding, you deserve. We would have already gone to the court house and made this thing official. "It was honest and everyone in the room seemed to stop moving at the exact moment.
"Stacie and I did that. And had a ceremony later." CR offered and Chloe's eyes lit up to a new shade of blue.
"We'll talk about it tonight." Chloe whispered only loud enough for me to hear.