A/N: Here we go again! Thanks for coming back... All aboard the KMS Roller Coaster! Man oh man are y'all in for a ride! I hope y'all love this chapter as much as I do. It serves as the gateway to major changes as the plot begins to open. We're FINALLY getting to the chapters of the story that I wrote over a year ago and I cannot wait to hear what all of you think.

Corinne... as always, a huge thank you for being the best beta ever! You make Luke sound so perfectly proper and oh so British. I'm not sure I could write his character without your help. Thank you for being my biggest fan and the best supporter. Your friendship and loyality have allowed me to push the envelope with my writing. It's also made me see that there's more to life than sunshine, unicorns, rainbows and glitter. You've allowed me to experience the darker side of writing and I'm loving it. xx

o~O~o
Chapter 30
Celebrations and Challenges
o~O~o

The months after Beca and Jesse's pretty wedding were filled with plenty of memorable and life changing moments, not just for the newlyweds but in the lives of the people they loved the most. They rarely sat still; work and the general stresses of homelife seemed to take up most of their spare time. On a rare evening home together, they took the opportunity to sit at the dining room table and, without the distractions of the television, to talk about the previous weeks.

Beca prepared lemon rosemary chicken and rice pilaf and while Jesse had been in charge of organizing the dessert, she wasn't entirely surprised to see that he dished up a bowls of Haagen Dazs midnight cookies and cream ice cream. She could tell that he had been pretty distracted over the last few weeks so didn't want to push him, in case it came across as disapproval or nagging; she did understand how much pressure he was under trying to get the band's name out there in the music world. As he took their used bowls and spoons to the dishwasher, Beca turned on the coffee pot and added their new favorite blend, a pleasant end to their meal.

"Smells good." Jesse said, shutting the door to the dishwasher.

"Yeah, it's that stuff we found on our honeymoon."

"Oh." Jesse said, turning his back on her to wipe the kitchen counter down. Beca saw the anxious look on his face and moved forward to wrap her arms around him.

Beca and Jesse's honeymoon hadn't gone exactly as planned. Jesse had been given one thing to do for the wedding, which was to plan the honeymoon. It quickly became apparent that sometimes, men shouldn't be given even the simplest of tasks… and this was one of those times. When they got in the car, the day after the wedding, Beca was unsure of where they were going and got extremely confused when they didn't head toward the airport, as had been the idea when she'd subtly left the travel brochures lying around on the kitchen counter and the coffee table. To be extra helpful, she'd even turned over the corners of a few pages as a massive hint that she was hoping to go someplace remote and romantic… but the only part of the memo Jesse seemed to get was the remote part.

By the time they arrived at their destination, some four hours after leaving home, Beca was pretty sure things couldn't get any more remote if they had been on a deserted island. She'd imagined white, sandy beaches, palm trees and coconut mai tai's but instead, Jesse pulled up to a rustic old cabin bearing the words "Danger, Keep Out!" written in runny red paint. Beca had turned in her seat, looking at him, waiting to be told the punchline of the joke, but instead Jesse grinned and popped the trunk before getting out of the car with renewed enthusiasm. To completely eradicate her good mood, as the driver's door closed behind Jesse, it began to rain.

Beca watched him walk past the cabin with the collapsed roof to a small hut around the back. He returned five minutes later with a large dufflebag and a wooden mallet under his arm, waving at her to come and join him. She pointed to the sky and shook her head. She had come to realize that Jesse wasn't joking and they were going to be spending their two week honeymoon at 'The Garden of Eden Campgrounds'.

Eden it was not.

Grabbing her phone, she was shaking as she unlocked the screen and scrolled through the apps to her messages. Watching as Jesse began to lay out the canvas tent that was going to be their home for two weeks, she held back the tears as he began to whistle with happiness. Beca truly loved her new husband but this was one of those times that she wondered where the hell his head was.

"You'll never guess what he's done now!"
"Well hello to you too princess!"
"Fuck off asshole!"
"Wow… such ugly talk for a beautiful girl."
"You sound like my mother."
"That hurt."
"You deserved it."
"Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon?"
"Yes! I'm supposed to be screwing my husband senseless… but I'm not!"
"So are you texting me for guidance? You lay on the bottom and he gets on top. When you get bored, you switch. Have fun princess."
"WTF?! Are you reading my texts?"
"Yes… but you've been very vague."
"He had ONE thing to do...ONE!"
"Calm down. What happened?"
"He wants me to sleep in a fucking tent!"
"Come again?"
"You got it. Tent. Camping."
"*dying*"
"Luke! Help me!"
"Sorry. Where are you really?"
"Some remote piece of shit field in the middle of fucking nowhere. All I can smell is cow crap and hear are wild, rabid dogs."
"He's gone barking mad!"
"Tell me something I don't know."
"What's he doing?"
"He's pitching the tent while I'm sulking like a petulant five year old."
"Wow… you two really know how to celebrate."
"He's just smacked his hand with the wooden hammer thing."
"Mallet?"
"What?"
"A mallet?"
"Like the bad haircut?"
"No you div. A mAllet. Wooden hammer 'thing'."
"Dude, why can't you just say wooden hammer."
"Has he hurt himself?"
"Huh?"
"When he hit himself with the mallet... the wooden hammer… Did he hurt himself?"
"I think so. He's got his hand between his legs and he's dancing round on one leg in a circle, swearing at the sky."
"Now that IS something I'd like to see. Seriously though, you need to go and help him."
"No."
"Why not? In sickness and in health, remember?"
"Don't get me started, ok?"
"What's up your arse?"
"I'm fine… thanks for asking. PS: It's raining and I refuse to get out of the car."
"So, what are you going to do?"
"I don't know… find the closest roach motel I guess."
"Why are you giving in?"
"Dude, cow shit, barking dogs, no shower and far too much nature."
"Ok… two ticks."
"Ok? Dude, I hate when you say 'two ticks' cuz it feels like an eternity."

Two minutes later…

"Hello!"
"Luke! You there?"
"Damn it! So much for 'two ticks'!"
"Oh for fucks sake!"
"I give up!"

Fifteen minutes later…

"Patience is a virtue princess!"
"Finally! I was starting to grow old!"
"Whatever! Go to Badger Chalet in Big Bear Lake… when you get there, ask for Alice."
"Dude… how do you know where I am?"
"I used my find a friend app."
"Creeper!"
"Just go."
"Why, what's there?"
"A quaint cabin with a real roof and indoor plumbing."
"Seriously?"
"Yes… there's also a full spa, activities and fourteen places to eat. Enjoy but don't tell Jesse what I've done."
"Thanks Luke… you're the best."
"Yeah, I know."
"I owe you big time."
"And I intend to cash in."
"Just say when."
"Go… have sex with your husband. Ugh… I just threw up in my mouth!"
"Nah, I think I have a really bad headache."
"You are very bad!"
"Yeah, I know."

Shortly after the text exchange with Luke, Beca covered her neatly curled hair with the hood of her sweater and braved the rain to go and stop Jesse from hurting himself any further. At first, he was disappointed that Beca wasn't willing to try tent camping but had to admit that after she showed him the weather forecast and the absence of several horny bovine, the cabin with indoor plumbing seemed preferable. He was also disappointed that he didn't quite understand 'the memo' but after Beca showed him pictures of Badger Chalet, he had to admit, that it looked much better than the tent.

Promising to make it up to Beca, Jesse returned the tent to the campsite manager, telling him to keep the money and got back in the car. Feeling much better already, they both began to laugh about it as they headed towards the mountains and Big Bear Lake. Beca decided that she wouldn't ever tell Jesse that Luke had arranged the change of venue. It was something he didn't need to know about and as the miles disappeared on the journey, Beca's mood lightened and she realized that, while not what she wanted or had in mind, Jesse had tried to make plans for a honeymoon and that had to count for something.

They stopped for lunch in a small town about twenty miles from Big Bear Lake. While waiting for their food to be served, Beca noticed that Jesse was fidgeting. He kept checking his phone and looking over his shoulder to a spot in the parking lot. When she pushed him to open up about what was bothering him, he wildly tried to explain that he was checking for updates from Cynthia Rose. Beca decided not to push any further and knew he'd open up when he was ready.

Jesse seemed to calm down after his meal arrived and he attacked his double cheeseburger with enthusiasm and even managed to laugh and joke about Amy's antics at their wedding. He brought up the subject of Beca discovering her parents shagging like rabbits in their guest room while high on pot brownies and Beca enjoyed sharing Luke's tale of MawMaw pinching his backside after shoving him in the hall closet, falsely telling him there was a large spider inside that needed to be stomped.

The mood in the car was noticeably lifted after their brief stop and after another thirty minutes on the road, Beca and Jesse pulled up to the most precious cabin with all the modern conveniences of home. Luke had done a good job and addition to securing the cabin, he had arranged for the delivery of a gourmet meal, chocolate dipped strawberries and sparkling cider as well as a couples massage.

After spending a couple weeks without cell service; Luke had instructed Alice to disconnect the wifi, Beca and Jesse were ready to head home. The break had helped them to shut the world out and enjoy the trip to the fullest. Days were spent parasailing, jet skiing, ziplining and biking along the trails, while evenings were spent taking in the gorgeous sunsets from the hot tub on the back deck. What could have turned into a complete disaster, ended up being a really great trip.

They were on the road for thirty minutes when they finally got back into cellphone range. Jesse's phone started going crazy with messages, as he began listening to message after message from Cynthia Rose, the smile on his face got bigger with each one. In the two weeks that he and Beca were gone, Cynthia Rose had managed to pack The Riff's schedule with appearances. They were due to appear on both local and national morning and late night shows as well as gigs at a few music festivals around the country. According to the last message Cynthia Rose left, Jesse had just enough time to go home and get some laundry done and pack a fresh bag before he had to head to LAX for his flight to New York.

This wasn't exactly the start to married life that Beca had expected. She knew it would be crazy and that life had to continue, but she had no idea that Jesse would hit the ground running the moment they returned from their honeymoon. She was hoping for a few quiet days at home before returning to the everyday grind. Realizing that wasn't going to happen and not wanting to sit around the house by herself, she messaged Sawyer to let him know she'd be returning to work earlier than planned.

Jesse, on the other hand, was extremely excited about visiting New York. He'd never been to the East Coast before but had always heard such wonderful things about it. While he was in New York, the band got to promote their upcoming album and performed on Good Morning America, The Today Show, LIVE with Kelly and Michael as well as The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers. The positive reviews poured in and he called Beca in excitement although she had to ask him to slow down as he was talking so fast. She also noticed that he had developed a pretty nasty choking cough.

Upon his return to Los Angeles, it was more of the same, more talk shows and appearances but by far his favorite appearance was on The Ellen Show. Ellen was down to Earth and quirky and said that she loved that the band came from humble beginnings and slowly made a name for themselves. She had also admitted to following them prior to their rise to stardom which had Jesse grinning like a lovestruck fool on stage.

Casey was noticeably absent from all of the appearances The Riff made. While he had returned to his Jesse's side for the wedding, at Anne's request, he ultimately decided that the rock and roll lifestyle was not for him. Casey, Amber and Willow were a happy family and he was afraid to miss one minute of their time together. He didn't want to watch Willow grow up via FaceTime, he wanted to be there to see and experience it all first hand. He told Cynthia Rose and the band of his decision and took a job with Amber's dad working for a construction company. It was a difficult choice for him to make but it was one that would allow him to be home with his family every night. After many heated discussions, it was announced that Pepper, or Chloe as was her real name, would become the lead singer of The Riff. It seemed to sit well with everyone.

Jesse found that he was away from home more than he ever expected to be and his time with Beca was limited. They always seemed to make the best of the time they had together and made a pact to never spend more than a week apart. Beca traveled with Jesse when she could, which they both seemed to enjoy, in the beginning... then Jesse began acting weird. She couldn't put her finger on what was wrong but chalked it up to all the travel and time away from home. He seemed increasingly tired, exhausted even and took to skipping meals to get more time in bed.

Some musicians were made to travel and did so with ease, others weren't so lucky. Jesse seemed to be one of the unlucky ones. The traveling was wearing on him very quickly, so quickly, in fact, that when Beca suggested a quick weekend away, just the two of them, that he rudely snapped at her. Beca didn't think anything of his behavior, rationalizing to herself that he would just prefer to be home rather than another hotel. She had also noticed that he was getting sick a lot more often and had a nagging cough that he couldn't seem to shake, which worried her.

She carefully broached the subject at home one evening as they were making pizza's together. Jesse was busy decorating his half with slices of pepperoni and cheese when he had to step outside to get some air. After returning to the kitchen, Beca had wiped her hands on a dishcloth and forced him to sit on one of the kitchen stools and listen to her concerns.

Very reluctantly, Jesse finally agreed to see a doctor about the cough but when Beca offered to go with him he declined stating that he 'could go by himself' and that he 'didn't want both of them missing work for a silly little cough'. Beca ignored the tone in his voice, knowing that something was clearly not right and her fears and worries were soon confounded.

As it turned out, it wasn't just 'a little cough', Jesse was dehydrated and diagnosed with bronchitis, in fact, he was on the verge of pneumonia. He was immediately admitted to the hospital for observation and given breathing treatments, IV antibiotics and fluids. Jesse hated being fussed over and watched so closely, he just wanted to be left alone.

He was adamant that Beca go to work. There was nothing she could do but sit and watch him all day. Beca understood that feeling completely; hospitals reminded her of the time she was in Las Vegas with Bodhi but she visited Jesse twice a day, bringing him home cooked treats and his iPod.

After spending three nights in the hospital the doctor signed Jesse's discharge papers, ordered him to bedrest for the rest of the week and strongly encouraged him to quit smoking, which Jesse wasn't happy about at all. By going to rehab, he was able to give up drugs and booze, which was made easier because he could still smoke. Smoking was his last vice, a pretty big vice considering he went through almost two packs a day and now he was being told that he needed to give that up too. He promised the doctor that he would try to cut down but that he couldn't give it up completely.

o~O~o

Exactly two months to the day after Beca's wedding, on July 31st, Aubrey's twins were born after a relatively easy pregnancy. Prudence Rachel "Pru" and Penelope Rebeca "Penny" were born four weeks early, during a heatwave and 'in the middle of the fucking night' which really pissed Aubrey off because her hair and makeup weren't done. During their natural delivery, Aubrey managed to break one of Ben's fingers and his shrieks of pain were louder than hers. The babies were tiny but they were healthy and a very welcomed addition to the family even though everyone thought the babies names were weird.

Amy, on the other hand, thought the babies names were simply perfect, though she did think that Penny's nickname should have been 'Peca'. She very excitedly reminded everyone that the babies were born on Harry Potter's birthday and that their unusual names would most definitely secure their spot at Hogwarts. She couldn't wait for their eleventh birthday when they would get their letter from Hogwarts and even promised to buy the girls a snowy white owl named Gertie and a ginger kitten name Hoofwank to take with them.

Beca responded by rolling her eyes and wondering if Amy had been hitting the pot brownies again. "Really Ames?! Hoofwank?! Some of Luke's Britishness is rubbing off on you."

"Can't exactly call the cat Bungleprick now can we? McGonagall would have them expelled quicker than the full moon can make Lupin transfigure into a werewolf."

"Amy… Lupin died in the eighth movie."

"Oh… Well… I'm still right you know? He can't exactly transfigure if he's six feet under."

Beca quickly came to the conclusion that Amy was most definitely hitting the pot brownies pretty hard and that perhaps an intervention was necessary, or maybe she just needed to be kept away from MawMaw. Beca knew that Amy and Betty had a special relationship which she loved and encouraged because Amy's grandparents were in Australia and she only saw them a few times a year. Amy and Betty had a standing Saturday brunch date every week since Beca's wedding which Beca knew her grandmother was thoroughly enjoying because she did occasionally tag along. Amy had to be told to not take MawMaw clubbing as too much excitement for the old girl was not good for her heart. MawMaw's response was to book a skydiving trip although Amy was mysteriously busy that day when asked if she wanted to join in.

As hard as she tried to hide it, Beca had a hard time meeting the new babies. It hadn't been that long since she had lost Bodhi and she prayed that she would be pregnant again soon. She ached to fill the void and though she knew no one could ever take Bodhi's place, she prayed a new baby would help to ease the pain.

Looking into the sweet little faces of Penny and Pru, Beca hoped it wouldn't be long before she was giving them a cousin to play with. While Beca enjoyed the feel of a new baby in her arms, cradling the tiny human so easily into the crook of her elbow the family watched her, secretly wishing and hoping for the same thing she was.

"Beca…" Aubrey said trying to get Beca's attention after Beca had bent down to kiss the baby's forehead and not come back up for over ten minutes.

"Just one more minute Aub, I promise I'll give Pru back."

"It's ok… but let's switch. Here… take Penny." Aubrey smiled.

Beca finally took her eyes off the baby, "Sure." she said as she walked toward Aubrey's bed.

The girls carefully switched babies before Beca perched herself on the bed next to Aubrey. "They're perfect Aub… absolutely perfect. You seriously make pretty babies."

"You don't think their names are weird?"

Beca thought for a moment. Prudence and Penelope weren't exactly her taste but the names weren't completely awful. "A little old fashioned but not weird."

"My mom hates their names."

"Since when do you care what your mom thinks?" Beca asked as she stroked the baby's face.

"I don't really but she suggested that we give them 'normal' middle names."

Beca snickered. "Aub, you gotta do you. Name your babies whatever you want to name them."

"Thanks, that means a lot."

"What are their middle names?"

"Pru's middle name is Rachel."

"And Penny?"

"It's Rebeca… after her Godmother."

Beca was shocked as her eyes met Aubrey's. "Me? Really?"

"Yes you!" Aubrey smiled.

"Are you sure? Cuz you can totally change your mind and I'd be ok with that."

"I can't imagine anyone else being her Godmother."

"Why me?"

"Honestly? Because she's the feisty one, even in utero." Aubrey grinned. "Pru is more like me."

Beca laughed. "Uh oh… I'm not quite sure the world is quite ready for two Aubrey's!" She looked down at the little girl, sleeping sounding in her care and smiled at her. "I'll be there for them Aubrey, forever and always. Thank you for choosing me."

o~O~o

August and September brought even more family celebrations. On August 26th, Beca's MawMaw celebrated her 80th birthday. When Beca asked her MawMaw what she wanted to do for her birthday, she responded by saying… "Anything that involves good food, Pina Coladas and a personal cabana boy. Is that handsome Luke free?"

Beca took the idea and ran with it, although she did warn Luke that he might want to bring a date to the shindig so that MawMaw wouldn't get too frisky with him. Luke had laughed loudly but had quickly scrolled through his phone to find someone to ask. He offered to help Beca out with any of the plan as Jesse was so busy sorting out his future with the band and out of town quite a bit. Beca was grateful for the help as the heat of the endless and particularly hot summer was beginning to take its toll on her. Luke had come over every evening to help move furniture, decorate with paper streamers and help move the half ton of groceries that Beca had bought.

The result was a large surprise luau in Beca's backyard and MawMaw loved it. The photograph of the entire family, with MawMaw up front and center, surrounded by the people she loved the most was hung on her bedroom wall.

September marked Anne and Will's 30th anniversary and Beca treated them to a five day trip to New York. To complete the surprise, she'd booked a helicopter tour of the city, a evening cruise with a private chef, a personalized trip to Tiffany's where they could both choose something to remember the past 30 years and lastly, and Will's secret favorite excursion, a trip out to Hoboken and a visit to Carlo's Bakery where he ate more cannolis than Anne though humanly possible. They loved their trip and thanked Beca at least a dozen times as she met them at the airport to bring them home. Despite the long journey, Anne insisted that Beca stay for dinner, citing that she looked tired.

"I'm fine Mom… I swear. Just busy at work."

"And where's Jesse?" Anne had asked as she put the key into the front door and shrieked with delight as she took in the huge bouquet of flowers that Beca had arranged as a last surprise. "Oh, Becs, they are beautiful!"

"I thought you'd like them!" Beca grinned as her dad gave her a happy thumbs up for the extra mile she'd gone to make sure their anniversary was special.

"No Jesse?" Will asked, reminding Beca of Anne's earlier question.

"He's working." Beca stated flatly. In truth, she'd hardly seen Jesse in a month and while they messaged all day long, her start to their married life hadn't been everything it was supposed to have been and what she imagined it would be like.

"Extra hours with Bob?" Will asked, setting the suitcases down in the hallway.

"No, this is with the band. He and Pepper are spending loads of time down at the studio."

"Well, at least he is trying to make things work." Anne said as she headed upstairs to get changed.

"Oh, I'm not complaining." Beca said, with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. "I know what it takes to get a band off of the ground."

"Then what is it?" Bob asked, leaning against the banister.

"He needs a break. He's been working so hard that when he does finally come home, it's usually around midnight and he's asleep by five minutes past. Then he's up at four when that damn cough he can't get rid of wakes him up and then he's out the door before I'm showered in the morning."

"Are you both ok?"

"Yeah, we're fine. Just looking forward to spending some proper time together, you know?"

"Married life isn't all highs, there's plenty of lows too. I should know!"

"I heard that!" Anne called from upstairs.

Will and Beca looked to each other and smiled. "Hang in there kiddo, it will all work out for the best."

"Thanks Dad."

"Have you heard from Amy? How are the wedding plans going for that crazy pair?" Anne asked, coming down the stairs with the house phone in her hand which she held out towards her husband. "Call for takeout, will you dear? I'm too tired to cook."

"There's a homecooked meal in the fridge for you." Beca stated and both Will and Anne snapped their heads up to look at their daughter before looking at each other. "All you have to do is warm it up."

"We might have faults Anne, but I can say with clarity that we raised an amazing and thoughtful daughter."

"Thanks Dad. I love you both so much."

"We love you more."

o~O~o

At the end of the month, Amy and Bumper got hitched in a surprisingly sensible and almost straightforward ceremony at one of the nicer hotels in the area. Amy had threatened to have kangaroos as her bridesmaids but had opted for her younger cousin, Beca and Bumper's five year old niece. Her color scheme was hot pink and while Beca had cursed under her breath at first at the garish dress Amy wanted her to wear, even she admitted that once the wedding party was put together, it did look really good.

As they put the finishing touches to Amy's outfit, a strapless dress with a bodice encrusted with thousands of tiny crystals and sequins, Amy poked Beca in the ribs and told her she was looking really skinny.

"Jesse's a real man!" Amy purred as Beca pinned up an escaped hair curl.

"Huh?"

"Bones are for dogs Beca. Jesse needs some meat on his woman."

"Oh. Wait, what?"

"Are you forgetting to eat?" Amy asked. "I know it's been a busy few months."

"Focus on your wedding Ames. Don't worry about me!"

"Beca, you're my best friend and I love you to pieces. You are the only person who never complains when I steal $20 from your purse every month. But you gotta start looking after yourself!"

"I do!" Beca said, giving Amy's hair a light spray of glitter hairspray. "Look at this pudge around my middle. I gotta start working out more, not less!" She smoothed down her dress to show Amy her tiny hint of a belly. "Middle age is getting me and... wait! You're still stealing money from me?"

"Oh gosh, is that the time?" Amy exclaimed, looking at her wrist that didn't have a watch on it. "Time to go!"

Beca laughed and shook her head as she helped Amy gather up her dress and pushed her through the door to the waiting car outside. "We'll come back to that another time."

"Thank you for everything you've done to get me looking less like a wallaby."

"You never have looked like a wallaby. But I will say one thing..." Beca said, spinning Amy around to look up at her friend for a moment. "... you've never looked more beautiful than you do today."

"Thank you." Amy said, unnaturally quiet for a moment.

"As much as these words will probably choke me to say it, Richard Babcock is a lucky man to have you in his life."

"Damn right he is!" Amy laughed but Beca could see the tiny tears in Amy's eyes. Beca took the break to bundle Amy into the waiting car. She was about to step back to let Amy's dad join her in the wedding car when she felt she had to explain something.

"I'm sorry Jesse couldn't make it today. He sends his best to you though." Beca lied, as she hadn't spoken to him in three days.

"I completely understand. He can just send us 10% of the profits from his first album when it's done. You'll be ok going Han Solo today?"

"Luke's doubling up as my plus one today."

"He always does." Amy smiled and sat back in the seat. Beca took that as her cue to leave and get into the car with the other bridesmaids and Amy's Mom.

The rest of the day went without incident which surprised most people. The meal was traditional Australian cuisine with three huge barbeque pits stationed outside. Amy assured everyone that it wasn't roadkill as she handed out pieces of lamington as her wedding favor. Beca held back a giggle as everyone looked suspiciously at the sponge cake inside the little packages.

"No pot in these." Amy grinned wickedly but Beca decided that she wouldn't eat the light sponge, coated in chocolate and rolled in dessicated coconut, just in case! She'd been feeling a little light headed all day and found Luke in the line for a burger, and snaffled the last piece of shrimp from his plate.

"Help yourself much?" Luke said, playfully slapping her hands.

"Can it Donovan, I'm hungry!"

"Been a good day."

"Suspiciously good so far."

"There is time for the facade to drop!"

"Bumper looks quite normal today." Beca said, taking Luke's arm and wrapping her own around it.

"Personal space. Ever heard of it?"

"Yeah. So nice you are willing to share yours."

"Do I have a choice?"

"Nope."

"Where's Bellend today anyway?"

"At the studio with the rest of the band. Pepper picked him up early this morning."

"When is the album going to be done. Seems like they have been working on it for months."

"Think they just want to get it right."

"Obviously. But surely, that's what the techs are for?"

"I guess." Beca thought about Luke's words as she took his spot in the line, stealing the last burger that she knew Luke had had his eye on. She also knew he'd be taken a large bite out of it as he collected some more chicken and shrimp.

"Can you give me a ride home later?"

"Nope. You are married now but I can give you a lift, if you like."

"Oh, you are your correctness!" Beca said, throwing some onion at him.

"Hey!" Luke laughed, picking the relish off of his suit jacket. He handed it back to her.

"No, you keep it."

"You love onions."

"I'm hoping Jesse will be home when I get there and... you know?"

"Urgh. I do not want to hear about all that unpleasantness." Luke laughed. "But it would be good for you two to spend some real time together. Just the two of you."

"You're telling me!"

"Uh oh, Amy's gesturing. I think it is time for the speeches."

o~O~o

One evening in mid-October, Beca left work early to prepare a nice dinner for Jesse. They had both been working late hours and after several months of craziness, she was looking forward to a nice, quiet evening at home. As she pulled into the grocery store's parking lot, she was running through a menu in her mind and as she collected a cart, she was so deep in thought that she didn't even hear Cynthia Rose calling her name.

"Earth to Beca!" Cynthia Rose said, placing a light hand on Beca's arm.

"Whoa, sorry! Didn't see you there."

"You looked miles away."

"I'm thinking about food."

"Then you are forgiven!" Cynthia Rose laughed and Beca grinned.

"I'm making a special dinner tonight for Jesse and I. It's been so long since we sat down and actually ate a meal together, I can't remember the last time we actually did that."

"He's been busy?"

"Yeah, his slave driver of a boss works him too hard!"

"Where's he working now?"

"Huh?" Beca asked, slightly confused.

"What's he up to now?"

"What do you mean? I thought he was working on the album with you?"

"Album was finished three months ago."

"That doesn't make sense. He said there were finishing touches still to be done."

"A couple of things. I didn't know he was such a perfectionist. I have to say Beca, I misjudged him in the beginning. He and Chloe have been a breath of fresh air with their dedication."

"Next time, listen to me then!" Beca said, wanting to end the conversation as she was so confused as to what was going on.

"I will! I predict great things from The Riff. I was concerned that after Casey left, it would fall apart but I was wrong. I know Jesse has spent a lot of time sorting out the band, their look and attitude."

'That's what I must be thinking of then. He hasn't been going to the studios, they must have been rehearsing elsewhere.' Beca thought to herself.

"How's work with you?"

"Oh, going really well." Beca said. "Crazy busy. Like bullshit busy."

"Heard you got a new British star."

"News travels fast. Yep, signed a Londoner named Adele."

"She good."

"Fricking amazing. Wait 'til you hear her first album. It's gonna blow minds!"

"Looking forward to it. Listen Beca, I've got to run. But we should have lunch soon."

"Definitely."

"You look really well at the moment."

"Thanks, I like what you've done with your hair."

"What are you after?" Cynthia Rose laughed, leaning forward to hug Beca. "Call me soon, ok?"

"You got it." Beca promised. "Take care."

"Have a good evening."

"You too."

The friends parted company and Beca began pushing her cart through the store, thinking about everything Cynthia Rose said. Had she been listening when Jesse had been talking or had she been reading his hastily written notes wrong? Had she been so wrapped up with her own work that she'd been ignoring his needs? Cross with herself for potentially missing the little signs that she was neglecting Jesse, she vowed to do better. It wasn't like her to be so absent minded and as she strolled up and down the aisles of the store, she collected everything she needed for a really special meal, as well as some staples, dog food and toiletries. She loaded up the car and after depositing the cart back, sent Jesse a text to see what time he'd be home.

As soon as she arrived at home, Beca put the groceries away before running upstairs to change into a pair of sweats and use the bathroom. She was planning to prepare Chateaubriand with bearnaise sauce, Chateau potatoes, grilled asparagus and a fresh salad. While she waited for the oven to preheat, she decided to take the puppies for a short walk to burn off some of their cooped up energy. They bounded alongside her, as she entered the woods and she cleared her mind of the fog she'd been carrying around for a few days. She wanted to be on point when Jesse got home and wanted to be prepared to really listen to what he had to say.

Upon their return home, Beca gave each of the puppies a new bone before going into the kitchen to finish preparing dinner. She still hadn't heard back from Jesse as to what time he'd be home but she breathed through her annoyance and decided to take a quick shower, guessing she had time before he came home. She left the bathroom door open so she could hear if he came home and was greeted with two furry faces when she stepped out of the shower.

"You two..." She said, rolling her eyes at her constant companions. "No Jags, don't lick my legs! I can dry myself!"

Dressed in comfy jeans and one of her shirts that showed off the cleavage that Jesse liked so much, Beca was just setting the dining room table for dinner when Jesse walked in the house in a huff. He slammed the door, which startled Beca and then yelled at the dogs when they tried to greet him, their loyalty showing no limits even though Jesse didn't spend that much time with them. Beca wasn't sure what was going on with his attitude but she planned to get to the bottom of it.

"What's wrong?" Beca asked Jesse as she walked in the family room. He'd been acting weird for days and she had yet to figure out what was eating him for lunch.

"Hi yourself." Jesse said, emptying his pockets onto one of the end tables. He collected his phone back up and slipped it into his pocket; a move that didn't go unnoticed by Beca.

"Jesse?"

"What?"

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Is something wrong?"

"No, why?"

"Did you get my message earlier?"

"Yeah."

"You just didn't want to reply?" Beca asked gently. Inside she was fuming at his attitude but was determined not to react to his snark. She had a sneaking suspicion he might have started drinking again and wanted to address the issue rather than raise her voice.

"What was the point? I said this morning that I'd be home around 6. It's, what..." Jesse said, looking at his watch, a gift from Beca on their wedding day. "... almost 7. Is that what this is about, me being an hour late?"

"No, not at all."

"I need to be checking in every two damn minutes now?"

"No, I was just asking because of dinner."

"I'm not hungry." Jesse said angrily.

"Oh, did you eat at work?" Beca asked, trying not to let her disappointment show. A simple text from him to say he'd eaten could have saved her a lot of extra work.

"No."

"Are you sick again?"

"Enough with the fucking questions Beca! For fucks sake, can you just-"

"-Jesse!" Beca interrupted his rant as Roxy let out a small bark.

"Shut up dog!" Jesse yelled.

"Ok, that's enough. I'm trying to have a civil conversation with you and find out how you are doing and you're getting aggressive and yelling at a puppy." Beca said softly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Jesse barked at her. "You wouldn't understand anyway."

"Really?!" Beca asked, her voice a little louder than expected but she had kept her cool long enough. "I'm your fucking wife! We've been married all of five months and already you're pushing me away."

"I'm not. It's... it's work stuff… ok?"

"What about work?" She asked, slightly intrigued as she remembered the conversation at the grocery store. "Work, work? Or band work?"

"Why the sudden interest?" Jesse asked, sighing heavily. He indicated that he was leaving the room and Beca followed him into the kitchen. He filled a glass with some water and leaned up against the kitchen counter.

"No sudden interest Jesse. Like I said, I'm your wife. You are my husband. If something is worrying you, I need to know about it. I'm always interested in what you are up to."

"I'm not up to anything." Jesse exclaimed and Beca looked surprised at his enthusiasm.

"You can't... Jesse, is there a problem at work? If you lost your job, you-"

"-I gave my notice at work months ago. Cynthia Rose said it would be best for me to focus all of my energy on the band."

"You did what? Why?" Beca questioned. "I thought you took a leave of absence."

"I resigned. It was my choice to make." Jesse said again. "Bob tried to warn me against it but I'm a grown man and very capable of making my own decisions."

"That may be true, but it's risky to just quit and-"

"-So you have zero faith in me? Wow, thanks for the support."

"Jesse! You can hardly say that I don't support you."

"Oh yes, sorry your Royal Highness. I guess those trips to Starbucks makes you a lifetime Saint."

"What the fuck Jess? I meant that if you wanted to stand on your own two feet, as you have proclaimed so many times before, then having your own money coming in would have been on your list of priorities. I'm not for one minute..." Beca held up her finger to signify the number. "... one minute suggesting that you, or Pepper, or The Riff are not super talented and going to go places but it might take longer than a month once, the album has been released, to get your name out there."

"Bob said that too." Jesse said, his anger subsiding and his shoulders dropping as he listened to Beca.

"What did Bob say?"

"He said I should make sure the band was really going places before I throw my livelihood in the trash."

Beca thought carefully how to word what she wanted to say next. "Listen, is it really work that's bothering you? Do you need some money?"

"No. I've got some in my account."

"If you quit work months ago, why are you throwing it in my face now?"

"Me quitting work had and has nothing to do with you. My life has nothing to do with you."

"So what does this ring on my finger mean to you?"

"Oh my God Beca! Life isn't about you and what you want."

"You mean that?"

"Yes, at this point in my life, I fucking do. Is this all because I didn't tell you I quit some lame ass job that paid me $800 a week. I'm better than that. I've got people relying on me and-"

"-And you didn't think to speak with me about this before you quit?" Beca asked, hurt.

"Beca what was I supposed to do? I've got Cynthia Rose riding my ass by day and you riding my ass by night."

"I hardly 'ride your ass', I'm just asking about your day. There's no riding at all! In fact, you've barely touched me for weeks. Is it me? Am I the problem? Things changed after Bodhi and-"

"-Don't bring him into this. Don't mention him. Ever."

"How dare you?! Seriously? I'm not going to ever stop thinking or talking about my son."

"Maybe you should. Maybe it's time to get over it."

Jesse had no time to say anything as he felt Beca's hand crack across his cheek. "If you think I'm ever going to get over it, you don't know me at all." She said quietly, her voice straining with emotion. Jesse reached out a hand to rub his cheek.

"Beca, I-"

"-I'm sorry I hit you."

"I deserved that."

"And I deserve someone who is willing to share their day."

"Then call your buddy Luke. Nag him instead."

"That's enough Jesse. I'm going upstairs. There are sheets and blankets in the closet in the hall. You can sleep anywhere you like except next to me."

Beca looked away as tears ran down her face, the weight of Jesse's words ripping through her very core. She didn't think that caring about her husband and what was going on in his life was considered 'riding his ass'. She didn't feel that asking about his day was nagging. To the best of her knowledge, she didn't think there was a book about wifely do's and don't's but she was pretty damn certain that she hadn't crossed any invisible lines. Ignoring the smell of a ruined dinner, she walked out of the kitchen.

"That's fine by me. I don't want you near me either." Jesse said spitefully. "I don't even care that you are crying right now, that's how mad you've made me."

Without a word, Beca crossed the room toward the stairs.

"And you should think about going back to the gym." Jesse said, following her, wanting to crush her even further. "You're getting fat."

As she reached for the bannister, she turned around and very quietly said, "I'm not fat, I'm pregnant… you asshole."

A/N: Don't hate me too much! I'd love to hear your thoughts... and I'm prepared for hate mail... or am I?! ;) Until next time.