The Amazing Spider-Girl

Chapter 5

"What do you mean he's your dad? I- I thought your dad-"

"Left? Yeah. Me fucking too." Beca spoke through her teeth as the anger inside of her began to bubble over. Chloe watched as Beca through the newspaper clipping on the ground. She handed Chloe back her phone as she sat beside her on the double bed. Beca rested her chin on her hands as she leaned on her knees thinking. Chloe watched her friend's inner turmoil as she bit her lip, not knowing what this meant for Beca. She couldn't imagine what she must be going through.

She herself, never had to experience what Beca and Jesse had gone through and grown up without. Beca having grown up not knowing her father at all, just knowing that he abandoned her with her Aunt May and Uncle Ben. And then there was Jesse whose father was too obsessed in his work at Oscorp to notice or even seem to care that he did in fact have a son.

Chloe was very sheltered when she was growing up. Her father was George Beale, Captain of the NYPD. Chloe's was daddy's little girl and it showed with her being the ONLY girl. She had three brothers and she herself was the third child. Above her was the oldest child and son Cameron, then there was Carson, Chloe, and the youngest of the Beale children: Caleb. Her mother Carol Beale had stuck with the 'c' first name. Chloe had never gone without growing up. Her mother and father always providing her with the best of the best. Now don't get her wrong, yes Chloe was spoiled growing up, but she wasn't snobby like a lot of the rich kids at Midtown High. Chloe was humble and she always treated people with the respect she believed that everyone deserved.

"What're you gonna do?" Chloe asked cautiously, not wanting to say the wrong thing. Beca laughed bitterly as she shook her head.

"What am I gonna do?" Beca turned to look at Chloe who sat still on the brunette's bed. "I'm gonna make a visit to good ol' daddy dearest."

"Beca maybe that's not-"

"Not what Chloe?! Not a good idea?" Beca snapped at the redhead, who recoiled instantly. "Maybe it wasn't a good idea for him to leave his fucking four year old all alone!" Chloe looked down at her hands as Beca huffed in frustration. She turned around and instantly felt guilty when she saw the look on Chloe's face. Beca's exterior soften as her shoulders slackened and she dropped her arms down to her side. "Shit. I'm sorry Chlo." Beca sat down beside Chloe and sighed out in defeat. Chloe was fiddling with her fingers as Beca reached her own hand over and covered Chloe's.

"I'm sorry for being such a dick. I didn't mean to yell at you, I'm just- I don't even know." Beca played with Chloe's fingers as Chloe watched her.

"I have no room to say anything Bec. You have every right to be upset after everything you've been through." Chloe told her softly as she looked up and into Beca's sapphire eyes. Beca couldn't help but notice that Chloe looked like someone kicked her puppy, her eyes didn't have the same brightness and her smile was forced.

"No. I shouldn't have taken my 'daddy issues' out on you. You've always been there for me and this is how I repay you." Beca put her head in her hands as she leant forward. Chloe watched as she could see tears forming in Beca's eyes as she blinked, trying to fight them back. Chloe scooted closer to her friend and wrapped her arms around Beca's bicep as she rested her head on Beca's shoulder.

"Shh, it's okay Bec." Chloe whispered as her thumbs trailed over Beca's arm. Beca sniffed again and swiped at her eyes hastily, desperately trying not to cry. Beca wasn't a crier, no Beca was the girl who put up walls sky high to keep people out to keep herself from getting hurt.

"Let's get ready for bed okay?" Chloe noticed that it was nearing midnight and after a long day, she knew that both of them would be exhausted in the morning if they stayed up much later. Beca sniffed and nodded, standing up and going to her drawers to grab some clothes for herself and Chloe. After tossing Chloe one of her old band t-shirts and a pair of shorts, Beca grabbed her plaid pajama pants and white V-neck and made her way into the bathroom to give Chloe some privacy.

Once the two were dressed, Chloe climbed into the bed first and scooted so that she was on the wall side. She adjusted the blankets to rest at her waist as she propped herself up on her left arm, waiting for the other girl. Beca waited until her eyes had adjusted to the darkness before cautiously tip toeing across the room. She slid under the sheets and pulled the blankets over top of her and Chloe. Once they were settled in, both of them rested on their sides facing the other.

"Hey Beca." Chloe whispered as Beca opened her eyes. The only light in the room was coming from the street lamp outside; shining through the blinds on Beca's window and falling on Chloe's face.

"Yeah Red?"

"I know that you've been through a lot today, and I know you don't want to talk about it right now, but I just want to let you know that I'm always going to be here for you okay? No matter what happens. I'm like gum that's stuck on the bottom of your shoe." Chloe giggled out at the end as both girls smiled. Chloe looked between Beca's eyes before reaching up and tucking a stray piece of hair behind Beca's ear.

"Thanks Chloe." Beca said sincerely as Chloe just smiled at her warmly. Beca rolled over so that she was resting on her stomach, her arms tucked under her pillow, still facing the redhead.

"Want me to rub your back until you fall asleep?"

"You know me so well Beale." Chloe scooted closer until her front was flush against Beca's side. Tentatively, she reached out and slid her hand under Beca's cotton shirt. Chloe started to trace circles on Beca's bare back gently, the effect calming the younger girl instantly, as her muscles relaxed. Beca hummed to herself quietly and closed her eyes, the events of the day starting to catch up to her body and she finally felt a sense of peace wash over her having Chloe beside her.

"Goodnight Chlo." Beca mumbled, sleep starting to take in effect. She lifted her left arm and draped it across Chloe's waist, pulling her in closer. Chloe smiled softly at the protective and possessive mannerism from Beca, this being one of the few ways she showed it towards the redhead. Chloe leaned forward and pressed a light kiss to Beca's cheek.

"Goodnight Becs."

They weren't a couple but at the same time they weren't exactly just friends. Lines became blurred as the two interacted with each other on a level specifically reserved for the other only. Lines that both of them knew had long been crossed and there was no turning back but neither had brought it up to discussion. Whatever it was that they were, they never discussed it, everyone just went with it.

xxx

The Next Morning…

JESSE POV

"DAD I'M LEAVING FOR SCHOOL!" I yelled as I bounded down the staircase of our pent house. I threw my backpack over my shoulder as I walked past his office/study room.

"Dad?" I peered inside looking around for him thinking he might have already left for work. My chest tightened for a second and my heart stopped as I saw my dad lying face down on the floor beside his desk.

"Dad!" I dropped my back pack and ran to him as I dropped to my knees beside him. "Dad?" I placed my hands on his shoulders gently and gave him a small shake.

"Jesse?" I breathed out a sigh of relief as he stirred awake. He pushed himself up in a sitting position.

"Are you alright? Were you there all night?"

"Last night I…I don't remember." He told me, confusion across his face. I frowned as I helped him sit into the lounge chair in front of us.

"Mr. Osborn!" We both turned to the shout as one of my dad's many assistants jogged into the room, panic evident on her face. I stood up as she and Robert, our home butler stopped in front of us.

"Sir I asked her to wait in the foyer." Robert tried to explain as he caught up to the woman.

"I'm sorry but my father isn't feeling well-" I put my hand up to stop her from approaching my father but she walked past me.

"Dr. Stromm is dead!"

"What?" My father's face fell as the woman nodded, continuing.

"They found his body this morning in the lab. He's been murdered sir!"

"What are you talking about?" I watched the interaction between the two as I went to stand beside Robert. I crossed my arms over my chest.

"And the flight suit and glider has been stolen sir." My father's jaw dropped in pure astonishment at her words. How the hell had someone managed to break into the lab, murder Dr. Stromm AND steal that stuff?! I sighed and rubbed my hand through my hair, this was going to be a very long day which meant my dad was probably going to be an ass.

"I'm just gonna go-"I trailed off and pointed behind me awkwardly as I grabbed my backpack off the floor and headed towards the elevator. I figured I probably wasn't supposed to be hearing most of their conversation anyway.

xxx

"So she's like legit suspended? For how long?!"

"Two days and from what she said, her Aunt and Uncle were really disappointed in her." Chloe said as she dipped one of her carrots into her ranch and took a bite.

"Bumper deserved it though! She was defending herself!" I argued. While Aubrey and Chloe both nodded, Benji spoke up.

"According to what Principal Gold said, any type of violence, physically or verbal is grounds for suspension." I rolled my eyes as I tossed a grape in the air and caught in my mouth.

"Of course. Gold is a grade a douche." They all agreed with me as I felt my phone vibrate. I dug in my jean pockets and pulled it out seeing a new message from Beca.

'Hey do me a favor. Keep an eye on Chloe today for me alright?' –Becaw Read 1:42 p.m.

I furrowed my brows and discreetly looked across the table to the girl in question. Chloe had her head ducked down, resting against the side of her hand as she ate her lunch quietly. This was unusual, Chloe was always the one to have something to say or gossip to share.

'Why what's wrong?' -Delivered 1:43 p.m.

'Just do it Osborn. I'll explain later.' – Becaw Read 1:43 p.m.

'Alright I will. You owe me that movication still!'– Delivered 1:44 p.m.

I slid my phone back into my pocket and focused my attention on the group.

"Yeah she said that her Aunt and Uncle are making her go to the library to do her homework so she can't just stay in her room all day and mix." Chloe added.

"That's brutal."

xxx

CHLOE POV

I drowned out the group's conversation as I picked at my salad with my fork. I couldn't bring myself to join in, not after what happened this morning between me and Beca. I mean it wasn't bad and we're not fighting…quite the opposite actually. I just couldn't find in myself to focus because everything just brought be back to square one: Thinking about Beca.

FLASHBACK TO THAT MORNING:

'We, are never, ever, ever…getting back together! We-'

"Chloe come on! I need to get in the shower too!" Beca pounded on her bathroom door as she leaned against the door frame, towel in hand. The water turned off and Beca heard the ring of the towel rack.

"I'm just drying off! Give me a second!" Beca rolled her eyes as she knew a second in Chloe time was closer to a minute in real time. She tapped her fingers against the frame, when the tingly in the back of her head rang. She jumped reflexively, lifting her hand and leg to block whatever threat she thought was coming for her. She turned her head to the left and peeked open her eyes as a slight breeze blew in through her open window, making the blinds flutter against the wall noisily.

"Not again…" Beca mumbled annoyed. She rubbed her temples as her headache throbbed even more. Whatever that feeling was, it gradually started to give her headaches the more frequently she got them. Whatever it was, it was starting to get old really fast for Beca.

"Done!" Still disoriented from the faux danger, Beca didn't have time to think before the bathroom door was being swung open and she found herself falling.

"Ahh!" Chloe squealed as Beca fell into her body and she lost her footing on the rug. Chloe landed with a thud on her back, her towel now strewed across the floor underneath her. Beca fell on top of Chloe's body, her left arm bracing herself beside Chloe's head and her right arm catching just beside Chloe's waist, her leg coming to rest between Chloe's thighs. Neither one moved, both were still stunned from how fast everything had happened.

"Um Beca?" Chloe looked around her before meeting Beca's intense gaze.

"Yeah?" Beca blinked, oblivious to the position they were in.

"I'm kind of...naked here." Chloe motioned with her finger as Beca's face instantly began to turn a shade of crimson red. Chloe giggled at the younger girl's embarrassment.

"Shit, I'm sorry! I didn't even-shit!" In all of Beca's rushing about trying to climb off of the redhead, Beca had managed to catch a glimpse of Chloe's naked figure lying beneath her and could feel herself getting warm. Beca jumped up quickly and averted her gaze as Chloe wrapped the cotton towel back around herself snugly.

"It's okay...I'm pretty confident about- all this." Chloe waved to her body and winked at Beca who just nodded and smiled awkwardly.

"You should be." Chloe smiled brightly as Beca distanced herself from her naked friend. "I still need to shower..." Beca mumbled out, looking towards the shower.

"Oh right!" Chloe jumped in back to reality as she quickly grabbed her dirty clothes. "It's all yours."

Beca rolled her eyes playfully at Chloe's lack of boundaries.

'Time for a cold shower.' Beca thought to herself as she started to undress.

END OF FLASHBACK

I could feel my cheeks burning slightly from the thoughts of this morning running through my head again. That was a moment right? Or was I just imagining it? Surely Beca hadn't been able to take the hints I was giving her from last night and this morning.

"Aca-scuse me!" I jumped in my seat as Aubrey's voice rang through my ear drums. I watched as Jesse and Benji cringed and unplugged their fingers from their ears. I turned to look at Aubrey who huffed in aggravation.

"I'm sorry what?" I asked confused at Aubrey rolled her eyes and Jesse snickered to himself.

"I said that Dr. Ratha just emailed and said we don't have to come in today. Something about an emergency project he was working on." Aubrey repeated.

"Right. Thanks."

"For serious Chloe what is wrong with you? You've been out of it all morning!" Aubrey interrogated as Chloe bit her lip.

"Yeah because she's got nothing but our little badass on her mind." Jesse nudged Aubrey in the arm playfully and she instantly sent a death glare his way. I could feel my blush getting even worse as I covered my eyes with my hands.

"Seriously Chloe?! You need to handle your toner for the hobbit! I don't even understand what you could possibly see in her anyway, she's a pain in the ass." Aubrey shuttered.

"I can't help it! I mean I've been dropping hints at her left and right and she doesn't pick up on them! I'm mean last night when we were going to sleep, I-"

"You stayed with Beca last night!?" Jesse interrupted me, his eyes wide and a grin on his face.

"Get your mind out of the gutter Osborn." I told him as he raised his hands up in mock surrender.

"I think you just need to straight up tell her Chloe. You know Beca can't take hints, hell you could tell her you were in love with her straight to her face and she'd still miss it!"

"Whoa whoa whoa, love? I'm not- I'm not in love with Beca. It's just a crush." I rushed out as I tried to back pedal the conversation. Jesse, Aubrey and Benji all locked eyes on me with a straight face before bursting out laugh.

"Crush? Yeah, OKAY, Red!"

"Please, that 'crush' you speak of was so two years ago Chlo."

"Aubrey's right Chloe, so you might as well face the music, you are hopelessly in love with dear Beca Mitchell. Don't even try to lie, everyone can see the way you look at her. It's okay." I swallowed hard at Benji's words. Love? Was I in love with Beca? My best friend for three years Beca Mitchell? The same Beca Mitchell who 'didn't do feelings'?

"Shit…"

xxx

Beca rode shot gun as Uncle Ben drove the family's old Volkswagen through the New York side streets. He was going to drop Beca off at the library to catch up on her schooling before he drove off to work. He flicked on the blinker and pulled over to the left, in front of the large columned building. Banners were hanging from the roof, advertising the Unity Day Festival that was set to take place later this week in Times Square.

Ben put the car in Park as Beca reluctantly began to gather her things into her back pack. Right as Beca was going to get out, her uncle stopped her.

"Beca hold on just one minute here. We need to talk."

"Oh...well we can talk later." Beca made another move to get out before Uncle Ben gently caught her forearm.

"No we need to talk now." He cut off the engine and Beca slouched in her seat, nervous as to what was going on. "If you'd let me." Beca rolled her eyes.

"What do we have to talk about? Why now?" Her annoyance showed in her tone.

"Because we haven't talked in so long your Aunt May and I don't even know who you are anymore. You're not doing all your chores, you've skipped school and lay in bed or you sit on that damn computer all day. Now you're starting fights at school-"

"I didn't start that fight! I told you that!" Beca argued as she pointed at Uncle Ben defensively. Her jaw locked as she tried to calm herself down.

"Well you sure as hell finished it…" Ben mumbled as he looked out the window.

"What was I supposed to do run away?!" Beca asked incredulously. Ben shook his head as he took a deep breath, this wasn't how he had hoped the conversation would go.

"No. No you should never run away but- Beca I get it. You're changing. This is the time where you find out and become the person you're gonna be for the rest of your life. Your Aunt May and I went through the same exact thing."

"Mhm not exactly." Beca muttered bitterly as her hardened gaze shifted to look out of the window. She was more than ready to be done with this conversation.

"This boy Bumper Allen. He probably deserved what happened. But just because you can beat him up, doesn't give you the right to. Remember Beca: with great power, comes great responsibility."

"Are you afraid of gonna turn into some kind of criminal?"

"No that's not-"

"Stop worrying about me okay?! Something's different…I'll figure it out. Stop lecturing me all the time, please! I don't need your help okay?! Can you back off?!" Beca pleaded as she brought her hands up, using them to emphasize her point. She clenched her jaw tightly as Uncle Ben nodded slowly, Beca's words hurting him. He cast his eyes downward as his lip quivered, her messed with the keys in the ignition as he started the car again.

"Right. I'll pick you up here at five." He said as he didn't look back towards his niece who had grown up much like a daughter. Beca sighed out in frustration as she got out of the car and slammed the passenger door shut, in annoyance. Ben drove off as Beca took a few steps in the direction of the library, waiting until Uncle Ben's car had driven around the corner.

Once Beca saw that the coast was in fact clear. She turned and headed to the crosswalk and pressed the pedestrian walkway button, her eyes set on the building that stood across the street. Barden University.

xxx

BECA POV

I walked down the long hallway, dodging the various students who were rushing about between their classes. I reached the English section of the building as I approached one of the information desks.

"Excuse me." A woman with curly blonde hair and glasses swiveled in her seat. "Can you tell which room Dr. Connor's office is in?"

"Room 298. Just follow this hallway and take a left and it's be the first door on you right." She smiled sweetly at me as I thanked her.

I joined in the sea of students as I could feel myself growing nervous with each step I took on the oak floor. I gripped the straps of my backpack tightly as I rounded the corner at the end of the hallway. Another 25 feet and I'd be face to face with my father. My 'father' who had abandoned me when I was four. My 'father' who had chosen to leave me on the footstep of my Aunt and Uncle's porch, rather than raise me himself. My 'father' who I'd not seen in 14 years and had presumed to be dead.

With this new burst of confidence and tinge of resentment, I took a deep breath and locked my jaw, readying myself for the inevitable.

Room 298 read in white lettering on the front of the door. I didn't bother to knock as I grabbed the brass handle and pushed my way in. There, sitting at a mahogany desk, with black rimmed glasses resting on his nose and his hair gelled perfectly into place sat the man that I'd gone my whole life hating.

"I'm sorry but you'll have to make an appointment if you wish to see me." He didn't bother to look up as I laughed bitterly at the irony of his statement. I ran my tongue over my teeth and tilted my head to the side, swinging my arms by my side.

"It's funny cause I uh- I've waited 14 fucking years for this appointment…Dad."