A/N : Do you hate me ? Yeah, you probably do… I'm sorry. See, having an actual job and getting used to living in another country with party animals for roommates is actually a little bit more hectic than I thought ! That, without adding that if I wanna get access to internet on MY computer, (and not my roommate's who lets me borrow hers for Skype) I have to go to McDonald's, and well, I don't want to get fat so yeah, I don't go too often. ANYWAY, I'm still truly and sincerely sorry, you guys have been patient and I thank you for that, and for reading cause yeah. On with the story, welcome to the epilogue !
Xoxo
Chloe's p.o.v.
« Hi, I'm Chloe Beale, I'm 22 years old and I'm studying arts. Every kind possible. Some of you may know me, but some might not so there, now you do. I see things very clearly now, really, I feel like my whole life (short indeed, I know I'm young, I'm not going all Dalaï Lama on you don't worry) has been building up to this very moment. And by that I mean, me coming back from college every evening to our appartment and cuddling up to my beautiful, law student girlfriend. Paint splashed on my hands, legs burning from dancing and remnents of make up from drama class still present on my face. Yes, it feels right.
« Oh but if you had told me a couple of years ago that this would be my life, I probably would've laughed in your face. I never thought I would have the courage to tell my parents that I didn't want to be a doctor and actually pursue my dreams ! Never thought I would fall in love with a woman. But she's not just any woman.
« Beca Mitchell is the strongest, bravest woman I have ever encountered. She experienced and overcame so many painful, earth-shattering, unbearable events in her life, and yet, there she is, standing strong. Sure she has her moments of weakness, but that's the thing, that makes her that much more wonderful, that much more utterly human. Yeah, she's a wonderful human-being, and that's whom I'm in love with.
« There's something I've been convinced I'd do someday, from the moment I admitted my true feelings for Beca, my Beca. But it was never the right moment. There was her fake identity, then the bad guy coming back in the picture, the PTSD… Yes, well, I said she's overcome a lot okay ? Stop judging. Anyway, as I was saying, I feel like we've reached a point in our life, which screams 'RIGHT MOMENT' in neon bright capital letters. We've been together for over 4 years now, and well, everytime I think I couldn't love her more, she goes and does something that proves me wrong. For over four years, she's been the last thing I see when I go to sleep and the first when I wake up, and I wouldn't have it any other way, and there's no doubt in my mind. I want that for the rest of my life.
« I'm truly hoping she wants that for the rest of hers as well, but I guess the only real way to know for sure, is to ask. But our relationship has never been easy. It's never been conventional. And I don't want it to be like, dinner at a nice restaurant and 'oh honey, look, there's something in your glass ! What is that ? A ring ? Woah !' no, I feel that that, THAT's the wrong approach. I want something special, something grand. I have some stuffs in mind. But it requires a lot of help. So… Will you help me ? » I finish my speech looking sheepish in front of two dozens of students from my school, Aubrey, Emily, Benji, Dallas, Stacie and Jesse.
Most of them nod their agreements encouragingly and awe, and some look plain confused, just nodding along with everyone else. Dallas stands up.
« Oh God, lil' sis', seriously, that whole speech ? Couldn't you just ask 'hey guys, could you help me propose to Beca' – OH MY GOD YOU WANT TO PROPOSE TO BECA ?! » she finishes her sarcasm, wide eyed and mouth agape.
« Yes. I mean, yeah… Do you think it's too soon ? I shouldn't ? OMG she totes think marriage is overrated right ? » I start freaking out turning to Emily who just chuckles.
« Chlo', chill, she'll say yes even if you go mainstream with the ring in the glass at a fancy restaurant. » she assures me putting a hand on my upper arm.
« Really ? You're sure ? » I ask, calming down a bit.
« Of course, she'd be really stupid not to. I mean I know she's sometimes a little bit retarded but – »
« Aubs, cut it, we know deep down you do love Beca. She'll say yes, she would've said yes 5 years ago if you'd asked. Believe me. » Stacie cuts in, smiling gently.
« Hum… » a timid voice sounds amidst the group of art students « This is very cute and all, and yeah, we'd be happy to help but hum, what's the plan ? »
Beca's p.o.v.
« But Chloeeeeee, why do I have to dress up for a college party ? Like, I never dress up for college parties… » I whine as Chloe drags me into our room and starts rummaging furiously through my clothes. Our room. Ha. I'll never get tired of that.
« Because, babe, I told you, it's a special party ! A theme party. Now will you please stop pouting and get your sexy butt in that dress ? Please O love of my life ? » Chloe retorts dramatically and I roll my eyes before begrudgingly taking the dress from her hands and changing. « See now, wasn't so hard was it ? Plus, you look really hot… » she says winking.
That girl does stuff to me I swear…
The ride to the party is rather comfortable, music is playing, and everything seems normal, except that Chloe is all fidgetty and seems nervous.
« Babe, everything's okay ? » I ask, concerned. Chloe looks at me breifly before her gaze lands on the road again.
« What ? Yes, sure. Everything's perfect, why wouldn't it be ? » she asks and okay it's plain weird but I won't push. My phone buzzes a few seconds later.
« Hey Becs, Stacie, Aubs and myself are already at the party ! Where are you ?! –Emily »
« On our way, be there in 5. –Beca »
5 minutes later we indeed pull over in front of a students house, but the lights are off and I don't hear anything.
« Chloe, you sure this is the right house ? It seems like there's no one here. » I say, grabbing her hand.
« Yes, I'm sure, maybe they are in the back yard or something, come on. » Chloe says urgently so I just follow her. Is it me or is she really acting crazy ? Humph! See, that's what I'm talking about, I just ran into her because one minute she's pratically running to the door, dragging me behind her and the next she stops abruptly before reaching it.
« Chloe, what is going on ? You're acting weird. » I deadpan, because seriously, enough with the mistery.
« What ? Nothing hum… Okay. Beca, I love you. » She says, settling down.
« Ookayyy, I love you too, you know that. » I reply, frowning because really this is getting weirder by the second.
« Good. Hold that thought. » she says before taking a deep breath and pushing the double doors open. Chloe pushes me forward so I stumble in.
The inside is dark, and silent, it really doesn't look like a party is happening anywhere near this place. I'm about to make that comment out loud to Chloe when little colorful lightbulbs flash and illuminate the hallway, just enough for me to see a single red rose hanging from the chandelier. My eyebrows knit together in confusion.
« Babe what's happ- » I start to ask turning around but Chloe is nowhere to be seen.
« Hey Becs ! » a voice startles me and I turn around to see Emily, whom appeared apparently out of nowhere and seriously what the fuck is happening with people disappearing and appearing out the blue ?
« Em' ? What, where is Chloe ? What's this, what's happening ? » I fumble with all the questions in my brain which makes Emily giggle.
« Relax, Chloe is fine. But I guess we don't want her waiting for too long and this might take a while. So, let's get on with it. » Emily states, a determined yet playful expression on her face.
« On with what ? » I ask, more confused than I've ever been in my life.
« Shush. Listen. » she takes a piece of folded paper out of her pocket and then proceeds to read it.
« I remember when you first met Chloe. It was just this tiny flicker of a crush blossoming, and you denied it oh so vehemently, it was cute ! But as time went by, you spent some more time with her, and you fell for her. You kept on denying it yeah. But I could see so clearly right through you. You're my best friend, my sister. Now here we are, 6 years later, and your love for this woman hasn't faltered one bit, it's beautiful. I'd say I envy it but, we both know I'm pretty lucky in that department as well. Anyway, my point is, what you and Chloe have, it's genuine and true love. It's the forever kind of love. So when Chloe asked me to be the first step of this little evening journey, I gladly accepted. If you would like to keep going, please take the rose, read it, and proceed to the first door on your right. I have to run, but I'll see you in a bit. Love you Becs. » Emily finishes her speech with a hug and is gone almost before I have time to say I love you back.
Okay, I guess I have no choice but to play along. I snap the rose from the thread it's hanging by and unfold the note that's attached to it.
Beca, I never told you this. I remember the day I developped feelings for you like it was yesterday. It took time for me to admit it, even after we were together for quite some time. Remember that day, by the piano, you played to comfort me when I was upset because of Dylan ? I already told you that it was the day I knew you loved me. But it was also the day I caught myself wishing that I could be with someone like you. Someone caring. Compassionate. Genuine. Yes, you weren't Beca for me at that time, but it didn't make your character a different person. And now my wish came true and I couldn't be happier…
Woah. I never knew that. Why is Chloe doing that ? Did I forget our anniversary ? What date is today ? No, it's not for another 2 months… The note doesn't end here. I know it because the paper was obviously torn. And now I feel like I'm on a scavenger hunt. I want to find the missing piece. Or pieces, who knows ? SO ! First door to the right it is. I step through the door frame after turning the knob and I'm met with a small canvas hanging from yet another chandelier. Upon closer look I recognize that the painting on it is one of a picture that was taken of Chloe and I at her 17th birthay party. We're holding each other by the waist and looking at each other, laughing. I see that a little note has been taped at the back and I'm about to snatch it from the ceiling when –
« Not so fast alt-girl ! » A voice stops me. Aubrey. Who else would call me that ?
« Hello Blondzilla ! Fancy meeting you here ! » I reply sarcastically, at what she rolls her eyes.
« As much as I'd like to retort to that, it's not what I'm here for, and I don't want to keep Chloe waiting, so without further ado : Beca Alt-girl, ear-montruosities, pain-in-my-ass Mitchell. » she starts and I can't help but smile while rolling my eyes at the title. I cross my arms and wait for her to continue.
« From the beginning, I didn't trust you. I could also see your lady boner for my best friend from a mile away, which made me even more cautious when it came to you. But for some reason I will never fathom, she instantly took a liking to you. Hell I could tell she was in love with you even before the thought even crossed her mind. I have to admit that you've been good to her. And that, all in all, you're not all that bad. I guess what I'm trying to say is – only God knows why – Chloe loves you, and you already know that, kickass ex FBI agent or not, if you ever hurt her I will hunt you down and make you pay. So you'd better take this canvas, read the note and not screw this up, because clearly, Chloe is the best thing that's ever happened to you. And maybe, just maybe you're the best thing that's happened to her too. Best of luck Mitchell. When you're done here please go to the adjacent room. » she finishes and grimaces when she sees me smirking deviously at what must have been the hardest speech for her to deliver. And she's a politician to be so that's saying something.
She flips me off before I can make a comment and takes a tentative step towards me, slowly extending her arms.
« Chloe demanded of me that I… » she says, full on grimacing as if she smelled puke – haha, Aubrey, puke, get it ? – and gestures to indicate that she has to hug me. Which we do reluctantly and then she's out the door. Well, on with it, I guess…
I admit I'm thoroughly confused by now, but it's also kind of the cutest thing that anyone has ever done for me, whatever this is. So I finally snatch the canvas off of the thread and take the note that's tucked behind.
I remember Aubrey being so reluctant haha, so worried ! Always telling me to beware, that something about you was off. If only she had known… No, now that I think about it, it probably would've been worse. In the end though, she came around. But not easily ! I recall this particular moment, when we started having doubts about your identity and I asked her to do some research. Thing is, you told me the whole truth before she had time to do it and when she reported back, I already knew what was going on, but I couldn't say anything. So when I flipped her off and told her to drop it, after I had raised confusion and suspicion on her side, she actually thought you were a serial killer threatening me as I talked to her on the phone… Fun times ! Anyway, I guess I'm already missing you like crazy by now, but your journey isn't over, so hurry up please, so I can see your beautiful face again…
A serial killer ? Really ? I so don't have the profile. Aubrey would've made a terrible agent. She probably would've puked all over each crime scene. I chuckle to myself as I enter the third room of this 'journey'. I expect to be met by an empty room and yet another object hanging from the ceiling, before God knows who comes to deliver a speech. I'm wrong.
God knows who turns out to already be there, squealing like a three year old about to go on a poney ride.
« Good evening Stace. » I say, raising my eyebrows at her giddiness.
« Hey Becs ! How's it going ? How do you like your journey so far ? Do you adore ? You totes adore, right ? » she rambles and her excitment is coming off of her in waves like tsunamis.
« Wow, easy there ! Yes, I'm enjoying myself, which is weird because I'm still utterly confused. And I miss Chloe a little. I guess I'll see her and she'll make sense of it all at the end of the road so could you… ? » I ask and gesture for her to read whatever's written on the paper she's holding. She looks at where I'm pointing, frowning before recognition flashes in her eyes.
« Oh right ! » she exclaims as she unfolds it. Typical Stacie.
« SO ! Beca Mitchell, formerly known as Rebecca Holiday. I'm here tonight to tell you how proud of you I am. I remember entering your life, and I mean, as more than just an acquaintance, at a chapter of it where you were in love with Chloe, and also really, really mad at her. You guys fit so well together, like you were made for each other, that it feels unreal to recall a time when you weren't being all coupley and cute and just openly in love. But I do remember the facts. Annnd one of the facts is, I actually played a part in this relationship of yours ! I remember telling you to just get your head out of your ass and fight for the girl – maybe not in those terms but yeah, along those lines. I like to think of myself as your wake up call. And I'm proud of both of us, seeing where you are now with that perfect girlfriend of yours. I want to tell you to remember, don't ever deny your feelings ever again, don't be afraid to live to the fullest and… » she fumbles with something in her pocket before letting out a victorious « AHA ! » and handing me a flash drive, with 'play me' written on it.
« Good luck Becs. I love you. » she says hugging me.
« Love ya too Stace ! » I reply taking the flash drive before she gets out of the room.
A laptop is on a table on the far end corner, so I go over to it and insert the flash drive in it, before opening the folder. A text file and a video are the only two items contained in it, so I press play. The video is actually a compilation of several video-taped moments I spent with Chloe, and some pictures and selfies. It's a really cute video, very fluffy and goofy but still. It's us. Fluffy goofballs. I'm smiling to myself when the video ends and I move on to the written part.
My Beca. I remember how I used to hate Stacie with my guts. For, what ? 3 days ? Haha. Yeah, I had no reason to, but I kept finding them. In the end, the only reason I wouldn't admit was, I'm jealous. I wasn't just jealous of the fact that she was with you ! I mean, of course, I was very much jealous of that, but, I was also jealous of how easy it was for her. Everyone thought she was straight. Then she just likes you and it's like, whatever, I'm not into labels, and she just went with it. No secrecy. No fear. And I keep thinking, sometimes, that if I had been a little bit more like her, then it would've saved us both a lot of pain. It actually took her, the girl I despised because she had everything I wanted, giving me the genuinest speech in the world about how I should wake up and stuff, to go after you, and I'll forever be grateful for that. But then, I wouldn't change a thing. Because everything we've been through, every single struggle we had, it made our love that much stronger. And the video goes to show that, for every hard moments we've lived, we've had an amazing one as well. Keep going my love. One more step and I'm yours. Hallway, second door to your left.
Woah, it's getting deeper and deeper and no those aren't tears. I've got something in my eye okay ?
I make my way back to the hallway and then the second door on my left. This time, a small stereo is waiting for me on a table. I look inside but there's no CD. I guess whoever's supposed to be there will give one to me. Okay, what's taking so long ? I sigh impatiently when Dallas comes stumbling through the door, slightly disheveled and lipstick smudged. I raise my eyebrows at her.
« Hey there hickey-girl ! Sorry I'm late, Jesse wanted to talk to me about some stuff… » she apologizes and I raise my eyebrows at her, disbelievingly.
« Talk uh ? And you complain that Chloe and I can't keep our hands off of each other. How ironic ! » I say, chuckling.
« Oh shut up, you know I'm right, even if it's the same for me and Jess. Now, ready for the final step before the big thing ? » she asks and I nod my head because I really want to see Chloe, even though I have no idea what the big thing is. Cause this looks already pretty big to me.
« Alright. Ms. Beca Mitchell. Badass woman that I have known for 8 years. Believe it or not, I remember plenty about you, from our high school time. I remember how fun you were, although quite shy in the beginning, which would make me bet on the fact that maybe you had a teeny tiny crush on me, but I won't make you confirm or deny that because it doesn't matter. You know, it's thanks to you that I was so open when Chloe first told me that she loved a woman. And when I say thanks to you, I don't mean because I thought the girl I met at KFC was a good person, it's not that. No, it was thanks to the Beca Mitchell I met in high school. Because if I had relied on the L word maybe I wouldn't have been so thrilled. But I remembered that girl, who would've done anything and everything for her girlfriend back in high school. Who didn't look at any other woman, even if that would've been natural. It was clear that her girlfriend was the only woman that truly had that status for her. So I didn't really remember what you looked like exactly because we weren't that close. But I still remembered the way you used to look at Bridgit. And when I saw 'Rebecca' looking at Chloe in the pictures and then, in the parking lot… It was evident. It even appeared somewhat more powerful. You got the sister's approval even before we 'officially met' and that's something that never happened to any boyfriend Chloe previously had. I love you Mitchell. » she finishes, opening her arms wide for me.
I don't realize that I'm crying until I'm in Dallas's arms. That girl truly has a special power to express herself in the most genuine way.
« Thank you Dal'… I love you too. » I reply.
« Yeah I know, it's understandable. » she says, pulling away and making me laugh. « Now, take this, and when you're done, get back out in the hallway and go all the way to the door at the end of the corridor. » she tells me, handing me a CD and I nod before she exits the room.
I go over to the stereo and put the CD in.
« Hello baby ! So you're almost there and I must be freaking out, but Dallas is also probably calming me down with Emily while Aubrey makes a comment I don't like about you and Stacie reigns her in haha. So… I remember our two first dates. The never ending love confessions that were more than just 'I love you's, and the first time you made love to me… I remember how magical it was. I'm hoping I'm managing to make this night magical as well. But on this CD, I wanted to put something special to me, and I hope it is special for you as well. It was, this moment, I already knew that I was deeply in love with you, and then… it was the first time you went and did something that made me fall in love with you even more, although I didn't think it was possible. The first time of many similar situations to come. And that song, for me, represents all this, so here we go. » Chloe speaks and I'm melting. Seriously.
I recognize the first notes of 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perry, and Chloe's angelic voice is soon belting out the lyrics. I'm full on crying all throughout the song because well, Dallas opened the gates and now there's no point in trying to stop it. When the song ends, Chloe just says « I'm not sure we're gonna live that long but… please meet me, fast, so I can finish that sentence. I love you. » and the CD is finished. I quickly grab it and put in my bag with the rest of the items and bolt out the door, full on running to the room I know she'll be in. I push the door open and I'm met with darkness.
It doesn't last long though, before a single light snaps on, illuminating the person I wanted to see most during this scavenger hunt. She smiles shyly and extends her hand for me to take, so I do it.
« You found me. Congratulations babe. » she says softly, and I can't help but surge forward and capture her lips in mine. She softly chuckles and kisses back but doesn't let me deepen it.
« I assume that means you liked your surprise, but it's not over. Now comes the most important part of the evening, I believe I have a sentence to finish. » she says, clearing her throat and I can see how nervous she is, so maybe I have some idea what this might be about, but I don't want to spoil it, so I just softly squeeze her hand.
« Chloe, I love you. I held that thought. And whatever the end of your sentence is, it sure as hell ain't gonna change that, and seeing as it started, I would say, it would be the contrary. Don't be afraid. » I tell her smiling and she smiles back before taking a deep breath.
« As I said, we probably won't live for a thousand years. But, you're the love of my life non-the-less and I would say that just til death do us apart is a pretty good damn start, but the thing is, I'm convinced that even in death, my love for you won't falter one bit.
« Beca Mitchell. I've been in love with you for over 5 years. You could imagine that the passion would've faltered. The cute gestures and everything. But it hasn't, and I don't think it ever will. Because being with you is my adventure. It's like fate. I wanna keep falling in love with you everyday a little more like I have for the past 5 years. I wanna keep waking up to your fingers combing through my hair every morning. I want the world to know that you're mine, and I'm yours. You're my other half, my soulmate, my best friend, my everything… but I'm gonna ask for you to be one more thing, if you will. » she finishes, or not quite, but you know, and I'm full on crying again.
I know full well that whatever she wants me to be, I will become it. She nods at something or someone behind me, and I don't know if there are other people in the room, because the dim light cast on us is not powerful enough to see. But soon, the whole room lights up, and sure enough, Dallas, Emily, Aubrey, Stacie, Jesse and Benji are in the room, smiling lovingly with tears in their eyes. Yes, even Aubrey, I know, it's a shock to me too. And then something shiny catches my eyes. I turn around and gasp.
There, hanging by a thread from the chadelier of the room, is the most beautiful ring I've ever seen. Chloe reaches for it and snatches it, before coming back to me.
« Beca, my beautiful, beautiful Beca. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife ? » she asks, looking me in the eye and I can't help but stare back because really, this woman is beautiful, so magnificent, perfect, hot, cute, gorgeous, frowning. Wait, why is she frowning ? OH !
« Sorry I got lost in your eyes, yes, yes, yes, a hundred pourcent yes, I will ! I love you, you cannot know how much, oh my God. » I tell her and our friends cheer and start wolf-whistling when I grab Chloe by the waist and kiss her deeply, to which she immediatly responds by putting her arms around my neck.
We pull away a few seconds later, I'm out of breath and happier than I could've ever imagined.
« We're really getting married ? Really ? » Chloe asks, tears in her eyes.
« Yes we are ! » And it's only when I answer with a sob that I notice that I'm crying as well. We hug again, and our friends join in, and then a thought strikes me.
« Wait guys, how did you do to pull this all off ? » I ask, laughing and crying at the same time.
« We had a little help from my classmates, who helped with everything piece of art, cause well, yeah it was needed… » Chloe admits smiling.
« I really have to thank those guys someday. » I say.
« Why not do it now ? » Dallas exclaims opening the door and about 2 dozens students walk in, clapping and screaming their congratulations. I'm about to say something but Emily stops me.
« You have all night to do your round of thanks. LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED ! » she screams as she gestures for Benji to turn on the music.
Yes. This is amazing. Truly, very amazing. I'm dancing in the arms of my… fiancé, with my friends around. Clearly amazing people have helped pull this off and I have to go thank each and everyone of them that's for sure. I think I can safely say that my life is great. It hasn't always been but I guess tables turn ! I have stuff to look forward to, and that's a prospect that wasn't always on my mind. But I'm done living in the past.
Dallas and Jesse's wedding is finally coming soon, and then there's mine and Chloe's to plan, after that I'm sure Benji and Emily won't take too much time to follow and… What's that, that I see ? Oh God. Is Aubrey… blushing ? Ew. Who is she talking to ? I crane my neck to see past some people and oh. Stacie, I would recognize that look anytime, cause I've been on the receiving end of it. With the stick up Aubrey's ass though, Stacie has some hard work to do if she wants in her pants ! Maybe I could give a hand…
No not that kind you pervs ! I'm engaged ! I meant, I think Stacie's laid back behaviour could be good for Aubrey, and therefor for me as well, so if I can help her get the girl, I will ! But I guess that's a task for another day…
A/N : Alright folks this is the end, I hope I didn't disappoint you with it… So I hinted to a few stuff in those last lines, and it had a purpose, that being I thought I could write, if you'd like, a sort of sequel, in the form of one-shots, (or two, whatever, small stuff) about…
D&J's wedding,
B&C's wedding,
A&S getting together, or anything you'd like to read really !
And If you want to have a specific part of the story written in someone else's p.o.v., some scenes that you felt would've been needed in between 2, also, feel free to ask about all that !
If you don't I'll consider my work here as done ! Hope I entertained you,
Xoxo, Winnie.