Title: Barden State Penitentiary

Author: Jamiexh

Rating: R

Summary: New inmate, Chloe, joins a prison gang, the Bellas, for protection while serving her sentence. After befriending the most feared inmate, Beca, Chloe's life begins to change.

Chapter 4

…

"Everything okay, Beca," Chloe asked as they all were led into the cell.

"Yeah, it's fine," the short girl replied.

"What happened with Shelia," Aubrey pushed.

"Nothing. She just thinks that I killed Kimmy Jin."

"Which you did," Stacie said.

"Yes," Beca admitted, "but she doesn't know that."

"True," the taller girl agreed.

"Is there anything you need to tell us," Aubrey asked. "You know we care about you."

"I know," Beca answered. "And I care about you, too. But no, everything's good."

"Okay," the blonde said. "We should all get ready for bed. It's almost lights out."

The girls quickly brushed their teeth and used the toilet. Beca smiled at Chloe as the short brunette climbed onto her bunk above her. Chloe smiled and turned to her side just in time to see Stacie try to climb onto Aubrey's bunk. The blonde shook her head, and Stacie lay down on her bunk with a sigh. The tall brunette turned to face the wall, and curled her body really small. Chloe watched as the blonde looked down at her bunkmate and frowned when she saw her huddled in the corner of the bed. Aubrey just turned back to lay on her back, her body still tense.

The lights went out, and Chloe turned to her back. Her mind began to wander; thinking about the girl sleeping above her.

…

When Chloe woke the next morning, she was surprised to find herself alone in the cell with Beca. It took her a moment to remember that Aubrey and Stacie had kitchen duty that morning. Not wanting to waste another moment, Chloe got up and stretched. When she turned back around to make her bed, she smiled, as Beca bed was eye level with her. The tough girl looked so adorable while she slept. Chloe couldn't help herself as she approached the bed, and took the other girl's hand.

Despite the gentleness of the gesture, prison made Beca a light sleeper, and the movement woke her violently. She twisted out of Chloe's grip and grabbed the redhead's arm. With her other hand she reached for one of her shivs. She always kept one under her pillow as she slept.

It only took Beca a second to realize who grabbed her. "Oh, Chloe, it's you. Don't do that. You can get hurt that way."

"I'm sorry," the taller girl apologized. "You just looked so cute. I couldn't resist."

"I'm not cute. I'm badass."

Chloe laughed gently. "I'm sorry. My mistake."

Beca closed her eyes again to go back to sleep, but couldn't with Chloe's gaze on her. "Okay, either get up here and stare at something else. I can't sleep with you staring."

"Okay," Chloe didn't need to be told twice. Quickly, she climbed into Beca's bed and settled between the wall and the shorter girl. The redhead wrapped her arms around the brunette and both of them drifted back off to sleep.

…

"Breakfast," one of the guards yelled into the cell, which woke both Beca and Chloe abruptly.

The brunette quickly jumped off of her bed and out of Chloe's arms.

"Beca," Chloe called, worried.

"Come on," the brunette answered, coldly. "Breakfast."

…

The rest of the day, Beca seemed to be avoiding Chloe. She didn't sit next to her during any meals and anytime Chloe headed in Beca's direction, the brunette turned and went the other way. After a while, Chloe grew tired of trying to track down the shorter girl. She sighed as she headed back to her cell. When she got there, she witnessed a discussion between her two other cellmates.

"Come on, Aubrey," Stacie urged. "Why can't you just give us a shot? We hook up enough. Why can't you just call me your girlfriend? Do I not make you happy?"

"It's not like that Stacie. It's complicated."

"Well, uncomplicate things. Cause I think that you're smart," the brunette said as she kissed the blonde. "Sexy," another kiss followed. "And I want to be with you." With that both girls engaged in a passionate kiss.

Chloe cleared her throat to announce her presence and Stacie and Aubrey broke away from the kiss, but still remained in each other's embrace.

"Sorry to interrupt," Chloe apologized.

"It's okay," Aubrey stated. She looked at the redhead and sighed. "Is everything alright? You look down."

"Beca is avoiding me," Chloe announced.

"Why," Stacie asked.

"We cuddled this morning. We've almost kissed."

"Do you like her," Aubrey asked.

"I do," Chloe admitted. "And I think that she likes me, too. But, she won't let down her guard, I guess."

"I know the feeling," Stacie added.

"This isn't about us," the blonde countered.

"Isn't it," the tall brunette answered. "It's exactly the same except they aren't hooking up. You aren't hooking up are you?" Chloe shook her head. "You and I have said for a long time that we wished that we could be happy. Both you and Beca are denying your chance at happiness. You need to stop that."

"Stacie," Aubrey started.

"Aubrey," Stacie cut her off. "Please. Be with me? Be my girlfriend?"

The blonde was silent for a moment, as if considering it. "My head says that I shouldn't."

"But what does your heart say," Chloe interrupted.

Aubrey was silent again, and after a minute she smiled. "I want to be with you."

"Good," Stacie said before kissing her. Both girls quickly got lost in the kiss.

"Wait," Chloe called. "What about me and Beca?"

"Don't give up on her," the brunette advised. "You'll be good for her. And don't worry. She likes you, too. She's never told anyone her story before. It's because of you. Don't give up."

"Thanks," the redhead said.

"But," Stacie interjected, "please leave. Aubrey and I would like to celebrate our new status."

Shaking her head, Chloe left as the other two women embraced each other.

…

The next time that Chloe saw Beca was that night when they were all locked in their cells for bed. But, before the brunette could ignore her, Chloe climbed into Beca's bed.

"Get in your own bunk," Beca said, her voice low.

"Not until you talk to me," Chloe replied.

"I can't do this right now. Please."

With a sigh, Chloe climbed down and stood next to the shorter girl. For a moment, they both just gazed into each other's eyes. Just as Chloe leaned in, Beca quickly climbed up into her bunk. Chloe looked to her other two cellmates, both on Aubrey's bed, with a frown.

"Sorry," Stacie mouthed to her.

With a sigh, Chloe lay down on her own bed and went to sleep.