Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction using characters and elements from the Pitch Perfect movie series and Sense8 by the Wachowskis and Straczynski. This is meant for entertainment, not part of either source's respective narrative. I don't own any of it nor intend any copyright infringement or profit from this. Also, I don't own any of the songs mentioned below.
AN:
And here is the introduction of the rest of the gang! And as a draft I had the title as - The One Woman Show – because it's Fat Amy. Also, this is the longest one I've written soooo there's that. I haven't written a scene with more than three people before, so I hope I pulled it off.
There is going to be an explanation of the Sense8 world in the next chapter, but ultimately, it's not the most important thing to know.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, excuse any mistakes, and let me know what you thought. I hope you enjoy!
EDIT: I've gone back and edited a word or two in the last two chapters. This one, I kinda rushed to get done, so I went back to revise and write out some passages better.
FAT AMY - 3
Beca's known this group of strangers for only a few months, she would even argue that she likes most of them, although Lilly was still a mystery. That's why despite how much she's used to it, being connected to seven strangers that is, she's still surprised by how they get her into these situations.
A few weeks after seeing the blonde woman named Gail, her migraine got worse before it got better. When it finally broke she didn't get more clarity on the situation, instead what she did get was seven voices in her head and a sudden lack of personal space.
First there was Chloe, a pretty redhead that once burst into her shower after singing "Party in the USA" in a bar. Chloe lived in Atlanta with her best friend Aubrey, an uptight blonde if you were to ask Beca. The redhead worked as a vet tech at clinic nearby as she completed vet school. Chloe was like the sun, perpetually positive and cheerful. The smaller woman couldn't help but smile whenever the redhead was around, easily becoming comfortable in her presence. She drew Beca in and somehow made the smaller woman feel more emotions than she's felt before. Despite the redhead's sunny disposition, she's not someone to cross. Her wrath is something else. She also has an intense competitive streak that rivals Aubrey's determination. Amongst it all, Chloe is the one person in the world Beca would never let go.
Then there was Stacie, a tall brunette who embodied the idea of "body and mind". Not only was she extremely confident in her body, but also intelligent and levelheaded. This is where Beca found out they shared any and all knowledge of things. She could recall memories that weren't hers and recite information that she's never known without hesitating – she's pretty sure she didn't know the anatomy of the brain until she met Stacie. She's also learned that Stacie can make anything sound sexual, flirting like a pro and knowing her way around the bar scene, something she found out after a rather exciting night out. She lives in Chicago, working at one of the top research facilities in genetic diseases, with her four-year-old daughter and mother.
Next there was Cynthia Rose, a woman who had a voice that put most artists Beca worked with to shame. At first Beca would find her playing poker and gambling, however after Cynthia heard one of Beca's mixes, they surprisingly got along well, sharing a lot of interests in music. Beca would ask Cynthia what she thought of an artist's track, add her own input, and at times they would find themselves hanging out at each other's place. Cynthia resided in Los Angeles with her girlfriend of three years. They moved out there shortly after college, Denise getting a job with a computer tech company while Cynthia worked at a bar and went to flight school to become a pilot.
Flo was an interesting character in Beca's opinion. From what she knew Flo grew up in Guatemala and moved to the states with her family when she was a teenager. She attended university and, shortly after graduating, started a smoothie truck company that's been franchised in three other states. She's an accomplished gymnast and loves to dance, usually the first one of the group to hit the dance floor. Beca appreciated Flo's sense of humor, a blend of sarcasm and dark humor that complimented her own, but there were times when Flo would reference something from her home country and an awkward pause would follow.
Then there was Emily, a soft-hearted and genuine woman without a bad bone in her body. If Beca were to describe Emily she would say she was the picture of pure innocence. Seriously, she hasn't heard Emily swear once since she's met her. The closest she's heard was when she dropped something at work and said, "gosh darn it". The second thing Beca noticed about her was her enthusiasm. It reminded her of Chloe's level of enthusiasm and honestly, Beca doesn't think she could handle both at the same time. Speaking of Chloe, Emily lives in Atlanta too, working as an assistant jingle writer with a dream of writing original songs. She mentioned as much once to Beca, that she wishes she could do what she does – to write actual music instead of commercial jingles. Beca may not be a fully-fledged music producer yet, but she knows talent when she sees it and Emily has a lot of it.
Lilly was a mystery to Beca. No matter how many times they visited her, they would find themselves with more questions than answers, which didn't help considering they could barely hear what she was saying, (although they think she lives in California somewhere). Beca visited her once and stood in a darkened apartment with a lamp illuminating Lilly hunched over a sewing machine, so focused it was scary. Another time, Lilly appeared when Emily was slicing open a rather difficult avocado. In a second Lilly expertly sliced the avocado and gave it back to Emily with a smile. Surprised and slightly taken back at how well Lilly handled the knife, she could only stutter out a "thank you" before Lilly left as fast as she appeared.
Lastly, there was Fat Amy and she is Beca's (self-proclaimed) best friend. She was the second connection Beca made after Chloe, seeing and visiting Fat Amy at random and in opportune moments. Imagine her surprise when she unconsciously started speaking in an Australian accent at work or suddenly appear in front of a crowd of people in Times Square. However, it was a different type of connection than what she felt with Chloe. What started as a strange acquaintanceship somehow morphed into friendship. She didn't know why, but Amy was the one she ended up with when she felt overwhelmed or down after a bad day. The first time it happened Amy reminded her she was Beca Effin Mitchell, the most talented person she knows (besides herself), and then proceeded to give her some of her confidence that turned into Amy laying on Beca. Every time after that, Amy knew how to cheer up Beca – with a blunt speech that ended with Beca getting right back up to crush it.
Beca found that Amy was like the loyal and supportive friend who took you out after a harsh break up, tell you that that person was a loser, that you deserve better and proceed to hook you up with someone as they mysteriously left and then need you to bail them out of whatever they got into later that night.
Which is something she learned early on too.
After a good day at work, Theo invited her to a show the label was throwing. She was beyond excited. Ever since she could remember, her dream was always producing music, to be a legit music producer. From getting coffees as an intern to an assistant music producer in four years she considers she's almost there. However, a year or a two in the industry and Beca quickly learned how challenging it was.
Networking was an important aspect to success and Theo reminded her just as much when they went to the show. He gave her names and introduced her to others who could help her spread her name in the music industry.
So, when she spotted Amy standing next to her at the after party, she became wary.
Turns out that Amy was also at the party after sneaking in with the help of one of her boyfriends. After asking why, Amy only answered back "Don't hog all the publicity shortstack. The people need to know about Fat Amy Winehouse."
She was talking to Snoop Dog about a potential Christmas album when Amy appeared next her and almost begged Beca to help her (she was glad Snoop Dog couldn't see Amy). A pointed glare at Amy, a business card, and hand shake later, Beca learned that Amy was trying to escape her other boyfriends, which led to them somehow dramatically jumping out the second-floor window and into a pool of cold water.
Today is the office's annual softball day. Anyone can sign up to play and are split up into two teams led by two of the executive producers. It was one of the events the studio encouraged to promote team work and boost morale. It was meaningless if you were to ask Beca. She didn't want to play, but when Theo asked her to help balance the teams, Chloe and the rest of the voices in her head told Theo yes. So really, she blames them for this.
Beca's not an athlete. With her petite frame and lack of strength she didn't participate in any sport in school besides the required gym classes. She doesn't dislike sports, but she doesn't like sports either. She was always indifferent about it and her parents and step-mom never pushed her to do it.
She knows the basics of the game: catch the ball, get three outs, hit the ball, run to all four bases. That's it. All she wants is to be done with the game as soon as she can, it's not like she doesn't have things to do on a nice Saturday afternoon, there was the beginnings of a good mix loaded on her computer. Alas she was outside, most likely going to melt in the searing heat as she made her way to the park they rented out for the day.
Much to her dismay she wasn't alone.
"This is going to be good." Fat Amy said.
"50 on the Turtle winning." Cynthia added, remarking on one of Beca's first descriptions of Theo.
"Come on guys, obviously the hot one is going to win." Stacie said.
"Do you mean Theo or Luke?" Emily questioned.
"Yes," Stacie answered with a smirk, which only confused Emily even more. Everyone liked to tease Emily every now and then, Stacie is no exception.
Without missing a beat, Beca responded, "This is all your fault."
"…" Lilly whispered, but the most Beca could hear was something about…fire?
Ignoring it, she rolled her eyes as she continued to make her way to the diamond, "I've only played in high school."
"People do this for fun?" Flo asked.
"Come on Becs! We'll be right here!" Chloe cheered as she walked alongside her, the animal patterned scrubs standing out.
"Yeah like the ginger said. We won't leave you Beca."
"That makes me feel so much better." Beca deadpanned.
The sun beat down on them as they approached the diamond at the local park. Opting for shorts and a simple T-shirt, Beca stood alongside Theo and the other players she also recognized from the office. Reggie chose to act as the umpire and drew a quarter from his pocket.
This year Theo and Luke are the captains and publicly she didn't care who's team she was on, but she was secretly happy that she was on Theo's. She liked Luke enough, they had casual conversations and sometimes shared the same ideas, but more than half the time he would call her Becky. She would correct him, but he would "forget". She doesn't know how long she would last being called Becky all day if she was on his team.
"Heads." Theo chimed in first.
"Tails then." Luke grinned. They always had a healthy rivalry in the studio, whether it was scouting for good talent, signing high-profile artists, and even team activities such as this. Maybe it was a guy thing? Unfortunately, that also meant everyone had to endure the bragging rights either one would inevitably use against the other.
Reggie flipped the coin and caught it in one hand before revealing it.
"Tails, Luke's team is at bat first." He gestured to Luke, who nodded before throwing out a "Best of luck mate" to Theo as each broke off towards their respective sides.
Beca trotted behind Theo as he grabbed a black duffel and zipped it open. As he passed out gloves he delegated, "I want everyone to be ready for any ball. Catch it, throw it, and don't let Luke's team get all on base. Jennifer you're on first, Beca second, Josh third. I'll pitch, Ryan you're the catcher and Alicia, Clark, and Lisa take the outfield."
The game started once everyone found their spots, Beca standing in position on second base. Chloe, Stacie, Flo, Lilly, Emily, Amy, and Cynthia watched from behind first base, each doing their own thing. Chloe looked like a kid in a candy store, the definition of excitement. Stacie, Flo, Emily, Lilly, and Cynthia were comparing each team and talking about who they thought was going to win.
"All right let's go!" Luke yelled from home plate, a helmet fitted on his head and swinging a bat.
Theo wound up his arm and pitched the obnoxiously yellow ball towards Luke. With a swing and a plink, the ball was up in the air and Luke was running towards first. In the outfield, Lisa ran to catch it but was too slow as it bounced harmlessly against the grass. At this point Luke had reached on first.
Next up was April, blonde and of average height. If Beca remembered right, she played softball in college.
Theo pitched, and April hit it dead on. It flew towards the center outfield, towards Clark, and in the corner of her eye, she saw Luke sprinting towards second. He was more than halfway when Clark caught the bouncing ball in his glove and threw it straight towards Beca without a second thought. Glancing back at Luke and the ball mid-flight, she brought the mitt in front of her and shuffled backwards to make the slightest touch with the white plastic.
She shot her glove to the right to catch the wandering ball and almost lost her balance as she tried to keep the tip of her shoe on the base, but luck was on her side and she barely clipped Luke in his final stretch to second in the process.
"You're out buddy!" Reggie yelled across the diamond.
"Yeah Beca!" Beca could hear Chloe yell and the others hollered out as well.
Jogging away Luke said, "I wasn't expecting you to catch that Becky."
"It's Beca!" She half-yelled after a second, shaking her head as he jogged back towards the makeshift dugout where his teammates gave him high fives.
"Good one Beca." Theo called out her, impressed.
Waving towards Theo, she walked back to her spot a few paces behind the base. Maybe this wouldn't be too bad.
Surprisingly, Beca wasn't as bad she thought. She only dropped the ball twice and helped get another out for the team. Theo struck out the last batter and soon enough she found herself on the bench and in line to bat fourth.
Jennifer went first followed by Clark and Theo. Clark got out on a fly ball and Theo bunted to first. With Jennifer on second and Theo on first, Beca knew she had to hit something good.
When they switched she noticed April was pitching, and with her experience as a college softball player she wasn't expecting a slow toss. Beca grabbed the bat and stood in the left-hand batter's box. Knowing she hasn't played in years, she gripped the bat tight and focused on the bright yellow ball in April's hand.
From the side, Chloe and the others pressed against the chain link fence. "You can do this Beca!"
Beca only smiled, a small one, but something she found herself doing more since she met Chloe.
"You are so soft Mitchell." Stacie teased.
"You got that right girl." Cynthia added, nodding along as Chloe didn't seem to care.
April wound up her arm and pitched. Beca swung and…missed. Blinking owlishly, she looked down and saw the catcher throwing it back to April.
Okay, focus Beca
Shaking her head and resetting her grip on the bat, feeling the heat radiate from the aluminum, the brunette held it above her left shoulder. She looked back at April, who nodded, and wound up her arm once more.
This time when Beca swung she didn't miss, but unfortunately it flew straight to the side.
"Foul." Reggie called.
"Come on shortstack! Hit it!"
"Easy for you to say. I don't see you standing here." Beca half whispered, half yelled back at her. Then Amy dressed in a designer pink shirt and leggings appeared in front of her.
"Let me show you how it's done."
The Australian took the bat and proceeded to stand in the right-hand batter's box, Beca still across from her.
With a nod, April pitched the ball once more, and Amy swung.
Plink!
The ball went flying, fast and high, into the left outfield. Luke sprinted after it.
"Crushed it." Amy said after hearing the ball bounce against the chain link fence, then added when she saw Beca's and the other's stunned faces, "Played softball when I was a kid, three time running champs."
"Run!" Beca overheard her teammates yell and Amy responded in kind, "Yeah no, don't put me down for cardio."
With a huff, Beca sprinted towards first as Jennifer made it past third, and Theo at second. Keeping an eye on the ball as she reached first, she saw Rob pick it up and luckily, he was near the fence and thus far enough away that she could make it to second. Amy really knew what she was doing.
People were shouting and yelling, her own teammates urging her to run, others cheering Jennifer on her way home and the other team yelling what base to throw it too. Not to mention Chloe and the others screaming their support.
Successfully making it to second, Theo on third, and Jennifer making it home, they were winning, 1-0.
By the next two batters, Beca made it home and was showered with compliments. "I didn't know you played softball" and "That was awesome". All she could say was that she was surprised herself.
Theo's team was 3-0 when they finally switched positions. The rest of the game got increasingly more competitive, both teams playing hard and cheering for their own. However, unbeknownst to them, there were seven other people playing.
Beca found herself watching the others play more as the game went on. After seeing Amy play, the rest asked if they could jump in as well. Stacie, Cynthia, and Chloe played on second, while Amy, Emily, and Flo wanted to bat, and Lilly – well – she did everything and turned out she has amazing hand-eye coordination. She was catching balls left and right and even hitting farther than Amy.
However, Luke's team picked up on Beca's sudden natural talent and avoided hitting towards her as much as possible, even backing up in the outfield when she stepped up to bat.
Beca lost track of the time as she started to enjoy herself, it was a complete blur. It wasn't until the sun started to get low, her eyes adjusting to the lack of sun shining above them, when she found some semblance of the time.
By the end of the game, it was 4 PM and Beca was drenched in sweat. She could feel her shirt sticking to her back and an ache in her shoulders that told her she was going to be sore tomorrow. She had just finished running home after one of her teammate's hit rolled towards second. However, Luke's team picked it up and chucked it towards first, earning them their third out.
"Game! That's it y'all." Reggie called, arms outstretched.
"We won Bec!" Chloe cheered, wrapping her arms around Beca's shoulders and pulling her in for a hug. Beca leaned into it, wrapping her arms around Chloe as she laughed. Theo's team wore big smiles on their faces despite their sluggish actions, Theo himself cheering with a satisfied tone. Luke looked tired, most likely from chasing all the balls (mostly Beca's) in the outfield, his teammates also showing signs of exhaustion.
"Hey Becky!"
With a huff, she slipped from Chloe's grasp and faced Luke. "It's Beca."
He only smirked, "Beca, that was some good playing out there. I thought you didn't play sports, but you're a natural."
He wasn't wrong, she didn't show any interest in playing in the years before, but Beca didn't correct him either. Rather she didn't tell him that she had help from seven other people.
"Thanks," she said, high-fiving him.
After everyone settled down and someone brought out a cooler of beer, Theo gave a speech, "Thank you everyone for agreeing to come out and play today, even though I know some of you didn't like the idea in the first place," his eyes darted towards Beca who scoffed, "It's been fun and I want everyone to remember we are a team whether we are on the field or in the studio."
As all her co-workers lifted their drinks in toast so did Chloe, Amy, Emily, Stacie, Cynthia, Flo, and Lilly.
"We are the champions!" Amy yelled, and the others cheered and laughed along nonetheless with their own drinks raised high.
After getting a cab back to her apartment, she immediately jumped into the shower to rid the smell of sweat and get ready for tonight.
While she also has grown to enjoy the seven other voices in her head, she's started to get out more. As such, she agreed rather easily in her opinion, to go to an A Capella show with Jesse tonight that his brother was performing in.
"Yikes," she remembered saying when Jesse mentioned his brother's A Capella group, and from the same college Jesse and Beca attended. In their time there, she only worked at the radio station, where she met Jesse in the first place, and didn't do any extra curriculars in her time at Barden University unlike him. He joined a "movie fan-club", as Beca remembered calling it, that took up most of his time along with his classes and mentioned supporting his friend Benji in the same A Capella group that his brother was in.
Besides, she only went to Barden because her dad wanted her too. "To make memories," he said, while capping it off with "And to get a college education." He didn't support her dream to be a music producer at first, but after scoring an internship in New York, a promotion, and a few more discussions later he reluctantly turned around (although he still commented what a college degree could do for her).
Anyway, Beca sat on her couch, mindlessly playing with her phone as she waited for a good time to walk to the show. It was held at a venue not even an hour away from her apartment, so she decided to find something to do in the meantime.
She opened her music library on her phone, thinking to pass the time with a mix, when she felt someone lean against her. She didn't have to look up to know who it was.
"What are you going to play this time Bec?
Chloe's voice rang in the air as Beca continued to look through her library.
"Hmm not sure yet. What do you think?" Beca asked, handing her phone to Chloe once she finished scrolling. Chloe took it eagerly, taking an extra second or two to inspect each title that flashed across the screen.
Having made and listened to all her mixes, Beca was curious to see what Chloe would choose. She typically drifted towards pop and upbeat songs, but there were times that Chloe would pick a slow or heartfelt track.
This also gave her a chance to take in Chloe's features. Beca's never been one to admire someone, not her high school boyfriend or even the few relationships she's had since living in New York, but she catches herself watching Chloe when she isn't looking.
In those moments, she wonders what she did to deserve Chloe Beale in her life.
She drank in the minute differences in her face, the smallest tilt of her head, the concentration in her gaze, the furrow in her brow, and lastly the brightness in her eyes as she finds what she's looking for.
"This one!"
Beca looked at the phone as Chloe thrust it into her sight. It was one of her older mixes, one she made years ago. It took her moment to remember when exactly, during Barden maybe? It had to be around that time.
"That one?"
Chloe nodded energetically and then the brunette had a glint in her eye.
"Only if you sing it with me."
There's a brief moment where Chloe took a breath and Beca hummed with a smirk. This wouldn't be the first time they've sung together, but it is the first time she's asked regarding one of her mixes.
"How could I say no to that Mitchell." An amused smiled graced her features as she replied.
"You start, I'll follow." Beca stated, pressing play.
A series of "du" began to stream from her phone, Beca humming along for the first twelve seconds before three different voices followed.
To their surprise, Stacie, Flo, and Cynthia joined in. Stacie mimicking the brunette, while Flo and Cynthia harmonized. Lilly, Amy and Emily jumped in not long after.
Surprised, Chloe only smiled wider, nodding along with the beat as she started singing "Just the Way You Are".
Her sky-blue eyes never left Beca's storm blue.
Then the brunette returned the favor with the beginning lines of "Just A Dream".
That didn't stop Chloe as she continued to sing.
Beca scanned the room, everyone either standing or sitting in her apartment but singing nonetheless.
Next Beca was in seven other places.
She was on the subway with Stacie, ear buds snug in her ears, as she made her way home to her daughter Bella.
Riding passenger with Cynthia during infamous LA traffic.
Immersed in the humidity of Florida as Flo closed one of her smoothie trucks for the day.
In Times Square with Amy as she was getting ready for her Fat Amy Winehouse performance.
Walking home from work with Emily in Atlanta.
With Lilly as she leaned against a graffitied wall in an underground parking garage.
And finally, with Chloe as she walked through the park with Aubrey at her side, both singing their hearts out.
There was a swell of emotion rising within the group as their improvised performance continued. Unbridled electricity crackled in the air, as if everyone was on the same current.
Then Beca nodded towards Emily, who led "Just a Dream" while Chloe, Amy, Flo and Aubrey, sang, "When I see your face,"
Everyone started to nod along with the beat when another idea came to Beca on a whim. She stomped her foot and clapped.
The others soon mimicked her, and her mix was even better than what she had created. Unlike her original mix, this had more emotion, more heart. It was better than anything she could have made by herself.
Silence engulfed Beca's apartment as the mix faded out, but no one noticed. They all looked from one person to the next, sporting big smiles and bright eyes as they reveled in what just happened.
It was a spontaneous moment, one that an individual only gets a few times in their life and Beca has never felt anything like it before, never imagined being a part of something bigger than herself until now.
Beca walked to the venue with a slight skip in her step – not actually skipping, but happily walking, with the rush of earlier still flowing through her. Dressed comfortably and casually, a slight wind brushed over her black blouse and black jeans.
She found herself walking straight towards the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, a modern styled venue with clear windows lining the outside and light overflowing from the electronic signs as people meandered within.
The banner said, "ICAA National Championships", which meant the brunette was in the right place.
"ICAA National Championships?" Cynthia asked as she appeared next to Beca, "What's this?"
Beca shrugged, "Some A Cappella thing Jesse's brother is in."
"OMG the ICAA National Championships!" Chloe and Emily practically screamed, leaving Beca barely enough room to cover her ears.
"I need those for work you know. Besides it's just some singing competition,"
Chloe dramatically gasped, as if shot in the heart. "It is not 'just some singing competition', it is the art of making music with your mouth."
"The Nationals decide who represents the best A Cappella team in America!" Emily followed, gesturing to the groups of people in matching uniforms.
Beca could only roll her eyes, with an expression that said, "Am I supposed to care?"
Instead of responding back, she slid her phone out of her pocket to text Jesse.
-Hey Jess, I'm walking inside. Where are you?
She looked up at the sound of squeals and giggles as Chloe and Emily took in the different teams. Her phone buzzed a second later.
-I'm in row H. I saved you a seat.
-Cool
After making her way inside the venue and the sizeable auditorium itself amongst the growing crowd of people (with no help from Chloe or Emily, although Cynthia stayed for the fun of it), she found Jesse right where he said he would be.
"Hey! Right here!" He yelled and waved.
She walked a little faster and squeezed past the few people on the end.
"Hey nerd."
"Hey Becaw." Jesse smirked, already on his way to tease Beca before the show started, "Thanks for coming by the way."
"You're welcome, but you gotta make this singing competition worth it. Next round of drinks on you?"
"Next round on me," He agreed, "My parents and sister are almost here too" He added, gesturing to the extra seats.
"We'll save them Beca," Cynthia joked, reclining in one of the seats Jesse mentioned.
"We have the best seats Chloe! O-M Aca-gee this is going to be so great!" Emily couldn't contain her excitement while Chloe squealed, just as excited if not more. Beca couldn't help but internally groan at the thought of being sandwiched by the three A Cappella nerds.
She tried to ignore the two (invisible) nerds and catch up with Jesse. He's been working more hours lately on some big project he won't tell her about. They didn't stop talking until he got a text from his family that didn't know where they were, leaving the brunette to save the seats. Beca took this opportunity to ask the two women next to her why they were so excited.
"What's the big deal? Why is this so important to you guys?"
"Becs I competed in the ICAA's in college. Proud member of the Barden Bellas!" Chloe said, standing up straight.
"My mom was a part of them and told me so many stories. It was at the top of my dream board, but they didn't have any openings until I was swamped with all my senior classes," Emily visibly slouched at the mention of her last year at Barden University.
Suddenly Chloe turned to Emily, "You went to Barden too?!"
"Yep!" Emily chirped.
"Barden? Like Barden University? I went there for a year because of my dad." Beca chimed in.
Then Cynthia, who enjoyed watching the two pester the grumpy hedgehog known as Beca, sat up. "I went there too. My girlfriend auditioned for the Bellas as a senior."
Everyone furrowed their brow, suddenly finding a pattern,
"You mean we all went to Barden at the same time?" They all said at the same time.
"How did we not see each other?" Chloe lifted her hands up in confusion, looking from Emily, who didn't have the foggiest idea, to Cynthia and Beca who tried to come up with something.
"I worked at the radio station and stayed in my dorm most of the time," Beca provided with a shrug, remembering all the times her Korean roommate would give her a side-eye.
"I was in and out of the psychology and sociology department every day." Emily slightly drooped.
"I was with my girlfriend, out in town, or playing Poker with my friends."
"If we all went to Barden at the same time, what about the others?" Chloe continued.
Emily looked back to Cynthia and Beca, who each looked at each other with pondering expressions.
"Didn't Stacie mention going there?" Cynthia thought aloud.
"I think Amy said something about it." Beca mused.
"I know Flo went." Emily finished their train of thought.
As Chloe watched them think, she also ticked off who went to Barden. If what they were saying was right, there was her, Beca, Emily, Cynthia, Amy, Flo, Stacie and…
"Lilly?" All four asked simultaneously.
Unexpectedly, Lilly appeared next to Cynthia, who almost jumped out of her seat. Lilly only nodded and started whispering.
"…"
"What did she say?" Emily whispered to Chloe.
"I don't know," Chloe whispered back.
Lilly sighed and spoke a little louder. The group leaned in and were able to barely capture a "yes" out of her lips.
She disappeared a second later and Cynthia commented, "Did anyone hear what else she said?"
A chorus of "No" rang out, as well as each of them shaking their heads.
"Beca!"
She spun to find Jesse walk down the stairs with his family in tow. She's only met his family a few times, but they were always warm hearted and caring, traits that passed down to their kids as well.
Speaking of, his sister and his parents looked just as she remembered them. All of them shared the same brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. Where Jesse got his height from his dad, John Swanson, and attitude from his mom, Mandy, his sister was the opposite. Claire Swanson was an inch or two taller than her mom, but more mischievous and known for her teasing nature much like her dad. Josh was the youngest sibling and a complete mix of the two. Soft-hearted like Jesse but has his moments that remind her of Claire.
"Hi Mrs. Swanson, Mr. Swanson, Claire." Beca greeted them.
"Oh Beca! It's so good to see you again. I do wish Jesse would invite us out more to see you," She said as she glanced at Jesse, Claire laughed.
"Mom."
Beca glanced at Jesse who put his hand behind his head and then glared at Claire. Beca smirked, armed with another thing to embarrass Jesse with.
Cynthia and Emily chuckled as Chloe smirked. Jesse knew she was seeing someone, she offhandedly mentioned it once over coffee, but after three unsuccessful attempts to find out he stopped prying. As excitable and curious as he is, he knows Beca's boundaries. But how could she even explain? Maybe something like "I met this girl a few months ago and she's one of the voices in head" or even "I have a date with my girlfriend this week, and oh yeah she lives in Atlanta".
"Honey." Mr. Swanson gently guided her into Chloe's seat. "She's a busy young woman, I'm sure. Beca, how's the music industry going?"
"It's busy, we just signed a new artist." Beca replied, now sitting down again with Chloe on her other side.
"Is he any good?" Claire asked, now sitting where Emily sat, who moved behind Chloe and Cynthia.
"He has the voice, but his lyrics need a lot of work."
They made small chat before the show began. The rows started to fill up quickly as they talked, other conversations and the noise of shuffling feet filling the auditorium. Soon enough the lights dimmed, and the speakers came to life. The host walked out on stage introducing the teams, the premise of the competition, and the line-up for the night.
Being new to the world of A Cappella, Beca wasn't sure what to expect. Singing, definitely, but dancing? Beca wasn't expecting that. With the first few performances, she was pleasantly surprised. They performed numbers on the Top 40 that Beca wouldn't consider a jaw dropping, but they were all right. But what she found interesting and picked up on quite quickly during the first performance was how the team split up the different parts of the song. One would maintain the beat, another the bass, and finally the altos and sopranos working together, all singing on the same pitch.
It reminded her of earlier, of the whole group spontaneously singing together. The synchronicity of the moment still embedded in the forefront of the mind.
As Beca watched, intrigued, Chloe and Emily commented on each team, Cynthia would throw in her thoughts to the mix, Jesse seemed to enjoy the performances overall, tapping along with the music. She noticed the rest of the Swansons clapping for each team as well.
"Please welcome the Barden Treblemakers!" The host announced as a group of boys jogged onto the stage, all dressed in a red velvet jackets and black shirts.
"There's Josh!"
Mrs. Swanson excitedly pointed at the stage and sure enough, Beca spotted Josh off to the side, microphone laying against his side.
The lead singer, a brown-haired boy, thrust out his hand and started singing into the microphone "Please Don't Stop the Music", the others quickly following. Josh and the rest of the group stepped back, sliding from one end of the stage to the other providing the background acoustics.
Their energy was contagious, parts of the crowd started to stand and cheer. Beca had to admit they were good. Chloe and Emily seemed to enjoy it too, both watching with interest as Cynthia tapped her foot. The Swansons were all smiles, watching the lead singer continue to walk around the stage but their eyes darted over to the brunet off to the side every so often.
Their performance came to an end as the lead singer landed in a split, everyone around Beca going wild.
"What a performance right everyone?" The host returned, "We have one last team and it's the Barden Bellas!"
Chloe and Emily screamed, standing up and cheering. Beca could only smile at their enthusiasm. She's starting to think A Cappella isn't so boring.
A group of girls took to the stage, dressed in gold colored clothing and blue skirts. Much like the Treblemakers, they spread out, using the space on the stage. The spot lights moved, focusing on a blonde girl in the middle who started clapping as she began singing. The rest of the girls followed, dancing as they performed "Sit Still, Look Pretty." Unlike the Treblemakers, the other members took over with the chorus while the lead singer timed the lyrics to end as the girls finished their verse, which Beca noted was different from the other performances of the night.
It was catchy, Beca noticed she was tapping her foot to it and honestly, they were singing it well. The choreography was different than the other teams, the girls staying relatively close to each other as they shuffled to the front or to the back of the stage.
This time Chloe was all smiles, wistfully watching the Bellas. Emily was cheering with the widest grin Beca's seen on her the whole night and Cynthia swayed to the rhythm. The Swansons were just as telling. Claire was mouthing along with the Bellas as she shuffled in her seat, Jesse watching with apt interest, and their parents just the same.
Then the Bellas finished, the blonde girl finishing off with a pose as the crowd got louder.
"Go Bellas!" Chloe yelled, knowing they wouldn't be able to hear her anyway.
"That was aca-amazing!" Emily applauded.
"I liked it, it was different from the others. What did you think Beca?" Cynthia asked.
"It was good." Beca simply said, arms crossed.
"Do my eyes deceive me or did Beca Mitchell enjoy watching A Cappella?" Jesse nudged her, a grin on his face.
"No, what makes you think that?"
"You said it was good. You were totally enjoying the show."
Amused, Beca rolled her eyes which only made Jesse take as the closest thing to a yes. Chloe and the rest only grinned as well, shaking their head as they could read Beca like a book at this point.
"Wow! I think we have a close one tonight folks."
He pointed at the judges in the crowd, "I wouldn't want their job right now. We'll have the results in just a moment, but let's see all the competitors one more time."
As the host brought back all the teams before, Beca imagined the judges were hastily writing their reviews. The Treblemakers and Barden Bellas came back on a stage and the host appeared with a folded paper in his hands.
The audience was tense, after a night full of good performances it was difficult to say who won. Even without an opinion on who should win, Beca held her breath as the host was about to announce the results.
"In third place is the Filharmonics!"
A group Beca recalled that performed earlier stepped up and congratulated each other.
"And in second place is the…Barden Bellas!"
The girls screamed and rushed to middle of the stage, hugging each other. Chloe and Emily applauded.
"Finally, the ICAA champions are the Treblemakers!" He pointed to the group off to the side who ran to the trophy and swarmed the host.
"He won. Josh won!" Claire exclaimed.
"Way to go Josh!" Jesse tried to yell over the audience.
After the Treblemakers posed for a photo, the audience started to make a line out of the auditorium and back into the lobby to wait for their family members who performed.
Beca, Jesse, and the rest of the Swansons eventually followed the crowd. Beca was the first out, somehow managing to squeeze through the crowded stairway, being short has its perks. Finding a spot by the window the small brunette waited for the Swansons to catch up with her. The lobby was quickly filling up with other families waiting for their kids and there were four men singing in the middle of the lobby. They were all dressed in white sweater vests with letter T embroidered on the breast. Beca remembered seeing them earlier, the Tone Hangers she recalled. They were happily playing off each other's acoustic sound. Taking a second to peer outside, she noticed it was already dark, the stars clouded over as the street lamps lit up the sidewalk. She pulled her phone from her pocket to check the time and any missed notifications.
Standing next to her, Chloe commented, "That was such a close call. The Bellas were so good."
"But the Treblemakers had more bass, which they got points for," Cynthia reminded them as Emily nodded, who informed them earlier how each team was scored.
Chloe sighed and tugged on Beca's hand, "Becs you agree with me, right?"
"They were good Chlo." Beca absentmindedly said, checking her missed text messages and emails.
"What have you skinny bitches been up to tonight?" To everyone's surprise (not really) Amy appeared. Looking up from her phone, Beca could tell Amy had just finished her performance. She was dressed in her Fat Amy Winehouse outfit sans the wig.
Emily perked up at Amy's question. "At an A Cappella competition. And it was Aca-amazing." She smiled and thrust her arms out to emphasize "Aca-amazing".
"A Cappel- what?"
Flo unexpectedly asked, directing her question at Beca, Chloe, and Cynthia.
"A singing competition guys," Beca clarified, stuffing her phone back in her pocket. Once Amy shows up, everyone follows, which quickly became true as Stacie and Lilly appeared as well.
"A singing competition?" Stacie asked.
"Not just a singing competition," Chloe sweetly commented. "But a national championship to see which A Cappella team performed the best." She finished with a proud smile.
Stacie and Flo nodded along to the redhead's answer with curious expressions.
"Ah well if you are looking for singers, I'm the best singer in Tasmania. Let me show them who's the most talented."
Flo opened her mouth to respond when Beca spotted the Swansons walking out of the auditorium. Whatever Flo was about to say was interrupted by the Treblemakers barreling into the lobby. A brunet boy that Beca recalled as the lead singer during their performance, lifted the trophy above him and erupted into cheers with his team mates behind him.
"He's beyond excited. He's like a kid on Christmas." Claire said, watching the youngest Swanson interact with his friends.
"I've never seen him this excited, even when I got him that Xbox." Jesse said.
"They put on a good performance, I'm glad all their hard work paid off," Mr. Swanson commented, which Mrs. Swanson nodded along with a proud expression.
"ICAA Champions!" They chanted as they made their way through the lobby.
The A Cappella group from earlier, the Tone Hangers Beca remembered, stopped singing once the boys started chanting.
As the Treblemakers pulled apart from each other, the same boy seemed to stop for a moment as he finally noticed the Tone Hangers. His sudden excitement morphing into arrogance.
"Well look who it is, get a life."
The leader of the group, which Beca remarked was the tallest, replied, "Just because we graduated a few years ago doesn't mean we can't perform, all right."
The boy scoffed, which only egged on another member of the Tone Hangers. It wasn't just Beca and the Swansons who were watching now, but also everyone else in the lobby.
"Whoa, buddy. Are you looking for what I think you're looking for?" A man in his early 40's said, sporting a 5 o'clock shadow and his brown hair speckled with grey. He stepped up to the instigator, another member of the group following as he put his hands together.
"Please say a fight."
There was a pregnant pause as she watched the two squabble. Unsure of what was going to happen, Beca couldn't tear her attention away.
The boy handed the trophy over to Josh, who took it, but didn't seem to follow his friends' thoughts.
"Come on, Zach. We don't have too."
There was the slightest feeling of hope welling up as she thought it might stop whatever this train wreck was turning out to be.
Zach looked at Josh, and back to the middle-aged Tone Hanger, "I will fight –" then he stopped, "I would fight him, if I didn't hurt my quad during the number."
That was the worst excuse Beca's ever heard.
Undeterred, the man repeated, "We doing this or what kid?"
While Zach and the other man faced each other, the man in front of Josh said, "Hey you, hit me."
Josh looked confused, "What?"
Then that's when everything went to shit.
Then the leader of the Tone Hangers parted the Treblemakers, yelling, "Let's get it on!" as he rushed towards another boy.
Almost entranced by what was happening, Beca barely noticed Amy put her fists up and shadow box. Unlike Beca, who was simply watching the two groups fight (they were just pulling at each other), Chloe could tell what Amy was thinking. She set her hand on Amy's shoulder to get the Australian's attention and gave her a warning look.
Amy only replied, "I wrestled both crocodiles and dingoes simultaneously" as if that explained everything. Beca only reacted to the blonde's reply with a nod and followed Jesse's figure moving towards the "brawl".
Josh was playing a game of tug of war with the same man, repeating, "No, I don't want to hit you."
"I need to feel something, just hit me."
As the he replied, he let go of the trophy and it slacked in Josh's hands before Jesse took it and backed away towards a table behind him.
"Come on man, no one wants to hit you."
But the other man persisted, tugging the trophy once more, "Take this and hit me with it."
Jesse was clearly reluctant, and the situation was just getting worse. The Tone Hanger kept his grip on the trophy as Jesse held on to it tighter. Josh stepped back as well, mimicking his brother's approach.
"Seriously, why do we want to hit you?"
Finally making a move, Beca decided it was time to step up to help. She glanced back at the Swansons and her friends as she said, "I'm just…going to check on them."
The Swansons were understandably worried. Mrs. Swanson had her hands close to her chest, while Mr. Swanson stood next to her equally concerned. Claire was like most of the others in the lobby, eyes bouncing from the Tone Hangers to the Treblemakers. Everyone was too busy watching to acknowledge her.
Chloe cringed, Lilly watched with apt interest, Cynthia was dumbfounded, Stacie passed it off as nothing, Emily looked worried as if someone was going to get hurt, Flo was calm, and Amy looked…particularly excited.
"The Kraken is being unleashed. Feel the Fat Amy force!" Beca heard Amy faintly yell behind her, but the words didn't sink in. The scuffle in front of her was her primary concern. If she took a moment to look back though, she would have seen Chloe close her eyes and place a hand on her forehead, exasperated as she said, "Oh God."
Approaching the Tone Hanger, who was still pulling the trophy, she pulled him towards her by his shoulder, getting his attention.
"Hey."
Then she clenched her first, pulled back her left arm and swung as hard as she could.
SMACK
Her punch resounded throughout the lobby and the man staggered to the ground. Chloe and the gang pursed their lips while the crowd watched in shock. Jesse looked back up at Beca, still holding the trophy
"Oh my God."
Pain flourishing in her knuckles, Beca held her left hand against her as she met Jesse's eyes and exclaimed "Oh my God!" Then adding, "I thought it would help."
Amy rushed over in the next second, checking to see if Beca was alright before being face to face with the victim of her left hook.
The man, in some euphoric state, kneeled on the floor and said, "That was fantastic!"
Someone who just got punched in the face should not be that happy, Beca noted.
As Beca cradled her left hand, Amy had other plans. She grabbed the trophy from Jesse and yelled, "Feel the fat power"
Beca's eyes went wide, Chloe's jaw dropped, and Jesse froze. Amy lifted the trophy above her head, but only made it halfway as Beca ignored the ache in her hand and latched onto the trophy.
"Beca! What are you doing?"
"Hey, kick me in the balls."
Jesse and the man talked over each other, one of shock and the other with excited eyes as they watched Beca hold the trophy up. Unbeknownst to them, Beca was fighting a battle, she didn't think she could win. Beca repeatedly tried to get Amy to let go of the trophy, pulling it towards her as Amy kept a tight grip.
"I just want him to-"
"Amy, he's already on-"
But she was too late. Fat Amy kicked him right in the balls, everyone gasping.
"Amy!" Beca loudly chided, but it only fell on seven pair of ears,
Chloe, Emily, and Cynthia grimaced, but Lilly seemed to appreciate the well-aimed kick.
With renewed strength, Beca pulled harder, repeating "Give me the trophy!"
Amy shook her head, twisting the intended weapon to point towards the man. "But I need a sharp weapon. I want to put it up his butt."
"Oh my God, Amy no!" The disgust evident in her voice.
Yet the man only heard Amy, eagerly turning around. "Ooh the cherry on top."
Beca and Amy struggled, each holding one side of the trophy. Beca held on, in hopes of stopping anyone from getting hurt, while Amy was fighting for it as if it was cheesecake. Their grips were tight as first but getting looser with every tug. The lobby was watching in stunned silence. As Beca pulled it back once more Amy let go, the trophy flying behind her, which inevitably met the window.
CRACK
The window shattered with a high-pitched crack, glass shards falling to the ground. A chorus of "Oh's" filled the lobby as the scuffling stopped between the Treblemakers and the Tone Hangers as everyone turned towards the sound. Beca, Amy, Jesse, and the Tone Hanger froze in shock as they looked straight through the window.
Past the window, standing next to a car (with the Tone Hanger's faces plastered on the side) with a pen to a notepad was a police officer.
Oh shit
As he made his way to the scene, all the Treblemakers and Tone Hangers suddenly made themselves scarce, with the exception of Josh and the man who remained kneeling on the floor. Beca's mouth hung open, her eyes wide as the cop approached, the trophy laying in pieces outside, she took a glance at Jesse and Amy.
Jesse was shocked, glancing back at her and the police officer.
Panic flashed across Amy's features as soon as she saw the police officer approach.
"Amy!" Beca called as she saw Amy run down the hall.
"Vertical running. I'm vertical running." Amy called as she ran.
She returned her attention to the cop, gulping as he stepped through the window.
She never thought she would go to jail and ever since she gained seven other voices in her head it still didn't cross her mind. Well it might have cross her mind when she first met Amy, but still they were jumping out a window and that seemed more like a life or death situation
Once they reached the police station, the officer escorted her to an empty room saying he'll get her a bag of ice for her hand while she waits for Jesse. Going to jail wasn't like how Beca thought it was going to be. The police officer put her in handcuffs and escorted her into his cruiser after explaining what happened (the simplest and vague answer she could provide without mentioning Amy) while other officers documented statements from people in the lobby. The police officer nodded his head as he listened, saying that although she was protecting her friends, she was guilty of destruction of property. After documenting his statement, Jesse assured her he would come to the station.
"That bloke was nice."
"Amy." Beca sternly said as she sat in the chair and rubbed her wrists. There was an ache in her knuckles, but she considered herself lucky that they didn't also charge her for assault.
"What?"
Beca sighed, rolling her eyes. Did she want to bring up the fact that Amy was the reason she was here right now?
The door opened once more as the same officer handed her a bag of ice and left after she took it. Placing the bag of ice on her knuckles she let out a relieved sigh, the ice starting to dull the slight ache.
"Nice punch Beca." Cynthia commented.
"Yeah, reminded me of the fights some of the men would get into back home." Flo said.
"Are you okay?" Emily asked, worried.
"Next time clench your fist as you swing." Stacie stated.
Despite the situation Beca smiled, glad she wasn't alone for once. It was nice to have them around. Stacie found a seat across from her while the others stood.
"I'm fine guys. See?" She lifted her left hand up and taking the ice bag off. Her knuckles were tinged with red but looked fine.
"It looked like it hurt though." Chloe said, holding her own left hand and standing next to her. That is also one thing Beca noticed over the past few months too. Whenever one of them got hurt, everyone would feel it. Once Emily tripped and broke her wrist at work one day. Even though Beca didn't break her own wrist, red hot pain flared from her wrist and she felt it break. Luckily, this wasn't like that though, but it was a reminder for all of them to be careful.
"All good Chlo." Beca smiled, the smile everyone knew was only reserved for Chloe.
"Jesse's coming to get you?" She asked.
"Yeah I should be out of here soon."
And right on cue an officer opened the door, "Your friend is here, he paid the bail."
Beca hummed a quick thank you and left the room in a hurry, the ice bag in hand. She could feel the others following her out.
Walking back to the entrance of the police station, she saw Jesse waiting in the lobby. She smiled when she spotted him.
"Hey Hillary Swank from Million Dollar Baby." He raised his hands up in boxing position.
"Hey." She playfully punched against his hands, "You know you just have to say, 'Hey Million Dollar Baby', you don't need to reference the actress."
Side by side, they left the station, a slight breeze tugging at them as they opened the doors. As they walked Beca noticed the others disappeared. Even when they weren't visiting each other they could all feel each other's presence on the edge of their mind – practically a step away.
"Damn, prison changed you."
Beca chuckled, "Thanks for bailing me out."
"That's what friends are for. Bailing other friends out of jail." Jesse joked back, noticing her trademark smirk.
"How's your family?"
"They're fine. Although my sister was surprised by your left hook."
Beca nodded but shrugged at Jesse's comment. "You know, girls have to be prepared or something, whatever that movie quote is." She said distractedly as she spotted Jesse's car. She was looking forward to getting home and increased her pace.
Jesse slowed down as he met her at his car, "Wait Beca."
He waited for her to look up before continuing, "What happened in there? Who's Amy?"
Beca, taken back by question, let her jaw fall slack as she tried to find an answer. The whole time she spent in the police station she didn't think about what Amy did tonight, about what Jesse might have thought about it.
Her mouth was forming an answer, but no words came out.
"I – Jesse, I can't talk about this right now." The sentence finally stumbled out as her nerves overwhelmed her.
Confused, Jesse said, "Why?"
"It's complicated." She tersely supplied as they both slipped into their seats.
"I've never seen you do that before and as far as I know, you don't know an Amy. You can tell me, I want to help."
Beca looked out the window, avoiding Jesse's gaze for a moment before meeting his eyes. "There's nothing wrong Jess. I don't need your help."
She meant for it to come out nicer than that, but irritation seeped into her tone before she could stop it.
"Got it." He said, the engine rumbling to life as he turned the key. It was a clear answer, one that ended the conversation, filling the atmosphere with a tense silence, and one that Beca knew she was going to regret.
Once she got home, she could not express how relieved she was to fall into her bed. The soft material of the comforter and pillow pressing against her, but she could not enjoy the moment as much as she would have liked. She still felt guilt over how her and Jesse's conversation in the car. When did she start feeling things again?
The old Beca five years ago wouldn't have cared, but then again Jesse helped her open herself up a little more during college and continued to when he moved to New York. Out of all the people she's known in her life, Jesse's been there for her. Unlike the others, Jesse comes back.
Just like tonight, posting bail and trying to understand what happened.
Then she got these voices in her head, and she feels more like herself than ever before, as strange as it sounds. She's felt Chloe's positive energy and Emily's happiness, the calm nature of Flo and Lilly, and even Cynthia's boldness. She's more confident with Stacie and Amy at her side.
For the past few months she's kept this whole thing to herself and she was fine with that, but it didn't sit right without explaining to Jesse what happened tonight.
It was a Sunday, shortly after 11 AM and Beca found herself outside a Starbucks, impatiently tapping her foot as she looked at her phone.
"Slow down Sawshank, he said he'd be here." She heard Amy say from behind her.
The short brunette was so focused she didn't even stop to hear to the new nickname the blonde started calling her for the past half hour.
Narrowing her eyes and furrowing her brows she got on the tips of her toes to see above the crowd of people walking though. She disliked being short sometimes.
Blond, black, red, purple. Beca counted off the different hair color as each group walked through. With an impatient huff, she dropped down to her feet, looking back at her phone again.
"Okay, that's enough." Amy said, snatching the phone away from Beca, who gave Amy a scowl.
"He said he'd be here." She emphasized, "Watching you pace like a dingo is not worth the drink you promised."
"She's right Bec." Chloe said, "Not about the dingo thing, but he said he'd be here. Come on sit down."
Reluctantly, Beca let herself be guided to one of the benches nearby as Amy and Chloe joined her. Both of their shoulders brushing against hers.
"Everything will be fine." Chloe tried to calm her nerves.
This is the most she's ever been nervous. She doesn't know exactly why, she is the one who decided to tell Jesse and explain what happened last night, but as soon as she got to the Starbucks they usually meet at, all her newfound confidence disappeared.
The brunette took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her nerves.
"Beca?"
Jesse's voice broke her reprieve. Looking up she found Jesse peering down at her with a concerned expression. She must look more stressed than she thought.
He furrowed his brows. "Look if this is about last night, I'm sorry. I was just worried, I've never seen you like that before. I'll drop it"
She shook her head, "No Jesse. I pushed you away and I'm sorry. Let me explain what happened last night."
Standing up, Beca gestured to the blonde Australian who sat on the bench.
"This is Amy."
"Fat Amy, nice to meet you." Amy said with a wink. Beca and Chloe sighed.
He looked back at Beca with hints of confusion on his face, "um hi, I'm Jesse. Nice to meet you…Fat Amy."
In the moment of truth, Beca held her hands together in front of her and said, "Amy was there last night. She was the one who hit that guy. I mean I'm the one who punched him, but she's the one who did the rest."
She saw Jesse draw his eyebrows together and tilt his head to the side. "Amy wasn't there last night Beca. It was just you."
Then Amy stood up from her seat. "What Beca means is that we're best friends who share the same body."
If Jesse wasn't confused before he was now. "What? Beca what is she talking about?"
Jesse wasn't the only one, Chloe put a hand to her face and shook her head side to side.
"She's not wrong, not with the body thing anyway. I have these voices in my head that I can talk to and see. It doesn't matter how far apart we are, I can see them and talk to them, do anything as if they were actually here."
Beca waited to see Jesse's reaction, which so far looked to be as if she was speaking a different language.
"Amy was there last night. It's…hard to explain, but we can do sometimes move in the other's body. So, when you saw me kick that guy in the balls, it was actually Amy." She gestured to Amy who nodded.
Jesse remained silent, waiting for Beca to continue. "Do you remember the one night we went to your co-worker's birthday party and I told you to answer my phone?"
He nodded and pointed to Amy, "Was that..?"
Beca shook her head, "That was Chloe. She lives in Atlanta and she's the one who made me sing karaoke that night too."
Beca glanced at Chloe who smirked. The redhead prided herself on getting her to sing that night.
"You would never sing that song." Jesse muttered, starting to piece everything together. Granted they haven't gone out more than usual, he noticed she would talk to herself, sometimes talk in an accent, and be cheery. He never had an explanation for the last one.
Besides that, there was the party at the bar which he wasn't drunk enough to forget Beca Mitchell singing Miley Cyrus, and last night. It would explain the brunette's strange behavior from the past few months.
"Wait let's do this. Chloe was there last night."
Beca took her phone from Amy and started swiping on the screen before she gave it to Jesse. He inspected the number, unfamiliar with the area code, but noticed the last call and text to this number was a few months ago.
"Hi Jesse. It's nice to meet you again." Chloe casually answered on her own phone.
It took a second before recognition passed through his features, his eyes going wide as he said, "You're the girl from…"
She lightly chuckled before continuing. "I wanted to say thank you for helping Beca last night. She wouldn't tell me, but I know she appreciated what you did for her."
He stopped for a moment, based on his expression Beca imagined him trying to rationalize everything. Then after what felt like minutes, he met Beca's eyes as he answered, "That sounds like Beca."
Next, he lowered her phone and looked at Beca, and smiled. The same reassuring smile that she's come to appreciate since Jesse found his way in her life.
The brunette smiled back, all the nervousness from before gone as she knew Jesse understood, which turned into defeat after his smile turned into a lopsided smirk and a teasing glint appeared in his eyes.
"Chloe's your girlfriend, isn't she?"
Damnit
The three ordered drinks shortly after, taking a booth by the window for some privacy. She can't help but smile as Jesse laughs and Amy exaggerates a part of her story. Chloe sat next to her, sipping on the drink they decided to share as they held hands under the table.
She's only known them for a few months, and at first, she was awkward and unsure, but they started to grow on her like moss on a tree. She was caught off-guard by Stacie's sexual innuendos, Fat Amy's antics, and Lilly's everything, but now she finds herself taking it in stride. Sure, they get her in trouble, much like Fat Amy's stint that led her to jail, (and she should have at least been more upset at that one, but it just never happened) but she wouldn't wish for anything different. She's also realized how lucky she is to have these people in her life. To support her, to push her out of her comfort zone, and to trust ultimately – and they don't all have to be voices in her head.