The next few days passed in a blur for Chloe. Work was chaotic, as always, but there was something different about this week. It wasn't just the usual deadlines or the piles of paperwork demanding her attention; it was the thought of Beca, who seemed to be on her mind more than ever. Chloe couldn't stop replaying their conversation from the other day, the way Beca's guarded nature began to soften just a little bit when she spoke about her mother. It made Chloe want to understand more, to help in some way—though she wasn't sure how to go about it.

Sophie's excitement when Chloe picked her up from daycare that afternoon distracted her from the swirling thoughts. Sophie had always been a bright spot in Chloe's life, her endless energy a contrast to the more introspective moments Chloe sometimes found herself having. Her daughter bounded over to Chloe with a huge grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Mama! Mama!" Sophie tugged at her hand, practically pulling Chloe toward the exit. "Guess what? Guess what?! I made a new friend today!"

Chloe's smile widened as she crouched down to her daughter's height. "You did? Who's your new friend, sweetheart?"

"Sophie's new friend," Sophie declared with her usual sense of authority, "is Beca!"

Chloe blinked, momentarily confused. "Beca? The janitor near daycare?"

Sophie nodded enthusiastically. "Beca was so nice to me today! She gave me stickers and told me I'm the best singer ever!"

Chloe couldn't help but laugh at Sophie's excitement. It wasn't exactly surprising, given how much Sophie had taken to the janitor the last time they'd crossed paths. Still, Chloe hadn't expected the two to form such a quick bond. She tried not to read too much into it—after all, Sophie was friendly with everyone—but there was something so pure about the way Sophie had latched onto her, almost as if Beca had become a safe presence in her world.

"Well, that's wonderful, sweetie," Chloe said, her voice softening. "I'm glad you and Beca are becoming friends."

Sophie grinned widely. "Can Beca come to the park with us? Please, Mama? She's so nice!"

Chloe hesitated. She hadn't invited Beca anywhere outside of her casual invites to the studio. It felt a little strange, but the genuine joy in Sophie's voice tugged at her heart. She glanced at her daughter and then nodded.

"Alright, let's ask her," Chloe said, already reaching the corridor the janitor's closet was located.

Half an hour later, Chloe stood outside the record company building, Sophie bouncing excitedly by her side as she waited for Beca to emerge. Chloe had found Beca earlier, and after a few moments, she had agreed to meet them. Chloe tried not to be too nervous—she wasn't sure why it felt different now. But it did.

When Beca appeared, wearing the same work clothes she always wore, her posture was slightly more relaxed than usual. She greeted them with a shy smile, her gaze flickering from Sophie to Chloe.

"Hi, Beca," Chloe said, offering her a warm smile. "Sophie's been telling me all about how you two became fast friends today."

Beca's cheeks flushed slightly as she looked at Sophie, who was practically bouncing off the sidewalk in excitement.

"That's so sweet of you," Beca said softly, her voice slightly unsteady. "I'm excited to go to the park with you both, if that's still okay."

Sophie's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Yay! Beca's coming to the park! We're gonna play so many games!" She skipped ahead, tugging Beca along as if she were a new best friend.

Chloe watched the two of them, smiling at how easily Sophie had drawn Beca into her little world. It seemed like it was a rare thing for someone break through Beca's walls so effortlessly, but Sophie seemed to have that effect on people—there was no judgment, no hesitation. Just pure acceptance.

The walk to the park wasn't long, but Chloe felt a sense of ease that had been missing for a while. It was nice to be outside, the warm evening sun casting soft shadows as they strolled along. As they reached the park, Sophie immediately ran off to the swings, giggling with delight, while Chloe and Beca stood on the sidelines, watching.

"I'm glad you came," Chloe said quietly, her gaze on Sophie, but her words for Beca. "She's really taken to you. I don't think I've ever seen her this excited about a new friend."

Beca's eyes softened as she watched Sophie, her expression thoughtful. "She's a sweet kid. She's… easy to be around," Beca murmured. "I didn't think I'd be good with kids, honestly."

Chloe chuckled. "I think you're doing just fine."

For a long moment, they both stood in silence, the sounds of Sophie's laughter filling the air. Chloe felt her heart lighten, as though this simple moment, this small connection, meant more than either of them had anticipated. There was something almost magical about seeing Beca interact with Sophie—something that made Chloe feel hopeful about the path they were walking down.

As the sun began to set, the park started to quiet down. Sophie eventually tired of the swings and dragged Beca to play tag with her, her giggles echoing around the park. Chloe stayed on the bench, watching them, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to let go of the worries that usually consumed her. Sophie had a new friend. And there was something in the air that felt like they were becoming fast friends.

When Beca and Sophie finally joined her again, their cheeks flushed with exertion, Chloe's heart swelled with a sense of contentment.

"Thank you for coming, Beca," Chloe said, her voice soft but sincere. "It means a lot to me that you're spending time with us."

Becca smiled in return, and for the first time, it wasn't hesitant or reserved. It was genuine. "Thanks for inviting me, Chloe. I had fun."

And in that moment, Chloe realized just how much this meant to both of them.