Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I’m sitting in the living room, nervously waiting until my parents return. They promised to get me that beautiful acoustic guitar I saw online. They left this morning, but normally they would’ve been home already. I’m pacing through the room, playing with my hands. I haven’t got a message either. Normally if they get home later than promised, they call me to let me know. 

Time passes by without a phone call from my parents and the nerves are filling my body even more now. Where are they? All sorts of doom scenarios are going through my mind, but I need to stay positive. Suddenly the doorbell rings and my nerves escalate even higher now . My parents never ring the doorbell. I slowly make my way to the front door and open the door, but I regret it immediately when I see two policemen standing in front of me. 

,,Rebeca Mitchell?” I cringe at my full name and can only nod, trying to prepare myself for this news. My feeling tells me it’s not something good they’re going to tell me. ,,I’m terribly sorry to tell you this, but your parents got into a car accident.” The ground under my feet seems to fade away. ,,A truck driving through a red light, crashed head-on into the passenger side. Your mother died instantly. Your father survived the crash,” I let out a relieved breath, but the policemen aren't done yet. ,,the paramedics at the scene resuscitated him several times, but to no avail. I’m sorry but he died from his injuries.” Hearing that makes me fall to my knees. It’s my fault! They died because they were buying that acoustic guitar for me. They were on the road because of me! Tears are flowing from my eyes and one of the policemen tries to comfort me. They carefully take me to the couch and give me a glass of water, while giving me the acoustic guitar and telling me that they found it unharmed in the trunk of my parents car. It’s even in a nice case. I burst into tears, just as my aunt comes into the room as well. She doesn’t say anything and just asks the policemen what is going to happen now. 

,,Ms. Mitchell,” They start but I see my aunt shake her head and stop the policemen. 

,,I’m not Mitchell.” She says with disgust in her voice. ,,I’m Ms. Walp, her mother’s sister.” 

,,Well, Ms. Walp. I’m sorry for your loss.” She waves him away, which makes him look at me now. I nod in acknowledgement, because I’m happy that he says that. The nice policeman sits across from me, only looking at me, since he can see that I'm the most affected by this news. 

,,So, the first order of business is probably the most gruesome. We need you to come to the morgue and identify the bodies.” He tells me.

,,What?” My eyes widen and I look between the officer and my aunt, who’s probably here to take me with her. My mother put her in her will as my godmother. 

,,It’s standard procedure. We need someone to claim them.” Claim them. It sounds like they’re a piece of luggage that got left at the airport. Now the officer goes through the details of the night, what they suspect happened at the scene, everything. ,,We should have you identify them as soon as possible, that way we can get them transported and you can start on funeral arrangements.” His words feel like a kick in the gut. Of course I have to plan the funeral, but I have no idea how to do that. ,,I’m sorry if that seems harsh, I’m just doing my job.” 

,,No, I know. I get it. Can we go now?” He nods and follows us outside. He gets into his car, leaving me and my aunt alone. My aunt tells me to get in the car, so she can drive to the morgue and I obey. When we get there, the whole process that we have to do takes much longer than we thought it would. There is paperwork and we hear my parents will, before the dreaded moment comes. An officer leads us to a window. There’s a woman in a lab coat looking at a computer. He knocks twice to make her look up. Her facial expression isn’t overly burdened; it’s clear she does this all the time. She moves over to one of the tables. I haven’t noticed the body shaped lumps underneath the stark white sheets until my hands fall on the edge of one. 

,,Are you ready?” The officer asks. I can’t speak and just nod. I don’t take my eyes off the sheet. It’s smaller than the other so I know that when it’s lifted it will be her face. I take a sharp inhale but it all still seems to dissipate when my mother’s lifeless form is exposed. Tears drop down my cheeks, my hands are shaking and I feel like I’m about to pass out. ,,Ms. Mitchell, is that Sheila Walp?” 

,,Y-yes, that’s her.” I’m hoping more than anything to feel my aunt's hand against my back, since Sheila was her sister, but that hand isn’t coming. The officer nods and the sheet is placed gently back over her face. The medical examiner moves to the table beside it and they follow the same procedure. This time, it’s a much longer pause. I can’t move. I don’t want to see him, not like this. But I still nod. When the sheet is lifted I affirm that it’s my father as quickly as possible. I don’t want my gaze to linger. I don’t want this image of my father to be the one I’m left with. The sheet is pulled back over his head.  

,,Thank you, Ms. Mitchell. You did exceptionally well.” The officer says and leads us back into the waiting room. I suddenly feel sick and rush out the main doors. I push my hands against the brick wall, welcoming the coolness against my blazing skin. My aunt follows me outside.

,,That was very hard.” She tells me and then she ushers me into her car. We drive away from the morgue and I think we’re going to her house, but I’m wrong as we come to a stop at the tiny house my father bought to get away from his busy life. ,,Just because my sister died, doesn’t mean I will take you into my house. You can stay here and just stay out of my way. Oh and that bank account your parents left you… I won’t let you be in charge of that until you’re eighteen. Now, here are the keys to this tiny house because your lousy father left you this too, and get out of my car.” I don’t care anymore and so I do what she tells me. Just as I’m walking towards the tiny house, my aunt drives away quickly and I can only think: “Wait until I’m eighteen, then I’m coming for my money!”, before going inside the house. 

Chapter Text

Hold on cause I’m letting go

I’m gonna lasso your heart like a rodeo

I’m gonna give you some till you want some more

Cause all I see is an open door

And I see where it’s leading me
All of this energy, been bottled for way too long

It’s powerful, powerful

You see what I’m getting at

I’m ready for all of that

If I’m not a star, you’re blind

I’ve got rings on my fingers, and glitter in my hair

I bought a one-way ticket, and I just got here

I’m gonna run this town, run this town

I’ve got high heel stilettos, and I’m kicking in doors

And kissing your ass ain’t what my lipstick’s for

I’m gonna run this town, run this town

I’m gonna run - 

I’m awakened from my perfect dream by my alarm blaring through my house. I groan and slam the snooze button while rubbing my eyes. Luckily nobody else is here, because I live on my own in this tiny house. It’s the only place I have left from my parents. My parents died in a car crash and ever since my aunt took me in, she right away kicked me out, told me to live here and leave her and my cousin alone. I’m happy to, because I’m not exactly close to them, even though she raised us as siblings. Once again my alarm is heard through my house, letting me get out of bed, remembering what day it is today. My aunt hasn’t shut up about the fact that the famous Luke Beale, a big producer at Sony Music, is coming to school soon. She wants to impress Luke, but so do I. Ever since I’ve known he’s in town, I’m playing and writing more songs. I even recorded a demo and I’m hoping Luke would want to listen to it. 

Looking one more time at the time, I quickly get dressed, grab my demo and run to my bike. I have to drive, because this tiny house I own isn’t close to my aunt’s house or school. I’m happy about that because this way I have more privacy, especially since nobody, except my aunt and cousin, knows I live here. I can write my songs here without anybody being able to hear them. I put my helmet on and start the engine before literally racing to school. I can’t be too late because then I will miss Luke. 

Thirty minutes later, I drive up the schoolyard and park my bike before removing my helmet. My best and only friend Amy is walking over to me. She waits until I’ve put my helmet away in the saddle and locked my bike, before pulling me with her into the school. 

,,What took you so long?” Amy asks and guides me to the room Luke’s in. ,,He’s already inside with your crazy aunt. I overheard them saying that they needed someone to escort his daughter through school.” 

,,Where you eavesdropping again?” Amy shrugs her shoulders. My eyes widen at the realization of what Amy just said and look at her. ,,Wait, did you say Chloe Beale is in there too?! The Chloe Beale?” Amy nods and the nerves I already had are doubling up right now. Amy notices my nerves and grabs my shoulders while she looks sternly at me.

,,Hey, you want that man to hear your demo or what?” I nod and want to say something but Amy pushes me towards the door. ,,Then go inside and blow both their minds!” She tells me. I take one deep breath before knocking on the door, waiting for someone to tell me to come in. It doesn't take long before I hear my annoyed aunt’s voice yelling “come in already”, so I hurry inside. 

,,Ah, there she finally is.” My aunt says when she sees me. ,,Go sit next to Chloe.” I don’t argue and do what she tells me, but don’t really dare to look her in the eye. I mean, come on, it’s Chloe Beale we’re talking about. I don’t think anyone is prettier than she is. 

,,I want Chloe to be the host this year.” Luke says.

,,I’m always the host of my showcase.” My aunt says, a little offended and I try very hard not to laugh but I think a small snicker is heard. 

,,Ms. Walp, if you let Chloe discover new talents, we will triple the budget of the showcase, and I will have every major talent scout be there.” Well, now it looks like my aunt is going to pass out. 

,,It’s a deal.” She says before Luke can hardly finish his sentence. While they are talking, my eyes find themselves looking over at Chloe.

,,Hi.” She whispers to me, not wanting to interrupt her father and my aunt too much. ,,How are you?” I can’t believe she’s actually talking to me and I have to adjust myself a little bit. 

,,Are you sure you want to talk to me?” I hear myself say and hear her giggle at my response. She nods, while smiling at me. ,,Well, I’m okay, I guess. But shouldn’t you focus on your father instead of me?” 

,,Nah, all boring talk.” She tells me. Just before the conversation is going anywhere, the door opens and Chicago walks in. Chloe’s attention is back to her father as I try to sneak my demo in her father’s bag. 

,,I need someone to show Chloe around the school.” Luke says and now my aunt looks at me. My heart races. Is she seriously going to let me? She notices my hopeful look and just smirks before turning towards Chicago. 

,,Chloe, this is my son Chicago. I bet he’s the best at showing you around the school.” The moment Chicago catches Chloe’s eye, he smiles, acting all sweet and innocent. He sits down next to Chloe and starts to hit on her right away. I roll my eyes disgustingly. I quickly stand up but not before sneaking my demo into Luke’s bag and hurry out of the room. Amy is still waiting for me and comes over to me. She wraps her arm around my shoulders and pulls me away from that room where Chicago is all over Chloe right now. 

,,So, is Chloe Beale as hot as everyone says?” Amy asks as she smirks at me. I shake my head, much to the disappointment of Amy. 

,,She’s even hotter.” I state and now Amy just laughs before pulling me with her into our first period. 

Chloe’s point of view

God, once again. I can’t stand the fact that my father is dragging me all over the place and putting me into yet another school. Especially for my senior year no less, I don’t get why he can’t just let me be. As we are riding to the school in a limo I try to get his attention and I say ,,Dad is all of this really necessary?”

,,Why of course Chlobear you’re a big deal and everyone should treat you as such,” my dad says with a smile. 

,,But dad I really don’t want to do this, I just want a normal year at school for once especially since it’s my last before college.” 

,,Don’t worry, everything will be perfect this year I promise, and we won’t be moving any more this year.” I sulk back into the seat and try to just calm down before I get ambushed by people the second I set foot on this campus. The rest of the drive we sit in silence and thankfully it’s only about ten more minutes before we are pulling up to the school. As we get out of the limo my attention is drawn towards a motorcycle racing through the parking lot before I can see who the rider is, I’m being ushered into the school by my dad. We make our way to the office and my mind wanders back to thinking about who could’ve been on that motorcycle. I’m not going to lie, it was really hot and sexy to see how well they handled that bike. Before I know it we are sitting in the dean's office waiting for them to make an appearance. 

,,For someone who wants to make a good impression on you you would think they would show up on time to meet  you daddy,” I say while rolling my eyes. Once again not wanting to be here. 

,,Trust me it will be dealt with, but for now try to relax and give this school a chance please,” my father says to me looking sternly. I simply nod then resume looking out the window. After about five minutes a woman comes rushing through the door expressing her sincerest apologies, but to me it feels fake and just like she is trying to save face. I have zero interest in their conversation until I hear my dad say my name and I focus back in on the conversation. 

,,Dad I really don’t think that’s necessary, I mean I’m sure Ms. Walp puts on a great show,” as soon as I finish there is a knock on the door and I feel relieved that someone will hopefully end this torture. 

,,Ah, there she finally is.” Ms. Walp says to the mystery girl who was knocking on the door. ,,Go sit next to Chloe.” I try to make eye contact with her as she makes her way to the seat next to me. It’s weird because she is almost looking at me. I’m confused and a little hurt by the action but don’t think much of it. While the adults are talking I try to start my own conversation with the mystery girl. She gives short answers but I do finally get to see her face and her eyes which are so gorgeous I could get lost in them. They seem to hold so much in them emotion and also pain, I really want to get to know more about this girl. As the talk is winding down someone else comes into the room and Ms. Walp changes her focus. 

,,Chloe, this is my son Chicago. I bet he’s the best choice to show you around the school.” Once she finishes talking the boy looks over at me and catches my eye, he smiles, and acts all sweet and innocent. He sits down next to me and starts to hit on me right away. I look over at the mystery girl next to me and see her rolling her eyes before getting up and leaving the room. I wonder what that’s about, but unfortunately I can’t think much about it because I don’t even know her name. I do hope I can see her later and maybe ask her about it. My attention is brought back to the boy sitting a little too close to me for my comfort when my dad says ,,Looks like you are in good hands Chloe, I’ll send the limo for you at the end of the day.” 

,,Thanks dad, I’ll see you later at home,” I say to him while I stand up and start to follow Chicago out of the office. 

,,So Chloe, are you as into music as your father is?,” Chicago asks as soon as we are in the hallway. 

,,In some instances yes, but for the most part I’m not as into producing as he is, but he’s determined to make me be a talent scout.”

,,You’re in luck because this school is crawling with talent, you just have to know where to look,” he then flashes me a megawatt smile and winks. Now I would have to be blind not to notice how attractive this boy is, and he does have that kind of boyish charm most guys seem to have. But at first impressions I’m not really impressed too much by him overall; I would much rather be shown around by that mysterious brunette from earlier today. Who knows maybe after spending more time with this guy he will grow on me and I will learn to like him better.  

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

Later that day when I’m back at my tiny house, I’m sitting on the couch with my guitar in my hands, playing a melody. Ever since I saw Chloe, my mind has been full of inspiration. Amy is on a video call, watching me play. 

You’re really talented, Beca. She tells me. Did you give Luke your demo?

Sort of.

What do you mean, sort of? Did you chicken out?  

No, I secretly put it into his bag.

So, he has your demo?

Yes, but I don’t think he will listen to it. Luke is a busy man, you know. He doesn’t have time for new talent.

Well, if Luke isn’t impressed, Chloe is.

Chloe hasn’t even heard it. 

That’s not what I was talking about. I was on the schoolyard before you came and noticed her being impressed by you and your bike. She winks at me through the screen. I roll my eyes.

Yeah, sure. As if Chloe is impressed by me. Not going to happen, Ames. Would you listen to my new lyrics now, please? 

Sure, whatever you want. Let’s hear that masterpiece of yours. 

I laugh at her and then start to play the melody on my guitar before starting to sing what I have written so far.

I can bless myself, there’s no need for someone’s help

There’s no one to blame, there’s no one to save you but yourself

I can justify, all the mistakes in my life, it’s - 

I stop and look into the camera, seeing Amy really enjoying it. 

Don’t stop, keep going. It’s really good.

I don’t have any more just yet. 

Well, too bad. Maybe you should ask Chloe to help you finish the song.

Ha ha, very funny. Chloe is not interested in me. I saw the way Chicago was all over her. You know the drill, if Chicago likes someone, that girl will like him back in no time. I don’t stand a chance and besides, Chloe is way out of my league. 

You always talk yourself down, Beca. It’s not necessary, because you’re one good looking lady. I see the way other girls watch you on your bike. That bike is a woman magnet. 

Why do you think I got the bike in the first place? Amy laughs. But really, Ames. There is no way Chloe would go for me unless she hears Chicago sing.

Oh no! Don’t let that boy sing! You don’t want to break all the windows!

I know right, but I’m going to hang up now. I need to shower and then just relax for a little bit. School would be way more interesting tomorrow with Chloe around, so I need to be rested. 

Yeah, you go take care of yourself so you can impress Chloe even more tomorrow. Talk to you later! 

And Amy is gone. I shake my head and smile sarcastically. The way Amy is so sure about Chloe liking me is funny. I mean, she would never like me. I close all my curtains before taking my clothes off and stepping into the shower. I feel at ease the moment the warm water goes over my body, taking my nerves and my worries away. 

Chloe’s point of view

The first day flew by quickly after I was able to get out of that dreadful meeting. As much as I enjoyed my time walking around with Chicago, my mind kept going back to the mysterious brunette that was there in the beginning of the meeting. It was still weird to me with how she left the meeting so quickly and how she acted and reacted to Chicago’s antics. I mean I would have to be blind not to fall for his looks. He kept trying too hard and to be honest it was getting annoying at first. But I figured it was just because he was nervous for some reason. My dad did tell me to try to make friends at this school so I guess I will give him the benefit of the doubt, of it just being the first time he met me.

As soon as I walk into the house I hear music playing faintly from my dads office. I haven’t heard the song before but it has a catchy beat, too bad I can’t hear the voice that belongs to this song. I’m about to knock on his door and enter, to ask him about it, but instead I hear him restart the song and talk to someone on the phone. Quickly I lose interest and instead make my way upstairs to my room to listen to some music and reflect on my day. Since I’m new to this town I figured I would just try out their radio stations and see if I find anything I’m interested in. Since my father is big into producing music I have a wide variety of musical interests. Most people when they meet me upon first impression only think I’m a pop princess and listen to that music strictly instead of other genres. While searching throughout the stations I found a show that has a host that goes by DJ Lil B and I decided to give them a chance. Surprisingly whoever this DJ is has a great taste in music and I end up listening for their entire set. 

While listening to the radio show my mind goes back to this morning when I saw someone riding up on a motorcycle. Unfortunately I was rushed inside before I got to see who it was. They were riding it with such confidence that it was really sexy and had turned me on; not to mention the bike itself was sexy and gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to have my own or at least ride on one, but my ever protective dad has always said no. This could finally be my chance to get to ride one if I ever figure out who’s bike it is. Well that’s a problem for another day. I decide to turn the radio down and attempt to do my homework before I’m called down to have dinner with my father. Overall I think this is going to be a great senior year; even though I have to host the stupid showcase, at least all I have to do is find the talent. Luckily the school seems to be crawling with it so it shouldn’t be too hard. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

I’m still in the station, playing my guitar and trying to finish the song I’ve been writing but I can’t seem to find the words. Luckily nobody will be here until tomorrow, since I’m here after school hours. I need to earn money somehow and what is a better way than to work at the radio station, where I can work on my music?! I strum my guitar one more time, playing the melody. 

I can bless myself, there’s no need for someone’s help

There’s no one to blame, there’s no one to save you but yourself

I can justify, all the mistakes in my life, it’s -

I sing until I hear someone coming into the station. I quickly put my guitar back in its case because nobody can know I can sing. Luke Beale called me after hearing my demo and he liked it. He told me to find him at the showcase. I can’t believe he actually listened to my demo! Amy walks over to me with take out and I smile at her. 

,,How is it possible you know me so well?” I ask her as I take my portion. Amy laughs and sits next to me.

,,Because you are my best friend. Now, sit and eat something. You have been playing your music on this radio for hours now, I bet you haven’t eaten all that time.” Yeah, okay Amy knows me very well. I dug into the take out she brought with her. ,,So, what is your next move?” 

,,What do you mean?” 

,,With Chloe.” I look at her. ,,You’re going to make a move, right?” I shake my head right away. 

,,Once again, Chloe is way out of my league. Chicago has more success.” 

,,Just because Chloe is hanging out with your cousin, doesn’t mean she likes him. I bet if she got to know you better, she will fall head over heels for you.” 

,,Ha ha, very funny.” I say sarcastically before taking another bite.

,,Oh, come on Bec. When was the last time you were in a relationship?” 

,,Hey, we both know what happened between Sara and I. We had an amazing time but when she found out where I lived, she immediately dumped me.” 

,,I still hate that girl. Who dumps someone only for where they live? I mean, so what if you live in a tiny house? You still have two beds, so if someone wants to stay over they can. And don’t forget that amazing little garden you have, with a campfire. Some might find that romantic.” She’s quiet for a moment because she’s taking a bite. ,,In fact, I bet Chloe would find it romantic.” My eyes widened. 

,,Chloe can never know where I live!” I yell, while dropping my fork. ,,I told you before that she’s out of my league. Well, her family is rich and I know firsthand that rich people don’t care about people who are poor.” 

,,Just because your overloaded aunt doesn’t give you attention or refuses to give you access to your bank account, that doesn’t mean Chloe will judge you too. Why don’t you talk to her and get to know her better? You don’t have to marry her right away.” 

,,How am I supposed to talk to her? I mean, I want to get to know her better because she seems nice, but ever since she set foot on Barden, every guy is trying to be with her. She won’t even notice me.” Amy shakes her head.

,,You sell yourself short, Bec. You are an amazing artist, you ride one hell of a motorcycle that every girl is drooling over and even though you’re short, you’re very good looking.” She gives me a wink and I just roll my eyes. Yeah, many girls have been interested in me because of my motorcycle, but I’m more than that. Once they know where I live and that I’m not rich, they break up with me or they lose their interest in me. 

,,I’m just scared Chloe will judge me the way all those other girls have been judging me.” I say as I take the last bite of my take out. 

,,I don’t think Chloe is a judgemental person.” 

,,I’m not going to be like all those guys. If Chloe wants to get to know me better, then she has to come to me.” I say sternly and I mean it. I have to protect my heart because it has been broken too many times already. 

Chloe’s point of view

Ever since I got to Barden High, everyone keeps trying to have me hear their song or be around me. Chicago has been great by showing me around, but my mind is on that rider. I still have no idea who was handling that motorcycle so well, but he or she definitely has my attention. I mean, I always like men or women riding motorcycles and it kind of turns me on. Because of my father, Chicago always waits for me to arrive so he can guide me around. It’s nice but also a little annoying sometimes. I mean, of course I have to know my way around this school, but him following me around everywhere is not what I want. 

Today is nothing different. Chicago is waiting for me at the entrance of the school. Once again, the rider comes driving into the schoolyard with such agility. I keep my eyes on the rider as I see the person park their motorcycle and is about to take off their helmet. But before I can see who it is, Chicago comes to stand in front of me, blocking my view.

,,Come on, Chloe. Let’s get inside before we miss our first class of the day.” He tells me and ushers me inside. I try to look backwards, to maybe catch a glimpse of the person on the motorcycle, but it’s no use Chicago is still blocking my view. I sigh frustrated and take a stop. Chicago looks at me.

,,I’m sorry Chicago, but this isn’t working for me.” I tell him.

,,What do you mean?” 

,,You’re being too clingy.” 

,,But the only thing I’m doing is what your father asked me to. He told me to not leave your side and guide you around this school.” 

,,He asked you to guide me around this school, yes, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it every day. Tell me, what is another reason you’re so close to me?” 

,,Is it so bad that I want to get to know you better? I mean, I think we can be great friends and who knows, maybe even a better couple.” 

,,If it is your goal to get closer, then you have to give me space.” He seems sad about my answer, but right now he’s too much in my face. With him near, I can’t find out who that rider is. 

,,Okay, I get it. I’m sorry,” He apologizes and I’m glad he does. ,,but do you mind giving me your number? I mean, that way we can still be in touch without seeing each other.” I nod.

,,That’s a way better idea.” I honestly tell him and grab my phone out of my pocket. We exchange numbers and then I say goodbye before walking back outside, hoping that the rider was still there, but when I got back outside, the rider is nowhere to be seen. 

I sigh then make my way back into the school and head to my first class, which unfortunately for me Chicago is in that class. He has been saving the seat next to him each day. I wouldn’t be surprised if today was any different, even after I told him he needed to give me space. One can only hope right. As I make my way into the class I see the seat next to Chicago open and it’s the only one so I begrudgingly make my way to it. I look over to him and he has a stupid smirk on his face so before he gets any ideas I say to him.

,,Don’t flatter yourself big guy, this was the only open seat.” His smirk leaves his face and I’m able to turn my attention to the front. Thankfully the rest of the morning was uneventful and Chicago did stick to his word about giving me some space.

Lunch time came around and I was trying to figure out where to sit. I could make it simple and just sit with Chicago and his friends or I could try and find some of my own. I saw some people that were joking around with each other while one was throwing grapes at the other to catch in their mouth. It looked like a fun table to sit at so I figured I would approach it and see if I could sit with them. As I was making my way closer to that table someone grabs my arm and starts to lead me over to Chicago’s table.

,,You are so lucky I stopped you from making a big mistake by walking over to that table.” A blonde girl says in my ear. 

,,Why? What’s wrong with them?” I ask, seriously curious. 

,,Just trust me, those people are not who you want to be associated with, it will ruin your reputation. I’m Aubrey by the way.” The blonde says to me with a smile. 

,,But why? I mean, they seem like a fun group.” The blonde stops now.

,,They might be fun but don’t let that fool you they are not great people. Now this way is the best place to be.” Much to my disappointment I’m dragged over to Chicago’s table and introduced to their other friends. ,,Well, you already know Chicago, and this is Stacie, Flo, and Jessica.” I smile at them and then sit down at their table. I look back over at the other table that I originally wanted to sit at and Stacie notices my staring.

,,You’re lucky Aubrey caught you when she did or you would’ve ended up at the loser table.” 

,,What makes them losers?” I ask curiously because they honestly just looked like a fun group of people. 

,,Well, for one thing they are loud and over excited about the most random things, take for example the blonde one over there, that’s Fat Amy she’s one of the loudest and most random person you will ever meet; the brunette boy next to her is Jesse and he’s obsessed with movies and will talk about them non-stop; next to him the boy with curly hair is Benji, and all he talks about is magic, as well as performs it whenever he can.” Stacie explains. I notice there is one more person sitting at that table who looks to have a permanent scowl on her face like she’s disinterested in everything but at the same time it’s endearing like I want to know what she’s thinking. I was curious why they didn’t introduce her. 

,,And what about the small brunette?” I ask, trying to get more information about her.

,,Oh, you don’t need to worry about her Chloe.” Chicago says now.

,,I think I can decide for myself who I care about and who not to thank you very much. Now tell me about her.” I say, now getting a little frustrated and annoyed at Chicago’s behavior. Aubrey rolls her eyes and sighs.

,,That’s Beca Mitchell, Barden’s resident badass and loner, she keeps to herself and not many people know about her except for those people at the table.” I look back at her surprised to see her staring back at me already, I tilt my head confused and just watch as she takes a bite of her apple then sends a wink my way. I don’t know why but I feel my cheeks heat up and I avert my gaze away from the brunette. I look over at Chicago and notice that he seems rather annoyed at the fact that anyone is talking about Beca. I was going to ask him about it but the bell for next period stops me in my tracks. We all clear our trays and make our way out of the cafeteria to our next class. The rest of the day was uneventful and I was able to make it through with Chicago keeping his word and giving me space. Now all I have to do is deal with my father and why he wants me to produce this showcase. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

On my way to school the next morning, I’ve decided that today is the day I’m going to approach Chloe and ask if she wants to hang out with me. Yesterday during lunch when I flirted a little bit, she turned her gaze away and it seemed that she was blushing. Amy has been teasing me all morning by sending me GIFs in our messages. It’s funny and annoying at the same time. I mean, yes, Chloe seems interested in me, but maybe only because Chicago and his gang told her to. They have done it before, setting me up with a girl and then letting that girl dump me out of nowhere. They think playing with me is funny. 

I’m riding my motorcycle onto the schoolyard and park at my regular spot. Amy is already waiting for me with a smirk on her face. I turn off my engine and look at her through my helmet. 

,,What are you smirking about?” I ask my best friend and she just smiles.

,,Once again you have the attention of Chloe Beale.” She tells me and I look over her shoulder. There Chloe is standing once again next to Chicago. I roll my eyes, not knowing what she sees in him. As Amy told me, Chloe is indeed looking over at me. She has been eyeing me before but she has never seen me as the rider yet. ,,Maybe you should reveal yourself now, it has been a while.” 

,,I told you before, she’s not interested in me. Not in a romantic way. You can see the way Chicago is throwing himself at her, right?” 

,,I’m not sure if she’s into him to be honest, but I get where you’re coming from since Chloe is hanging out with Aubrey and Stacie. Everyone knows what they did to you. It’s a good thing to protect your heart, but shouldn’t you be fair to Chloe and let her hang out with you before you push her away?” I sigh, knowing Amy is right. I mean, Chloe never got a chance to get to know me. My idea I had this morning comes back to mind and I’m full of confidence again. 

,,It’s time for her to know it’s me.” I tell Amy and her face lights up as a big smile appears on her face. I look over towards Chloe for a moment and then slowly take off my helmet, revealing myself. Chloe seems surprised that I’m the biker. I put my helmet into my saddle and lock my motorcycle. I take a glance over at Chloe and see her say something to Chicago before walking over towards me. She smiles at me as I come to a stop in front of her. 

,,So you’re the mystery rider.” She says. 

,,Yep, that’s me.” I answer and then look behind her to the entrance where Aubrey, Stacie and Chicago are watching us. ,,But won’t you get in trouble talking to me? I mean, your new friends don't seem to like me.” Chloe looks over her shoulder for a moment before turning her gaze back at me.

,,I can decide for myself who I like or not and you seem okay to me.” Now Chloe turns to Amy. ,,And who are you?” 

,,I’m Fat Amy.” Chloe’s eyebrows raise now. 

,,You call yourself “Fat” Amy?” 

,,Yeah,” Amy looks at me now and I shake my head. 

,,Don’t.” But she doesn’t listen and just tells Chloe exactly the same thing she told Aubrey and Stacie. 

,,I call myself that so that twig bitches like you don’t do it behind my back.” I rub my forehead. I’m pretty sure Chloe is offended right now and will walk away from us. There goes my chance! But I’m wrong when Chloe giggles at Amy’s answer. 

,,It’s good to stand up for yourself, Amy.” Wow, that was an amazing answer! 

,,Could you tell Beca that too?” Amy suddenly says and I turn my gaze on her. ,,Oh come on, Bec. Ever since Chicago and his gang pulled that stunt on you, you’re closing yourself off. You are an amazing woman and I bet Chloe wants to know the real you.” 

,,What did they do to you?” I wave away the question.

,,Not important, Chloe.” I look at Amy for a moment, finding my courage somehow. ,,Hey, if you don’t mind, I would like to get to know you better.” 

,,I would love that too.” She smiles at me and only now I notice her eyes. They’re stunning and such a beautiful blue. Chloe is talking to me, but I can’t hear a word she says because her eyes hypnotize me. 

,,Beca?!” Amy takes me out of my trance and laughs. 

,,Sorry, I was a little distracted.” 

,,I noticed,” She says. ,,but we have to get inside or we will be late for class.” I look over at Chloe. 

,,Do your friends mind if we walk together?” I ask her and she shakes her head. 

,,Again, I don’t care what they think. I want to get to know you better and to do that, I need to spend time with you and not them.” I smile at her.

,,Good answer.” I tell her and then Amy, Chloe and I walk inside the school building together. 

Chloe's point of view

I was standing at the front of school again waiting to find out who the mystery rider was, when I was approached by Aubrey, Stacie and Chicago. They seem to be in their own little world and trying to include me in their conversation but to say I'm disinterested in it would be an understatement. Aubrey and Stacie are talking about the showcase and how their group should be picked to be a part of it. Like I said I wasn't really paying attention and just then I hear the unmistakable sound of a motorcycle coming into the parking lot. I turn my attention to it but then once again Chicago steps in front of my gaze to block my view. I swear to god I thought he got the memo about backing off and giving me space but apparently not; or he really doesn't want me to find out who the person riding the motorcycle is. I try to look around him and get frustrated when he won't move so just as the rider looks up at me through the helmet I push Chicago out of my way and say to the girls.

,,Yeah sounds great I'll make sure to listen to them later." Then make my way towards the motorcycle. As I'm getting closer the rider starts to remove their helmet slowly, once the helmet is off they shake their head gently to help settle their flowing brown locks of hair. I'm stunned to say the least but also excited to finally find out who the mystery person was. I can't help myself and suddenly blurt out: ,,So you're the mystery rider?" The brunette looks at me with confidence.

,,Yup, it's me." Then turns back around to put her helmet in her saddle bag, before locking up her bike and turning back to me. I've been staring at her movements the entire time not even realizing it. ,,But won't you get in trouble talking to me? I mean, your new friends don't seem to like me." I look over my shoulder for a moment before turning my gaze back at her.

,,I can decide for myself who I like or not and you seem okay to me." I turn quickly and see a blonde standing next to Beca smirking at me with an eyebrow raised. ,,I'm sorry, who are you?"

,,I'm Fat Amy." The blonde says with a smile.

,,You call yourself Fat Amy?" I ask incredulously.

,,Don't." Beca says in a low tone, hoping I don't hear her.

,,Yeah so twig bitches like you don't do it behind my back." I look over at Beca and see her shaking her head and has her hand on her face.

,,It's good to stand up for yourself, Amy."

,,Could you tell Beca that too?" Amy suddenly says and Beca turns her gaze on Amy. ,,Oh come on, Bec. Ever since Chicago and his gang pulled that stunt on you, you're closing yourself off. You are an amazing woman and I bet Chloe wants to know the real you."

,,What did they do to you?" Beca waves away the question.

,,Not important, Chloe." Beca looks at Amy for a moment, before asking me. ,,Hey, if you don't mind, I would like to get to know you better."

,,I would love that too." I smile at her and she stares into my eyes. I keep talking to her, but it seems like she can't hear a word I'm saying.

,,Beca?!" Amy takes her out of her trance and laughs.

,,Sorry, I was a little distracted."

,,I noticed," She says. ,,but we have to get inside or we will be late for class." Beca looks over at me.

,,Do your friends mind if we walk together?" she asks me and I shake my head.

,,Again, I don't care what they think. I want to get to know you better and to do that, I need to spend time with you and not them." I smile at her.

,,Good answer." Beca tells me and then Amy, Beca and I walk inside the school building together. Finding out that Beca was the mystery rider definitely improved my mood and to say I'm glad it was her and not some tool of a guy is a very true statement. I wonder what it would take to get her to take me for a ride on it with her. I'm brought out of my thoughts when the bell rings and Beca says to Fat Amy that she would see her at lunch, she then clears her throat. ,,What class do you have first? I can walk you there."

,,I have English first, hopefully I get a different seat today." I say while walking in the direction of the class. Beca lets out a laugh.

,,What? You don't like sitting next to Chicago? I thought you two were getting close?"

,,He's trying to but I would rather just stay friends for now at least, he doesn't seem to be getting the hint though."

,,Yeah he's not the sharpest tool in the shed, so good luck with that." We get to the door for my class and she smiles back at me. ,,Well this is your stop, maybe I'll see you later. Bye Chlo."

,,I'd like that, see you later Beca." With that I wave and make my way into the classroom only to see that still the only open seat is indeed next to Chicago. I roll my eyes but make my way over to sit next to him.

,,So what did the midget want?" he asks with an annoyed tone. I look over at him with an eyebrow raised.

,,I don't see how that's any of your business, but we were just talking in general trying to figure out a time to hang out together."

,,Why would you want to do that?"

,,For one thing, she seems cool and secondly, because I'm able to pick my own friends without you or my dad picking them for me." I'm getting more annoyed at him. I end the conversation there just as the teacher starts the lesson. I don't understand why Chicago and his friends seem to hate Beca so much. I mean, I can't imagine what happened between them, but maybe I can find out from talking to Beca? I don't know when I will see her next, except for maybe at lunch and that's only if I can get out of Aubrey's clutches first. The next two periods went by quickly and now I'm walking into third period where I have AP European History. As I'm walking in and I see a sight I wasn't expecting to see sitting in the back of the class is Beca Mitchell with her headphones on. Thankfully the seat is open next to her, so I make my way back towards her. I take the seat and then tap on her desk to get her attention. ,,I didn't know you were in this class, where have you been for the past few days?" I ask her with a smile.

,,Oh, I had some things I had to take of for the dean, it happens sometimes. But don't worry, I try not to miss this class too much because it is one of my favorites." Beca says with a small smile.

,,Mine too. I've always loved history. It's also impressive to see you in an AP class as difficult as this one when you're only a junior." I say this and think I notice a hint of a blush on her face. As the class progresses the professor starts to explain that we will be doing a partner project. I look over at Beca who is already looking back at me.

,,Well, you did say you wanted to spend more time getting to know me, so what do you say? Partners?" She asks with a smirk on her face. I don't know why but hearing her asking me to be partners made me smile more and not be able to speak, so instead I just smiled and nod back at her. ,,Great. Well, we should probably exchange numbers so we can figure out a time that works best for you." She says, then hands her phone over to me. I hand her phone back to her and then just smile as the bell rings. ,,I'll see you around Chloe, I'm sure your friends are going to steal you back for lunch so have fun with that." Beca just puts her headphones back on and makes her way out of the door. I'm left smiling to myself and then just put my things away and make my way to the lunchroom, where I go and sit with Aubrey, Stacie and Chicago. It's not that I don't like them, I just feel like I would have more fun at Beca and Fat Amy's table, but oh well time will tell if things change.

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

Ever since Chloe gave me her number we have been messaging each other non-stop. It’s nice to see that she’s just as much into music as I am. I know her favorite songs and some of her favorite artists. I have been saving money that I earn from the radio station, so I can buy my own record player. Records have always been my favorite. I love the sound the record makes when you play it. The best part of the record player I have seen is that it also has the opportunity to play CD’s and Cassettes. I will be over the moon if I finally have enough money to buy it. Right now, I can only listen to the cassette dad left me in my car, but I want to listen to them in my house too. When my dad bought this house for me, and entirely paid it off, he also left his LP’s and cassettes. 

I smile as I look at everything my dad left me. The amazing LP’s from amazing artists from the 80s, the cassettes from famous artists and movies. The Eagles, Elvis Presley, ABBA, Tom Jones and Cher. This tiny house is all mine and last but not least, my acoustic guitar standing in the corner untouched. In fact, ever since my parents died, I haven’t touched that guitar. I just can’t. That specific guitar is the reason they died, only because I asked them to buy it for me. Without me asking that, they would’ve still been alive. 

I sigh as I flop on the couch. My life is lonely sometimes, but with my best friend at my side I can get through this. And who knows, maybe Chloe and I will become even closer now. I mean, she wants to get to know me better. Me! Who could’ve thought that? Chicago hates me, Aubrey hates me and Stacie hates me too. They have been trying to manipulate Chloe into hating me too and I’m so happy they haven’t succeeded in that yet. I sit against the back of the couch while opening Whatsapp. 

Beca: Hey.

Chloe: Hi! How was your day?

Beca: Good, I guess. 

Chloe: You don’t sound certain. Something wrong?

Beca: A lot is wrong, but don’t worry, I won’t bore you with my problems. What have you been doing today?

Chloe: Well, I recently started to listen to a radio station.

Beca: You have been listening to the radio ?

Chloe: Oh of course. I have a huge interest in music. There weren’t too many interesting radio stations though.

Beca: There weren’t?

Chloe: Nah. Well, except for one. Have you heard of DJ Lil B ? 

Oh my god, she’s been listening to my radio show I can’t believe it. I need to play it cool and see if she will tell me what she thinks about it. I take a second to calm down and then respond.

Beca: Yeah I have what do you think of them?

Chloe: I really like them, I think it’s cool how they play all different genres and I’ve even heard some new artists too. 

Beca: Yeah they are pretty good to listen to. So are you excited to plan the showcase?

Chloe: Ugg I’m so mad at my dad for making me do this, just because I like listening to music doesn’t mean I want to be the one producing it. Now if I knew who DJ Lil B was I could get them on the showcase and make them do it. 

I’m literally dying inside I can’t believe she actually likes my show and better yet wants my help to produce the showcase. I never thought this would happen so quickly, but then again she doesn’t know who DJ Lil B is, do I dare tell her? No not yet, I need to keep one thing to myself for now.

Beca: I’m sure you’re going to do a great job with whoever  you choose to perform. I mean if you’re really having a hard time you could always ask Fat Amy or god forbid Aubrey or Stacie but their taste is something to be desired. 

Chloe: Thanks for the vote of confidence, I just wanted for once to have a normal year at school not be the center of attention, but thanks to my dad I still can’t have that.

Beca: Well if you ever want to slum it one day to feel normal you’re more than welcome to hang out with me during school hours if you want to know how it feels. 

Chloe: Don’t tempt me with a good time Beca. Well I guess I should get some of my homework done before going to sleep. 

Beca: Good luck to you on all of that, see you in class tomorrow. 

I can’t believe how great that conversation went, I mean to find out she actually listens to my radio show and likes it, that made my day. Maybe I should play some of her favorites and see if she catches on. But I can’t be too obvious about it otherwise she might catch on too soon. 

Chloe’s point of view

Getting to talk with Beca over text is really fun, I honestly don’t understand why Aubrey, Stacie and Chicago say she’s bad. Finding out she was in my AP European History class was also a welcome surprise; since I had no one else in my class that I knew. She’s been nothing but nice to me and I am excited that we are partnered up for our class project. Also it was exciting to find out that she also listens to the same radio station I do, well at least she has heard of the DJ I was gushing about. I really want to find out who they are because maybe I could convince them to help with my showcase. I just don’t know how to go about finding out who they possibly could be. I mean I guess I could call in and ask them over the radio during their set one day. I have heard them take requests for songs before so maybe I could do a request for them to help with my showcase. Now I have a new found passion to help me with running the showcase. I also have a new friend that I hope to continue getting close to because as much as Chicago is trying, it’s easier to talk to Beca. I don’t know what it is about her but I just feel the need to get to know her better. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

I’m woken up by someone knocking on my front door rapidly. I groan as I see the time and turn around, hoping the person disturbing my nap goes away but I’m wrong. The knocking only gets harder and with more force.

,,Alright, I’m coming!” I yell and get out of bed grudgingly. I slowly make my way over to the front door and open it. I raise my eyebrows as I see my aunt in front of me. ,,What are you doing here?” She doesn’t say anything and just storms inside, crossing her arms. I roll my eyes, close the door and turn around to face her. 

,,So, I got a call from Luke Beale yesterday.” She starts.

,,He called you?” She nods. 

,,Yeah, he loved that little demo you left him.” My eyes light up in joy. ,,I’ve underestimated you. I’d be proud if I actually cared about you.” 

,,But you don’t, you hate me.” My aunt says nothing, which only confirms it for me. ,,But I didn’t lie about anything.” 

,,Oh, but chicken, you did. At least that’s what Luke thinks, now that I’ve clarified.” 

,,What do you mean?” 

,,I told Luke that it was Chicago’s demo and that you stole it from him.” I snicker.

,,That’s ridiculous. Luke could clearly hear a woman’s voice on that demo. How did you explain that it’s actually Chicago’s?” 

,,Well, that’s what he asked me too. I told him that Chicago wrote it but was too afraid to show this side of himself. Luke knows now that you recorded a song that’s actually written by Chicago.” 

,,But you can’t do that. That’s my song, I wrote it, not Chicago.” 

,,It’s Chicago’s song. And Luke can’t wait to see him perform it at the showcase.” I’m too shocked to even react. ,,If you try to contact him, I’ll deny everything and lock you in the basement. Then this tiny house is mine.” 

,,He can’t sing.” 

,,No, but you can, can’t you? We’re going to record your voice, and Chicago will lip sync.” I cross my arms now. 

,,And still I wonder how you want to pull that off? I’m a woman, not a man. My voice is not as deep.” 

,,I bet you can figure that out for yourself. You’re the musician, right?” I sigh because I know exactly how to do that. I just hate the idea of helping Chicago or my aunt. They hate me and never look out for me. 

,,What if I don’t want to do this?” 

,,Don’t you get snarky with me, you ungrateful toad. I saved your life.” 

,,You didn’t do anything. My dad married your sister.” 

,,Yeah and then she died, all because they had to pick up something for you. I never asked to be your godmother and I don’t want to have you around.” 

,,Something we agree on.” I whisper. 

,,Beca, if you don’t sing I’m gonna find a way for that savings your dad left for you to disappear. That means, you forget about college and be stuck with me forever.” I shiver at the thought. ,,So, Beca. As far as everyone knows, you can’t sing. And no more talking to Luke or Chloe. Are we clear?” 

,,I cannot promise that. I won’t let you tell me who to see or not.” 

,,Okay, well I guess you don’t want access to your savings.” My aunt shrugs and walks towards the front door. I doubt but know that I have to do this. I can’t have my aunt giving my savings away or spending it. 

,,Wait.” My aunt stops in her tracks and turns around to face me. ,,Okay, I will stay away from Luke.” She crosses her arms now.

,,And Chloe.” 

,,Why do you want me to stay away from her? She doesn’t even know it was my voice. She hasn’t heard me sing, she’s no threat.” 

,,Because your cousin likes her and you will only get in his way. I know you have been trying to get closer to her.” 

,,Is saying that I will try to stay away from her enough for now?” My aunt thinks for a moment. 

,,Okay, but when you see Chicago approach her, you need to leave them alone. He deserves a girl like Chloe, not you.” 

,,Fine. I try to stay away from Chloe.” I say and watch my aunt leave again. I swallow away the tears. Staying away from Chloe… I just agreed on something that is going to be the hardest thing I have to do. I open Whatsapp and scroll through our conversation. Well, I can still talk to her through messages, right? That way I’m still in touch with her, but I’m staying away. My aunt doesn’t have my phone, so she won’t even know, and maybe I can meet up with Chloe in secret? My aunt probably has people around Barden High to spy on me, just to prevent me from approaching Chloe. 

Chloe’s point of view

After talking with Beca and finishing my homework I make my way down to my dad’s office to talk to him about the showcase. I really want to find a way to get the DJ from the radio into the showcase and he might have a way to find out who they are. As I make my way to the office I can hear him playing the demo over and over again. It’s a really catchy tune and now this time I’m able to hear the voice of the person singing and I can’t help but notice it sounds similar to the DJ that I like listening to. I knock on the door then wait for my dad to respond before just walking in.

,,Come in.” I hear faintly through the door. 

,,Hey dad, how is your day going?”

,,Hello there Chlobear, my day is going great and it’s about to get even better.”

,,And why is that?” I ask, curious about his change in mood. Typically he isn’t always this relaxed when he is listening to music. 

,,Because I found you an act for your showcase, and it will be one of the best for you. It’s the person who made this Demo, they will be a great addition.” I’m shocked to hear this because I’ve been wanting to find out since we got that song.

,,Really? you found out who it is? Tell me.”

,,It’s Chicago, his aunt told me that he made the song but was shy about putting himself out there in terms of the lyrics, so he had someone else sing for him but it’s his beats and everything.”

,,Are you sure about that dad? I mean, I’ve been around Chicago like you told me to do and he just doesn’t seem musically inclined.”

,,I guess some people just keep their skills more hidden than others, just give him a chance to show you what he’s got he might surprise you.” My dad says. 

,,Because it’s you I will give him a chance, but if it comes back to bite me in the ass for any reason I’m going to blame you, deal?” I say and stretch my hand out to shake. 

,,Deal. Now was there something else you needed from me?” I almost forgot my point for coming in to talk to him today.

,,Oh yeah. Well, I was thinking about the showcase and there is a radio station I’ve been listening to recently and I was wondering if you could help me find out who the DJ is? And maybe have them help me with the showcase? Would you be able to help me find out who it is?”

,,I can see what I can do but I won’t make any promises, it might take some time for me to find out who they are.”

,,Thanks dad it means a lot to me, especially since you’re making me do this showcase in the first place.” I say trying to get him to understand my frustrations about it. 

,,I know sweetheart but I’m just thinking about your future. Now, what does this DJ you like go by? I need a name so I can start doing some research.” My dad says, seeming to understand my side. 

,,They go by DJ Lil B, thanks again dad. I’ll let you get to it. I will get back to my homework and then sleep. Goodnight, I love you.” I say then make my way out of the office. 

,,Love you too, Chlobear, and remember what I told you about Chicago.” He yells after me on my way out. I make my way back up to my room and lay down on my bed thinking about what my dad said about Chicago. I really don’t think he is capable of coming up with that song, but I guess tomorrow at school I will talk to him about it. Depending on his reaction I might be able to figure out if he actually is the one who wrote that song or if he’s using someone else.  I still can’t believe that I get to work on my  AP European history project with Beca; hopefully she will be as happy as I am to get to spend time with her. One thing I know is that this school year is going to be something more than I ever bargained for and I have my dad to blame and thank for it. I don’t want to think about the showcase anymore so instead I get myself ready for bed and tuck myself in for the night with my phone and make sure to send Beca a message on Whatsapp telling her goodnight and that I’m looking forward to seeing her tomorrow to work on our project. After I send the message I put my phone on my nightstand then fall asleep with a smile on my face. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

The next morning, I’m racing onto the schoolyard, almost slipping. Amy is, as usual, waiting for me. I’ve been thinking about Chloe all night and how I am going to ignore her. To be honest, I have no idea how to ignore her because Chloe and I are partners at History. We have to work together on this assignment. How on earth am I going to explain to Chloe that I can’t work with her anymore? As I park my bike, Amy approaches me. 

,,Take it easy, Bec. You don’t want to fall off your bike and be dangerously injured. You can’t impress Chloe if you’re in the hospital.”

,,Ugh, don’t joke around right now. My life is practically over!” 

,,Okay, what’s going on?” I place my helmet in my saddle, and lock my bike before walking over to my best friend. 

,,My aunt came over this morning, that’s what’s going on.” 

,,Wow, it’s the first time she actually came! What did she want from you?” 

,,Can you meet me in the practice room during our free period? I first have to find Chloe and talk to her.” 

,,Oh, are you going to tell her about your huge crush? I mean, she seems to like you too. You two getting together is inevitable .” 

,,Ames, please. I have to talk to her about our partnership in history.” 

,,Wait, you work together with the girl of your dreams?” Amy wiggles with her eyebrows now. 

,,Oh no, don’t think too much of it. It’s pretty obvious that Chloe is into Chicago.” Before Amy can react to that the first bell rings, telling us to get inside the building. ,,Just meet me during free period and I’ll tell you everything.” I say before rushing inside. I know I won’t see Chloe until my third period, so first I have my least favorite class; math. Luckily I’m sitting in the back of the class, together with Jesse, not really paying attention and just trying to disappear into the furniture. My mind is overworking, trying to figure out what to do about Chloe. My second class; English is exactly the same. Me not really paying attention and my mind on Chloe the whole time. What to tell her and prepare myself for her questions. She’s going to have a lot of questions, because she probably won’t understand. 

I sigh as I stand up to make my way over to history. Chloe is, as always, earlier than I am and is sitting in the place next to me. I take a deep breath as I walk over to Chloe, who’s smiling right away when she sees me. I sit at my table and immediately look at her. 

,,I’m sorry, Chloe but something came up and I can’t be your partner anymore.” Her smile disappears as her face falls. ,,I am going to talk to the teacher to ask if I can do an essay instead of the project.” 

,,No, please don’t do that. I was really looking forward to working together and spending more time with you. I meant what I said about getting to know you better.” 

,,I’m sorry, but I can’t.” 

,,Is this because of Chicago or his gang?” My face changes by her mentioning Chicago, an uneasy feeling rushing through my veins. 

,,This has nothing to do with either of them.” I tell her and she just looks at me. 

,,If you’re afraid of them, then we can meet outside of school. They won’t have to know that we’re together.” I look at her and see that she really means it. I mean, yes, she has the wrong idea about me being afraid of Chicago, but the fact that she’s willing to risk everything to spend time with me is so sweet. 

,,If you’re really okay with doing the project in secrecy, then I will still meet you.” Chloe’s smile reappears now. 

,,Great. Now, I do have another question.” Chloe says, playing with her hands.

,,And what might that be?” 

,,Can you give me a ride home on your bike?” I’m surprised at the question, but then again, Chloe has been interested in my bike before. 

,,I would love to, but I can’t today. I have work after school and my shift always ends pretty late.” Chloe looks down for a second. ,,But if you still want, I can give you a ride on another day.” Chloe nods and then pays attention to what the teacher has to say. Oh, Chloe. If you only knew what I have to do, you wouldn’t be so interested in me anymore. 

After history class, I don’t think twice and make my way out of there as quickly as possible, leaving a very confused Chloe behind. I know she’s confused about why I leave that quickly, but I really need to tell Amy everything. As I get inside, I’m surprised not to see Amy. I don’t want to wait doing nothing, so I grab an acoustic guitar and sit down on the floor. I’m just about to start playing when I hear someone coming in. I quickly look over my shoulder, afraid that it’s Chicago or one of his gang, but release my breath when I see that it’s Amy. 

,,I’m clean. Nobody followed me. Now, can you please tell me what’s going on and why you say your life is over?” 

,,Well, as you know my aunt came over and told me that Luke had called her. Luke listened to my demo and liked it, Ames.” 

,,Well, that’s great news, right?” 

,,Not if you have an aunt like me. She practically told Luke that the song I wrote wasn’t mine but that I stole it from Chicago.” 

,,What?! That’s ridiculous. I mean, Chicago can’t sing or write anything. I’m surprised he can write his own name on a test.” 

,,Yeah, well because of my aunt Chicago is the one performing it at the showcase.” Amy starts laughing now.

,,Oh, you’re so funny. Chicago singing! Ha, don’t make me laugh.” 

,,Ames, I’m serious! Chicago is the one performing at the showcase and will be very close to Chloe.” 

,,And how is he going to do that?” 

,,I have to sing the song, they will record it and then change my voice with a voice changer. That way it sounds like it’s Chicago’s voice. I tried to decline, but my aunt threatened me that if I won’t do what they want from me, she will make my savings disappear. She didn’t threaten to take away my motorcycle and my car, but I could see in her eyes that she meant that too. So, I have literally no choice because I can’t lose either of them or my savings.” 

,,Oh, Beca, baby, your life sucks.” 

,,Yeah, so I have to rehearse in secret.” 

,,Why not, not rehearse? Make Chicago sound bad. What do you care?” 

,,No song. No savings account. No life.” Now Amy and I hear laughter and someone coming closer to us. I start to panic and make us hide, just in time before they come in. 

,,Chlo, what are we doing in here?” I hear Aubrey’s voice. 

,,Yeah, the suspense is killing me.” And of course, Stacie. 

,,Can you grab the mic?” I hear Chloe asking them and as I take a peak, I see Aubrey handing her the mic. 

,,You’re not about to serenade me, are you?” 

,,With womance comes a very fine line.” 

,,That I shall not cross.” I see Aubrey grabbing a hold of Stacie’s hand. Chloe grabs a guitar and places the strap around her neck. She starts to play the guitar, playing an upbeat melody, and then she starts to sing.

I’m lost in a world that rattles my brain

I’m cleaning up my life from the mess you made

Oh, oh

Whoa, oh, oh

My soul’s in debt, but my bills are paid

I’d give anything just to make an escape

Oh, oh

Whoa, oh, oh

So you can keep knocking, knocking, knocking

Baby, you’re rocking

But there ain’t no way I’m ever letting you in

Not again

So keep on knocking, knocking, knocking

But, baby, you’re better on walking

‘Cause I ain’t gonna let you in

Never again

I went out on a limb again

I guess I had to lose to win

I was too confused to know which way to turn

And she could be a millionaire…I don’t care

‘Cause, baby, there’s nobody home

Nobody’s home, yeah!

Chloe finishes the song and I turn to Amy with my eyes widened. 

,,She was amazing.” I whisper and she agrees. 

,,Did you write that?” I hear Aubrey ask Chloe. 

,,Yeah.” 

,,It reminds me of 5 Seconds of Summer.” 

,,That’s because I wrote their album.” 

,,Shut up! That took me forever to find that bootleg online. I love that album.” 

,,Yeah, me too but my dad doesn’t know. And he thought the record was a pile of crap. He thinks writing is a waste of time.” 

,,Why?” 

,,Because he basically wants me to be like him. Only with better hair.” Now Chloe takes off the guitar and I feel bad for her but keep listening. It’s not like Amy and I can  just get out of this room. Then Chloe, Aubrey and Stacie will see that they weren’t alone . ,,But the first thing I thought when I heard those girls in the ladies room when I was washing my hands was, good acoustics. Second thought was, these girls could be great.” 

,,If you gave them your song.” 

,,That’s a brilliant idea, Aubrey. I’ll put them in the showcase.” They smile and then leave the practice room. 

,,Oh, my God!" I say when I’m sure they’re gone. I come out of my hiding place and look at Amy. ,,I’m seriously in trouble. Did you just hear her voice? How am I supposed to ignore her now?!” Amy throws her arm around my shoulders. 

,,We will find a way for you to get both Chloe and your savings, but it will take some time.” She tells me as the bell rings, we separate and make our way to our next class. The rest of the day goes by quickly and all I can think about is how much trouble my aunt is causing me, but at the same time I don’t want to risk losing anything by going against her. 

Chapter Text

Chloe’s point of view

I’m very happy to finally hear the last bell, letting me know this school day is over. Now, I can fully focus on the showcase and getting to know Chicago better. I don’t want to, but if he really wrote that song, he gets the benefit of doubt. As promised the limo is right in front of the school, waiting for me and I roll my eyes. I like this luxurious life but I would rather sit on Beca’s bike. My father will never agree with that, but I honestly don’t care. Speaking of Beca, seeing her so afraid of Chicago and his gang, makes me wonder what they did to her. I know they did something, but nobody is telling me what. 

I sigh and get inside the limo, thinking about Beca. I really want to get to know her better but it seems like she’s afraid to get closer to me. It can’t be only because of Chicago, right? I mean, I don’t think of Beca as a scared person. Especially since she rides that motorcycle. She looks so hot on that and every time I see her come on the schoolyard, I get turned on. I have always liked people on bikes but seeing Beca getting off one, was something totally different. I wonder what Chicago looks like on a bike and if I feel the same as I feel about Beca. 

Luckily the drive home isn’t that long and I make my way to my fathers home studio. I knock on the door but see that he is not there, or at home for that matter. Maybe he’s out finding that DJ? I walk over to the recording booth, happy that my father is not at home because now I can listen to the album 5 Seconds of Summer sent me through email. And now I can just focus on that demo my father got with the amazing voice and listen better to the lyrics. I quickly make a copy of the song and put it on a flash drive before going to my room. I lock the door, just because that way my father can’t come in unannounced. I grab my laptop and start it up, so I can listen to the song. Once the laptop is on, I immediately get a notification that I have a new email. I curiously open my email and smile when I see that it’s from 5 Seconds of Summer. It’s their new album coming out. The album I wrote for them, in secrecy of course. If my father finds out I’m still writing, he will probably disown me. 

Okay, their album has to wait for now as I want to listen to that demo first. As I start the song and that amazing voice is heard, I wonder who it could be. My father told me that it’s actually Chicago’s song, but I still doubt that. I want to believe that Chicago can write songs, because that way he and I would have something in common, but it doesn’t seem like it’s something he can do. The lyrics are so well written and I really like the song. I need to have this on my phone, so I can listen to it every day. I add the song to my phone and then open the email that 5 Seconds of Summer sent me. It’s so nice to see my songs as sound files on my laptop screen. I quickly add the files to my phone then get changed to go for a run.

I decided to run a different route this time, a little longer than normal, so I can enjoy the sound files a little longer. 5 Seconds of Summer really outdid themselves. How they added their instruments to my songs is amazing. There are a lot of songs that I agree on, but I’ve also heard some of my songs that just don't fit my ideas so I’ll make sure to let them know. I pass the forest and I have certainly passed here a few times, but I have never noticed that there is a path. It looks like it's a car path leading to a house, but that's not possible, is it? I raise my eyebrows in surprise, my curiosity emanating from my body. Is there anyone who lives in the forest? Would that person live there all alone or together with someone? Is there even a house? Maybe it's a path where two people can hide and do all sorts of things together without anyone catching them. Okay, now I need to know what this path leads to. I follow the path and see a small house. It has a large front garden, if you can even call it a garden, with a campfire and benches. A classic car is on the path and I have always enjoyed old cars. I don't really like all that luxury, especially people who try to impress me with big cars and believe me, I've had some guys who did that. I walk to the front door and knock but get no answer. I take a quick look around, just to see if the owner of this house is coming back, but luckily no one is driving up, so I peek in through a window. Despite the fact that it is a small house, it looks quite spacious inside, especially because the furniture is deliberately placed in such a way that it seems larger. The person who lives here has good taste. When I take a closer look, I see a beautiful acoustic guitar, hidden in the corner. I wonder why. My research is cut short when my phone starts ringing. Seeing it’s my father, I hesitate only for a few seconds before answering. 

Chloebear, where are you? 

I just went out for a run. Why, what’s wrong?

Nothing is wrong. I just think it’s a good idea to meet up with Chicago and discuss your ideas with him for the showcase.

I groan. Once again, he’s only thinking about that showcase and not really asking how I am. I still don’t want to do that showcase but he doesn’t care. 

Dad, please. I can make my own decisions according to the showcase. Hey, did you find information about the DJ?

Not much. The only thing I found out was that the radio station is close to Barden High. But I think it’s better if you focus on Chicago right now.

I’m coming home, but can you please stop talking about Chicago or the showcase? 

I’m sorry, Chlobear but I’m so excited for you. This is your first showcase and I know you will make one fantastic show. 

If you give me space, it will. I will see you in half an hour.

I don’t give my father time to react and hang up the phone. I sigh, not really knowing what to do. Do I have to call Chicago and ask if he wants to go on a date and discuss the showcase? I mean, I really want to see if he’s the one that really wrote that song. I take one last look at this house before running back home, still wondering who could possibly live there.

Beca’s point of view

I’m at my normal shift at the radio station and everything is going well, until I hear some commotion from outside the booth. I key up the next song so I can go and check what is going on. What I was not expecting to see was Mr. Beale standing in the lobby of the radio station talking to my manager. Thankfully I have a deal with the station manager that he will not reveal my identity to anyone no matter how many times they ask, or what they offer him. The reason for this is because he knew my parents before they passed away, they were good friends. He is the only adult in my life that I trust or that has shown he cares about me since they died. At the funeral he made sure to let me know that I could always count on him for anything and when I got to be old enough that there would be a job waiting for me. I made the deal with him so long as he promised to keep my identity private until I was ready to announce myself. I walk back to the booth and put my headphones back on and continue my set. I only had about thirty minutes left in my set before it was time to go back home. Once my set finished I walked over to the station manager.

,,So, what did Mr. Beale want?”

,,He wanted to know who DJ Lil B was.” He says with a smile. 

,,You didn’t tell him, did you? You promised me that it would be my choice when to let people know.” I say starting to panic.

,,Hey, calm down. Of course, I didn’t tell him. I made a promise to your parents that I would always look out for you, and that includes keeping the promises I make to you. Now, is there a reason why he is poking around here?” 

,,Probably because his daughter is producing the showcase and asked him to figure it out because she likes my music choices.” I say shyly. 

,,Beca, why would you hide yourself away when someone with that much influence is interested in your work?”

,,Because I’m not ready and because of my stupid aunt. I don’t want to talk about it, but anyways I have to go, thanks for keeping my identity a secret. You’re the only adult I’ve got left that doesn’t pick on me.” I say as I make my way out the door and to my motorcycle then quickly speed home. Today was a lot for me and I still don’t know how I’m supposed to avoid Chloe. 

Chapter Text

One week later

Beca’s point of view

Amy and I are sitting in my house and I’m playing the song I wrote for Chloe to Amy and she loves it.

,,You wrote that song today? You’ve heard Chloe singing a week ago. You still remember her song?” 

,,Yeah, and this is like an answer to her song.” 

,,You really like her.” 

,,Yeah, I’m an idiot.” 

,,You have to sing that for her.” Now Amy grabs a package. ,,What if you sing to her in secret? At the dance.” I unpack the package and see a beautiful purple scarf . 

,,Ames, it’s beautiful, but are you crazy?” She wants to say something, but I quickly continue. ,,No, I know you’re crazy.” 

,,I am not.” 

,,What if she doesn’t even like me?” 

,,You’ll both be in disguise. It’s your chance to see if she was flirting with you.” 

,,I was on my bike. Of course she was flirting since she has the hots for people riding on bikes.” I smirk at the thought. ,,And why even torture myself? It’s not like I can have her.” 

,,Why not? Tell her how you feel. If she feels the same way, you can reveal your hot self and she won’t tell your aunt. And if she hates the song, leave the disguise on.” I smile, think about it for a second.

,,Okay.” I grab the scarf . ,,I’m going to the dance.” 

,,That’s my girl!” 

,,But we have to make sure my aunt doesn’t see me at the dance.” 

,,Don’t worry. If she happens to come, I’ll distract her so you can finally tell Chloe how you feel.” I nod, grab everything I need for the dance before we make our way to my car. I figured that if my aunt sees my bike, she would know I’m coming, which means I’m doomed. ,,Now, let’s go get your girl.” Amy yells. I laugh, start the engine and drive towards Barden High.

When we arrive at the school, I immediately scan the room for Chloe but let out a frustrated sigh when I don’t see her. 

,,Where is she?” I watch Amy look around with me, but she doesn’t see Chloe either. The confidence I had is slowly fading away. ,,Maybe coming here wasn’t a good idea.” I say to Amy.

,,Don’t you dare to leave now!” She grabs my shoulders and turns me around. ,,She’s not with Chicago, see?” She points towards Chicago standing all by himself between other students. 

,,Then where is she?! The confidence I have right now is not going to last very long. Besides, how am I supposed to find Chloe if everybody’s got on a mask?” 

,,Hey, I never said this was going to be easy. Let’s search the room one more time.” I sigh but search the room for the girl I need to find. Suddenly I think I see her, it’s hard to know since she’s in disguise but I can pick out that blonde hair everywhere. 

,,I think I found her.” I tell Amy and she looks over to where my gaze is on. 

,,Well, she’s blonde.” Amy says with doubt in her voice. Now my aunt comes into the room and my eyes widen in panic. I turn to Amy. 

,,Don’t worry about that.” She grabs my shoulders. ,,It’s now or never, babe.” Chloe walks past me with another girl at her side. 

,,What if my aunt recognizes me?” 

,,I’ll distract her. Don’t make up excuses and go.” I take a deep breath and slowly follow Chloe and that girl until the girl leaves Chloe alone, just before the DJ booth. I don’t think twice and step in front of her. 

,,I know your secret.” I tell her.

,,Which secret is that?” 

,,I heard you sing at school. You were amazing.” 

,,I’m sorry, do I know you?” I take a quick look over at Amy and see her pointing at my aunt wildly. I have to take Chloe somewhere with me before my aunt sees me. 

,,I wanna show you something.” 

,,What’s your name?” But right now my eyes see Amy coming over to the DJ. 

,,Ames, what are you doing?” I whisper to her. I thought she was distracting my aunt. She makes a request for a song and then returns to the dance floor. I’m relieved to see her approach my aunt and quickly grab Chloe’s hand. ,,I will make your night, I promise.” I say and then pull her with me to the garden. I grab the guitar from the music room that I hid there before I went home and continue my way to the fountain. As I remember correctly, there’s a small bench right behind it. 

,,Hold on, what’s that?” Chloe asks me and I snicker for a small moment.

,,You’ve never seen a guitar before?” 

,,You hid a guitar in there? Are you hiding anything else?” Chloe looks around. I just rushed over to the bench. 

,,Follow me.” Chloe does what I tell her and follows me all the way to the bench. She admires the perimeter first before looking into my eyes. 

,,Madam, while your exquisite eyes tell of a radiant, but mischievous beauty, I have grown impatient.” I smile at that. ,,Off with your veil, so that I may know the truth.” I shake my head, smiling. ,,Or not.” I hold the guitar properly now, so I can play any second. 

,,I’m hoping this answers a lot of your questions.” I place one leg on the bench while I sit on its armrest. Chloe follows my example as she sits on the bench next to me. I started playing the guitar and didn't wait long to start singing.

I can see it from the spark in your eyes

You believe in all the things you’ve denied

You wanna fly and leave your worries behind

Don’t you? Don’t you?

Well, now I’m knocking on your front door

And I’m looking for the right cure

I’m still a little bit unsure…

,,Okay. Now, take off that veil.” Chloe interrupts my song impatiently but I just shake my head. She smiles at me as I continue. 

‘Cause I know, yeah, I know

That most people see me as ordinary

But if you look close you’ll find I’m very

Interesting and hard to know

You can never tell where this might go…

,,Okay, you’re blowing my mind. You’re the voice from the demo. You have to show me who you are, so I can ask you if you really stole it or not.” Chloe says now, not impatient anymore but it looks like she’s really interested in me. I don’t say anything and just reach behind my head so I can take off my veil, but Amy interrupts us while she’s trying to catch her breath.

,,We have to go!” She says as she pulls me up from the bench. ,,Come on.” 

,,No, Ames. I’m in the middle of a really big moment right now.” 

,,Someone had an accident and is heading out.” My eyes widen. If my aunt finds out I’m here, I’m screwed. I look at Chloe with an apologetic look. 

,,I’m so sorry.” I only tell her before running after Amy. The only thing I hear Chloe yell after me is the question who I am and I hate that because of my stupid aunt Chloe doesn’t know it’s me. 

Chloe’s point of view

I can’t believe what just happened. I mean first I was dragged out of the gym into the school garden and serenaded by someone. I mean their voice is amazing and I know I have heard it before. It was the same voice from the demo that my dad has. After hearing this person sing to me, I’m even more confused about whether Chicago is really the song writer from the demo or if it was this person. The song was amazing, I mean I don’t even know how they were able to come up with it. The only people that I sang my song to were Aubrey and Stacie, at least that’s what I thought. I guess it’s possible that someone was hiding in the booth while I sang, I never did check it to see if it was empty before I started singing. But anyways I was more so impressed with how well they played guitar as well as sang; That is a true sign of a real musician and it was really attractive and was turning me on. I don’t even know how to react, I was so close to finding out who the mystery singer was when all of the sudden they got ripped away from me. 

Man if only I would’ve been able to figure them out then I would for sure be able to add another act to the showcase besides Chicago that is. Especially after tonight I don’t know what to believe since they didn’t give me an answer about if they stole Chicago’s song or not. But thanks to my dad I have to do what he says which means include Chicago in the showcase. I haven’t even seen him perform or anything, but I guess I will just have to wait and see some other time. Frustrated by what just happened I sigh then make my way back into the gym. I guess I will just have to continue my search for the mysterious voice some other day. At least now I know that there is another person at this school who has actual talent.

Beca’s point of view 

As I get to my house with Amy, I’m surprised to see that the lights are on. I swear I left them off. I turn to face Amy. 

,,Thank you for bringing me home and for distracting my aunt. Too bad I couldn’t tell Chloe the truth, but maybe another time?” 

,,I like your confidence. Have sweet dreams and I will see you tomorrow.” She gives me one last hug before getting into her own car and driving away. I walk over to the front door and that’s unlocked too, so there’s someone inside. I slowly and hesitantly open the door, only to reveal my aunt. 

,,Well, look who’s finally home. Nice outfit.” I swallow, knowing I’m in trouble now. ,,I should’ve known you’d go behind my back. And that lazy and loud friend of yours, trying to distract me.” 

,,Don’t talk about her like that.” My aunt places her glass on the table and stands up to walk over to me. 

,,Your friend wants to be an actress, if memory serves. She might’ve made a decent one if she hadn’t gotten herself expelled. Guess she can kiss those Juilliard dreams goodbye.” 

,,What?! No, you can’t do that. I’ll do whatever you want, okay? Just leave Amy out of this.” 

,,That depends if you pull another stunt like tonight, sugar.” 

,,I won’t.” 

,,Good.” My aunt looks around my house. ,,Well, I have no business here anymore. Tomorrow you will sing this song and then change the voice so it looks like it’s Chicago’s. No discussion. Am I clear?” I’m too angry to say anything and just nod. ,,Be at the music room tomorrow before classes start.” That’s the last thing she says before leaving. Well, there goes any chance I had to tell Chloe the truth because I will not ruin Amy’s chances. 

Chapter Text

Chloe’s point of view

It’s the next morning and now I’m more determined than ever to find the person who sang to me last night in the garden. To say I was blown away by their skills is an understatement, but I don’t know how I’m going to find this person. I mean this school is massive and has a lot of talented students so it’s going to be quite the task but I am up to it. Maybe I can ask Aubrey or Stacie to see if they have any ideas on who my mystery singer is. I don’t have much more time to process my thoughts as my driver is pulling up to the school. I say thank you then get out of the car. Now that I know Beca was the mystery motorcycle rider I try to get my driver to get me to school early so I can see her ride up to school. Unfortunately for me I realize her bike is already parked in its usual spot. I sigh slightly disappointed at this fact and make my way over to Stacie and Aubrey to say good morning to them. 

,,Hey Chloe, where did you disappear to last night?” Stacie asks with a smile on her face. 

,,You will never believe it, I was dragged out to the garden and someone sang to me and played the guitar, it was amazing.” I say reminiscing from last night. 

,,Oh, that’s so romantic! Do you know who it was?” Aubrey asks, now joining the conversation.  I sigh dejectedly.

,,No, they were wearing a mask the entire time, so the only thing I was able to see were their eyes.”

,,Well that’s more than nothing, what did they look like?” Stacie says excitedly.

,,They were so gorgeous I can’t even believe they were real, but they were a dark shade of blue that looked almost gray in some lighting and I could just get lost in their storminess.” I get lost in my thoughts and just think back to last night about those amazing eyes I looked into. I come back from my thoughts and notice Stacie and Aubrey share a look that makes me think they know something. ,,Do you guys have any idea who they could belong to?” I ask hopeful that they will know something. 

,,Nope, not a clue. But come on, let’s get inside before we are late for class.” Aubrey says quickly rushing us inside. 

,,Aubrey, we still have more than twenty minutes before the first class starts, I think we can take our time.” I say as she leads the way into school.

,,You can never be too prepared.” She says without turning around. We all head to our lockers to change our books for the first few classes. As soon as we finish changing our books we start walking towards our class but then I hear some faint music coming from one of the practice rooms. I try to listen closer to it so I can hear if it’s actually coming from the rooms or I’m just imagining it. 

,,Chloe, are you okay?” Stacie asks, concern laced in her voice.

,,Yeah, you guys go ahead, I’m going to go check out that music. I’ll see you guys in class.” 

,,Okay, bye Chloe, see you later.” Aubrey says and she and Stacie make their way in the other direction towards class while I continue on to the practice rooms. I hear them whispering to each other but I don’t think anything of it, the only thing I can focus on is the music I’m hearing. I get closer to the room and I start to recognize the beat of the song playing and it sounds very similar to the demo that was given to my father. I’m excited because now I can maybe finally find out who is the person behind the song. Like I said I don’t really believe that it was Chicago like my father had told me, but I guess it’s now or never to find out. As I’m nearing the door I take a deep breath and then open the door. I can’t see the face of the person in the booth because their back is to the door, but to my surprise the first person I see is Chicago’s mom by the producer equipment. I walk further into the room to find out who is in the booth. Once again, I am surprised when I finally see that it is Chicago in the booth with headphones on and singing along to the track playing. The track cuts out and he makes his way out of the booth. I’m stunned to say the least and the only thing that comes to my mind is.

,,It was you, you really did make that demo.”  He looks at me confused for a second then looks over at his mom for confirmation, and she walks over next to him and interjects saying.

,,Of course he’s the one that wrote it. Who else could it have been?”

,,I still have some suspicions but this definitely helps to clear some of them up.” I say while crossing my arms. 

,,Well, no need to look any further you found the source.” Chicago’s mom says.  I look over at him.

,,What was your inspiration for this song?” Based on what he answers I will know if he actually did write it or not. 

,,Uh, you know I just felt all these emotions and needed to get them out, so that’s what I did.” He says while scratching the back of his neck.  I hear someone scoff from behind the production equipment and whip around to notice that Beca was in the room too. I don’t know how I didn’t notice her until now, but I smile over at her and cock my head to the side.

,,Well whatever you say, you sounded really good by the way. Maybe you and I can write something together someday?” 

,,Yeah, that would be really cool.” Chicago says looking at his mom.  Beca rolls her eyes, laughs to herself then makes her way towards the door.

,,See you in class, Beca.” I say before she gets out the door.  She just nods and makes her way out the door without saying anything. I wonder what that was about, I know Stacie and Aubrey said she’s quiet and keeps to herself. But Fat Amy also told me that Beca was picked on by Chicago, Stacie and Aubrey, so I’m confused why she would be helping him with a song. Oh, well can’t worry about that too much now, I’m brought out of my thoughts by Chicago’s mom saying.

,,Well you two should head to class soon, don’t want you to be late. That way you can plan your date on the way.” 

,,Yeah sure, sounds great.” I say and start making my way out of the door. I realize Chicago hasn’t moved from his spot, so I turn my head.

,,Well, are you coming?” 

,,Oh yeah, my bad sorry.” He rushes out then quickly goes over to grab his bag and follows me to class. We walk in silence and I can’t help but notice even more people are staring at me as we walk the halls. I can only imagine it’s because I’m next to Chicago and he seems to be Mr. popular around here. I don’t really care about that too much especially since I get more than enough attention on my own thanks to who my dad is, I really don’t need any more coming my way. Now the next thing to figure out is when we will get together to work on a new song. I would much rather spend time working with Beca on our AP European History project, but I will give him a chance because this showcase is important too. 

Beca’s point of view

My aunt has dragged me into the music room and is now forcing me to sing the song. She told me that we will be here for a while and that I shouldn’t even think about leaving. I refused to sing the song correctly a few times, just to annoy my aunt and my cousin, but soon I remembered why I agreed to this. I can’t ruin Amy’s chances. My aunt and cousin clearly enjoy my pain. I sing the song perfectly now and make room for Chicago to take my place behind the mic. I go to the recorded song I just sang and change my voice with the voice modulator , so that it seems like Chicago is singing. Just as the song is in its chorus, someone walks into the room. As soon as my aunt sees who it is, she stands in front of me, blocking my view. I move away from behind her when I hear her voice. 

,,It was you, you really did make that demo.” I see her asking Chicago. Chicago, on his turn, turns his gaze over to my aunt for confirmation. She just walks over to them. 

,,Of course he’s the one that wrote it. Who else could it have been?” She asks Chloe.

,,I still have some suspicions but this definitely helps to clear some of them up.” Chloe says, crossing her arms. 

,,Well, no need to look any further, you found the source.” Chloe looks over at Chicago now. 

,,What was your inspiration for this song?” She asks him and I have to make sure not to laugh out loud. 

,,Uhm, you know, I just felt all these emotions and needed to get them out so that’s what I did.” Chicago says while scratching the back of his neck. I can’t help but to scoff and now Chloe turns around. She smiles over at me before turning back to Chicago.

,,Well, whatever you say. You sounded really good, by the way. Maybe you and I can write something together someday.” 

,,Yeah, that would be really cool.” Chicago says, looking at my aunt. I roll my eyes, laugh to myself before making my way to the door. 

,,See you in class, Beca.” Chloe says to me. I just nod and make my way out the door without saying anything.

Chapter Text

Chloe’s point of view

Two days later

After finding Chicago in the practice room in the booth with his mom and Beca I decided to give him a chance to actually prove that he was the one that wrote that song. His mom suggested we get together to write a song so I went over to their house to try and start a song. But all Chicago was interested in was hooking up and talking about himself. Not to say I wasn’t flattered by his actions but to me it takes more than one date to get to know someone. Also I don’t care how attractive he is if he keeps throwing himself at me and suggesting sex every other sentence it’s a major turn off.

Luckily for me today I get to spend time with Beca instead and work on our AP European History project. Oh, I wonder if she will finally give me a ride on her motorcycle. I’m still confused as to why she said we need to meet in private, but I won’t question it for now at least. As long as I get to spend time with her I don’t mind. The day goes by fairly quickly and the next thing I know I’m waiting outside by Beca’s bike waiting for her to show up. Thankfully I don’t have to wait too long before I see Beca making her way to her bike with her signature scowl on her face and headphones on her ears. I’m surprised she isn’t walking with Fat Amy, but better for me now I can maybe convince her to give me a ride. As she approaches her bike she takes off her headphones and looks at me.

,,Hey Chloe, what can I do for you?”

,,Well, we need to get a start on our project. So, I was thinking maybe today would be a good day for it.”

,,And where do you propose we do this? Since I told you that being seen with me would be bad for you.” She says while crossing her arms over her body. I step closer to her.

,,I was thinking we could go over to my house since it will be empty.”

,,Is that right? Well, okay that’s fine by me. Now, how were you going to get to your house?”

,,By you finally giving me a ride on your motorcycle.” I say hopeful, as I run my hand on the seat of her bike. She looks at me incredulously and then she smirks back at me.

,,Are you sure you’re ready for it Red? I mean, there’s a lot of power in that engine.”

,,As long as I keep holding on I should be good to go. So, what do you say? Do we have a deal?” She looks around and then rolls her eyes when she spots something that annoys her. Quickly she takes her bag off and goes to get the second helmet she has. Once she puts the helmet on me and makes sure it fits properly then she places her own helmet on her head and before turning on the engine she tells me.

,,Hurry up and grab on, we’ve got company.” I do as she tells me and climb up on her bike behind her, making sure to wrap my arms around her tight. 

,,Is this okay?” I ask, hoping she is okay with it.

,,Yes. Now, make sure you don’t let go. What is your address? So that I can put it in my GPS.” I give her the address and then her engine roars to life. I jump a little at the feeling then settling into the feeling of it. She nods back at me, then flips her visor down on her helmet, effectively covering her entire face and the next thing I know we are off. I look behind us to see Stacie holding her phone towards the motorcycle and filming us for God knows how long. That must be what Beca meant when she said we had company. Well, too late now, as I already told her I don’t care who knows that we are friends, but apparently she does. With the way Beca handles her motorcycle we get to my house in record time. To say I’m impressed is an understatement for sure, I’m definitely intrigued in wanting to know more about her and why she has such a hatred towards Chicago, Aubrey and Stacie. 

Stacie’s point of view

As I’m walking out to my car to meet up with Aubrey I’m stunned to see Chloe is talking to that little midget. I honestly don’t know what is happening between them but I think Chicago would want to see this. Without another thought I pick up my phone and start recording. Just as they drive off, I end the video and send it to Chicago with the message; Looks like you’ve got some competition, too bad you don’t know how to ride a motorcycle. I’m satisfied with the message and continue my walk to my car where Aubrey is waiting impatiently.

,,Sorry to keep you waiting, I was taking care of a little problem.” 

,,Whatever you say, can we go now? I have a lot of work to do.” Aubrey says getting more upset. 

,,Of course we can.”

Chloe’s point of view

Getting to ride on the back of Beca’s bike was truly magical and I’m so glad she finally let me get a ride. The ride to my house is over too quickly for my liking but at least now I get to spend some time with Beca one on one. I wonder if I can figure out more about Chicago from her. She parks her bike and then shuts off the engine and then I get off first. I hand her the helmet and then she finally takes off her own helmet. I guide her into my house and up to my room, but first giving her a tour around the entire house. Once again proving that I’m home alone, which is not a surprise to me. I’m interrupted from my thoughts when I hear Beca say.

,,So, you’re house is cool and all, but don’t you think we should start working on the project?”

,,Direct and to the point, I like it. Yeah, we can head up to my room to work on it. Do you want a snack or anything to drink?” I ask.

,,Water would be great, thanks.” She says, with a smile then starts heading upstairs to my room.

We have been working on our project for a while and I can’t help my mind from wandering, so instead I just blurted out.

,,So what’s the deal with Chicago?” She pauses what she is doing to look up at me.

,,What do you mean by that?”

,,Like, what’s he all about? I mean, the song I heard him singing in the booth was really deep lyrically and I doubt he could do that.”

,,What makes you say that?” She says, while picking at her nails. 

,,Well, for starters because when we hung out last all he wanted to do was talk about himself and make out, when I wanted to work on a song with him. Like is there more to him or is he hiding behind someone?” I ask trying to think back to our time together. She starts packing up her stuff and I’m confused as to why.

,,You know what Chloe, since you want to know about him so badly why don’t you call him up instead and invite him over? Since you’re clearly too distracted to work on our project.” This was not the reaction I was expecting from her and I feel really guilty about it. Beca has been the one impressing me lately so why I’m even bothering thinking about Chicago when I have her right here in my room is beyond me. I try to save the day.

,,I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that, please don’t go. We can listen to my current favorite radio DJ, they are awesome just please don’t go.”

,,Fine I’ll stay for a bit, but I’m not talking about Chicago anymore. If you bring him up again, I will leave.” She says, as she lets out a sigh.  

,,Deal, I promise. I think you’re gonna like this DJ based on our conversations in the past about your interests.” I’m searching through the channels before I land on the one with my DJ. The radio comes to life with the station making an announcement saying; DJ Lil B will not be in today due to previous conflict; but don’t worry folks in true Lil B fashion they left a playlist already set for you all to enjoy. So sit back and enjoy and look forward to the return of DJ Lil B.

,,Aw man, I was hoping we could hear them talk.” I say almost whining. 

,,Oh well, at least now we can get some of our project done. Plus, there is a playlist already set so it’s not like they left you alone to suffer.” Beca says, a little too comfortable for my liking.  I don’t think much of it and instead go back to focusing on our project and keeping our meeting a secret. 

Beca’s point of view

Chloe and I work on our project the whole time and I’m really happy about that. Not once has she mentioned Chicago ever since I threatened to leave, but she hasn’t spoken to me about anything else than our project. It looks like she has changed her mind about getting to know me. She practically begged me not to stop with our project so she could get to know me but she hasn’t asked me any questions. Well, at least not about me. She’s trying to get information about Chicago through me. I want to tell her so badly that Chicago is faking everything and that I’m the real singer, but I can’t ruin Amy’s chances. 

I look over to Chloe, who’s busy writing something in her notebook and I wonder if she is curious about me at all. Should I tell her that I’m that DJ she likes so much or not? I’m afraid she will laugh and that she won’t believe me since she’s too busy trying to figure out if Chicago is the real singer. And for someone claiming to want to get to know me, she has a weird way to show it . Maybe it’s better if I don’t tell her anything and only meet her for the project. I don’t want my heart to be broken. 

When I see Chloe stop writing, I just grab my things and put everything back into my backpack before standing up. Chloe’s eyes find mine.

,,Where are you going?” She asks me, slightly panicked.

,,Well, since we’re both done writing for our project, I think it’s time for me to go back home.” 

,,Wait, you want to go?” 

,,I don’t want to but since you are only interested in Chicago right now, there is nothing for me here anymore. I agreed to keep working with you since you were desperate to get to know me but now that I am here, you ask me questions about Chicago or don’t talk to me at all.” 

,,I’m sorry. I just don’t get why you hate him so much, but I’ll stop asking about him.” 

,,Thank you, Chloe. Maybe we can get to know each other another day? I have to be somewhere.” 

,,Too bad you can’t stay a little longer, but I would love to get to know you better. I feel that we have a lot in common and I promise not to question you about Chicago anymore.” She holds out her hand and I smile before grabbing her hand. Electricity goes through my body the moment our hands touch, but I choose to ignore it since Chicago is with Chloe. I can’t interfere because then my aunt will ruin Amy’s life and that would be my fault. I retreat my hand. ,,Text me when you are available.” She tells me. I just nod before saying goodbye and driving back home. I hope Chloe means it this time and really asks questions that are about me. 

Chapter Text

Chloe and I have been hanging out in secret a lot lately. I’m glad to have the opportunity to really get to know her. I knew things about her because I followed her social media accounts, but there are quite a lot of things I didn’t know. She told me that she only has a few people who mean a lot to her, and getting to know those things about her and hearing that made me feel special. The crush I have on her which feels like it has been for years now , has grown into love by now. I mean, I know we haven’t been in contact for long, but when you know you know. Chloe is the sweetest, most honest and prettiest person that I know and I still can’t believe she wants to hang out with me.

Luckily she got the message about Chicago since she hasn’t mentioned him ever since I threatened to leave, two weeks ago. I’m so happy that neither my cousin or my aunt has found out about me hanging out with Chloe because I know it’s a big risk. If I’m caught, Amy’s career is practically over. 

Chloe still listens to me on the radio and has tried to get me to talk by requesting songs, but I never say anything. Chloe has no clue that DJ lil B is actually me, but I’m planning to change that today. My mind is set on telling her today, if nothing comes in between. The last three times that I wanted to tell her, Chicago or Aubrey came in between so I backed out. 

Today is going to be different, this is the time to finally tell her. Right now, her hands are around my waist, holding onto me very tightly and I can feel her warm breath in my neck. The butterflies in my stomach react right away as goosebumps go over my body, but I can’t let Chloe know I’m in love with her, because of Chicago. He wants Chloe to be his and if I ruin his chances, he will ruin my life. That’s why I let Chloe ride with me on my bike, so I can have this small moment. Her arms around my body feel amazing. 

Unfortunately it doesn’t take long for us to arrive at our destination, her house. She has comforted me that her father won’t be home whenever I come and I’m glad because if her father sees me, he will tell my aunt and then I can say goodbye to spending time with Chloe. I just hope I can get the courage to tell Chloe about my job. Chloe releases her grip on me as she gets off my bike and the warm feeling that I had, disappears. I turn off the engine and get off myself. I take off my helmet, at the same time Chloe does and all we do is smile at each other but I don’t care. Being here with Chloe means the world to me. I put the helmets back into the saddle of my bike before following Chloe inside the house. Chloe was right about her father being gone because the house is empty and quiet. Chloe grabs something to drink for both of us and then pulls me with her towards her bedroom. 

,,Why the rush?” I ask her and smile. 

,,We need to turn on the radio and see if she’s on.” My smile fades, knowing she will be disappointed. I’m right when Henry says that DJ Lil B isn’t in the studio. ,,And once again, she isn’t there and just left a playlist.” Chloe sighs frustrated. 

,,Maybe she had somewhere else to be today.” Chloe laughs sarcastically as she rolls her eyes for a small moment.

,,What could be more important than working?” I take a deep breath before speaking up, hopefully she won’t laugh at me. 

,,I know what she finds more important.” I say and right away, Chloe turns her attention on me. ,,Spending time with you.” Chloe stays silent for a moment, shocked.

,,What do you mean by that?” She asks me and I’m surprised she doesn’t get it right away. ,,The only person here now is you.” I nod and wait patiently for her to understand. It takes Chloe a few more minutes before her face expression changes. ,,Wait, are you DJ Lil B?” I nod.

,,Yeah. I wanted to tell you before but something always came in between and I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me.” 

,,Well, how do I know you’re telling the truth? I mean, many people have been lying to me about making music just to get in touch with my father through me.” 

,,What can I do to make you believe me?” Chloe turns the volume on the radio. 

,,Prove it. If you’re really her then you know which song comes next.” I wait until “Heaven is a place on earth” by Belinda Carlisle is over, before saying.

,,The next song will be “Alive” by Celine Dion, and after that will be “Vogue” by Madonna.” Chloe looks at me skeptical but keeps listening to the radio for the next twelve minutes. A shocked expression comes on her face once again and she looks at me. 

,,You really are her.” It finally hits Chloe and I laugh. 

,,I told you.” 

,,Why didn’t you tell me before? Are you trying to get in touch with my father too?” I shake my head right away.

,,No, the only person I want to get closer to is you.” 

,,Then how do you know my favorite songs?” 

,,Well, since you’re kind of famous, it’s not hard to find them on the internet. And you have requested a lot of 80s songs before.” Chloe’s look softened. 

,,Did you make this playlist especially for me?” I nod, looking down nervously. Maybe she doesn’t find it so special after all. ,,Nobody has ever done that for me.” I hear her say and dare to look up again. She gives me a thankful smile before placing a light kiss on my cheek. ,,Thank you, Beca.” I can only stand in front of her, shocked about what just happened. Oh, my God! Chloe Beale just kissed me! Don’t freak out. I feel my cheeks burn up and my heart is beating rapidly. I totally understand Celine Dion’s lyrics of “Alive” right now, because Chloe has made me feel alive again and I haven’t felt like this since my parents died. 

Chloe’s point of view

I just found out that Beca is actually DJ Lil B and to say I’m shocked would be an understatement. Also to hear she made an entire playlist just for me was really surprising. I’ve never had anyone care so much about just me and not trying to get to my father through me. Now that I have figured out who the DJ was that I wanted to help me with the showcase I can tell my dad to stop hounding the station manager for the name for me. Instead I can just ask her myself and hopefully she will agree to it. 

,,So, now that I have found out the mystery behind DJ Lil B, is there any chance I can convince you to help me with the showcase?” I ask, with hope full in my voice.  She looks over at me like a deer in headlights.

,,Uh, I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Chlo.”

,,And why is that?” I ask while cocking my head to the side, looking at her questioningly. 

,,Well, because that would mean we would have to spend more time together and it would have to be in school. That’s not really ideal for you.” She says. 

,,I think I can deal with the consequences. Plus, I like spending time with you, so if I get to do it within school hours that’s even better.”  She shakes her head.

,,As much as I would love to do that and help you with the showcase, I really can’t and don’t really have time to help you with it. I’m sorry, please don’t be mad.”

,,I’m not mad, just kinda disappointed but I get it. If your schedule opens up or you change your mind the invitation is open.” I say then get back to listening to the rest of the playlist Beca had made for me on the radio. 

,,You will be the first one to know if things change. But for now since the playlist is almost over we should probably do some work on our AP Euro project don’t you think.” For the next two hours we work on our project and are actually productive that we get most of it done. I’m happy about that but at the same time sad because that means we won’t have to spend time together any more. Unless I can convince her to still hang out with me even after it’s done. I’ve really enjoyed spending time together and getting to know her better, but at the same time she is still a mystery to me that I want to crack.  Suddenly I remember that I’m supposed to work with Chicago on a song tomorrow. As happy as I am about that I’m still unsure of how that is going to go. Especially since he doesn’t seem to have a creative bone in his body, but I guess I will give him a chance. I know I promised Beca I wouldn’t ask about Chicago again or bring him up but I just need to know one thing from her about him. 

,,So, just wondering does Chicago have more than one brain cell in his head or am I doomed for this writing session I’m supposed to have with him?” I ask while cringing away. 

,,You’d be better off working with a goldfish, but hey that’s your choice. Thanks for today I’ve got to get going though.” She says, then packs up her things.  I don’t want her to leave, but I know that I just pressed her on a topic she isn’t comfortable with.

,,You know you don’t have to go, I’m sorry for bringing up Chicago.” 

,,It’s okay Chlo, don’t worry about it. But I do have to go so have fun with Chicago tomorrow.” She finishes packing her things then starts to walk to the front door. I follow her all the way out to her bike and then thank her again for making me a playlist on the radio, it was really thoughtful. She grabs her helmet then looks at me. ,,Don’t mention it, you were well worth it. Plus, it was fun to make.” She then puts the helmet on, turns the engine on and rides off. I walk back into the house, decide to take a shower to try and get my emotions in check from the day. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

I’m so happy that Chloe now knows about me being DJ Lil B, because knowing that she listens to my playlists makes me proud. I know she wants me to talk on the radio, but I refuse because all the students at Barden High can listen to that station. If Aubrey, Stacie or Chicago hear me, my secret will be out in the open. I can’t have that because then my aunt will ruin my life even more. She already knows how I feel about Chloe and is forcing me to pretend Chicago is the good singer. 

I walk over to the tape recorder and decide to play the Elvis Presley cassette that belonged to my father. I don’t listen to his cassettes much, but right now I need it. I like the way his voice brings the lyrics to life. Like this song; “ Can’t help to fall in love” , where his voice is amazing and the lyrics mean a lot to me since it’s exactly the way I feel about Chloe. 

I’m really enjoying the cassette for the whole side A, when a knock interrupts me. I wanted to turn the cassette and play side B, but I have to know who’s at my house right now since I haven’t invited anyone. I walk over to the front door and open it. I roll my eyes as I see who is in front of me. 

,,Chicago, aunt, what are you doing here?” They ignore my question and just storm inside. 

,,Care to explain this?” Chicago asks me, holding up his phone. The video Stacie was filming of me driving away with Chloe behind me, is shown. 

,,I don’t have to explain myself to you.” I say to Chicago while crossing my arms.

,,You’re ruining my chances with her!” Chicago yells and pushes me. My aunt now puts her hand on his shoulder to calm him down before she turns her attention on me.

,,I thought I was clear about you not seeing Chloe.” She tells me. ,,You made a mistake, Beca. I thought you cared more about that loud friend of yours.” 

,,How many times do I have to tell you not to call her that?!” 

,,It doesn’t matter what I call her. Just remember what I can do to her.” I look down, not saying anything anymore. ,,So, if you want her to still have a chance at the future she wants, this is what we’re going to do. Chicago is going to call Chloe right now and ask her out on a date tonight. She will say yes, because believe it or not, she likes him and you’re going with them.” 

,,Why would I want to watch Chicago on a date with Chloe?” 

,,Because Chicago is going to need some help keeping your woman. Well, I mean, his woman.” I raise my eyebrows.

,,Well, that’s something we agree on.” My aunt is just as surprised as I am and encourages Chicago to call Chloe. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for Chloe to answer her phone and agree to the date as Chicago tells her that they could pick a new date for the song Chloe wants to write with him. Chicago hangs up the phone and then looks at me.

,,You need to be at Pricci at 6:45 pm, don’t be late.” He tells me and then they both leave me alone. Great, I have to watch Chicago be on a date with the woman I love and help him impress her. My life can’t get worse right now!

That evening, I made sure to be at Pricci at the time Chicago told me. I don’t want to get on his bad side, since he knows I have been spending time with Chloe. Chicago is surprised to see me on time, as he speaks up.

,,Well, I didn’t expect to see you at the agreed time but it’s clear you understand the consequences if you don’t do what we tell you.” I just roll my eyes, not really in the mood to discuss this topic with him. 

,,Just tell me what you’ve been planning. I mean, Chloe cannot see me. So, where did you want me?” 

,,We don’t have much time, so follow me before Chloe gets here.” I don’t want to cause any more problems for Amy, so I do what he tells me and follow him to a table in the corner. ,,You are going to sit here and you’re going to text me everything I need to say to impress Chloe. She needs to fall in love with me and not be distracted by you.” 

,,Okay, fine. But please don’t blame me if she isn’t impressed. She still has to look at your face.” I say sarcastically and Chicago gives me a warning look. I hold up my hands and sit down at the table. Chicago walks over to a table not far from me and sits with his face towards me. This way Chloe will be sitting with her back towards me, so she won’t notice me. That’s actually a really smart move on Chicago’s part. 

We don’t have to wait long before it’s 7 pm and Chloe comes into the restaurant. When I see her, my mouth falls open and my eyes widen in wonder. How is it possible that she looks so gorgeous in everything? Chloe searches the room and finds Chicago. I quickly turn my gaze away before she can see me as she takes a seat in front of Chicago. Because I’m close to them, I can easily overhear their voices. 

,,Thank you for agreeing to this date, Chloe.” Chicago starts off. 

,,Well, you promised that we could talk about music and finally start working on a song tomorrow, so I couldn’t decline.” 

,,You only want to talk about music now?” Chicago asks her with a small panic in his voice. ,,I was hoping we could become closer.” 

,,Yeah, we can but then I need to know more about you and what is a better start than music? I mean, your song made this possible.” 

,,Oh yeah, right, my song.” I can’t see Chloe’s face right now, but I bet she has a doubtful look. He’s ruining his chances at the first conversation. I sigh deeply and grab my phone. Tell her she looks pretty. I message Chicago. He looks down at his phone for a moment, before looking at Chloe. ,,You look pretty in that dress.” 

,,Thank you. I wanted to come back to that song you sang in the booth. The way you hit the high notes, despite having a deeper voice, was impressive. It was actually the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard.” 

,,Silky and sexy? That’s good.” Chicago laughs nervously, not really knowing how to react. 

,,I don’t know why, but I was kind of surprised that you were into music.” Chloe says now and I have to hold myself in not to laugh. She’s smart. If Chicago goes on like this, Chloe will find out herself that he wasn’t the one singing. 

,,Yeah, me too.” Oh, my God, he did not just say that! 

,,What?” I message Chicago again what to say. He looks at his phone. 

,,I mean, I am.” 

,,Are you okay? You keep checking your phone.” So Chloe does notice it. I’m actually quite happy about that because now she can see that he’s fake. But on the other hand, I need to help him because otherwise my aunt will ruin Amy’s life. Tell her that your grandma fell and broke her hip. 

,,Yes, um.” Chicago looks at his phone again. ,,My grandma fell and broke her hip. So she just sends me updates.” Knowing Chloe, she will believe that since I have seen pictures on social media of her in elderly homes and know that she loves older people. ,,Old people and their cellphones.” Chicago jokes. ,,So I don’t want to miss anything.” 

,,I hope she’s okay.” 

,,Yeah, she will be. So,” Chicago takes a bite from his meal. ,,are you ready for the showcase?” 

,,I’m very nervous about the showcase to be honest.” 

,,But why? You’re amazing.” 

,,Well, because my dad doesn’t believe in me and thinks songwriting is a waste of time. I’m hoping that if I do this right, he will be finally proud of me.” 

,,You write songs?” 

,,In my free time.” Chicago nods and then looks at me. I start typing on my phone, so he turns his gaze on his phone. 

,,You seemed upset that first day we met and I thought maybe your dad had something to do with it.” I see Chloe nod. 

,,Yeah, he wants me to be just like him but I just want to play music. I don’t want to be some suit-managing musicians.” 

,,You feel like he wishes you were a totally different person?” 

,,Yes.” Chloe seems impressed a little bit now and I hate it. ,,And sometimes I even wish that. Does that sound stupid?” 

,,Yes.” Chicago says that way too quickly. 

,,Sorry?” 

,,I mean, no.” Nice safe, Chicago. 

,,So, who is your favorite artist?” 

,,Today, it would have to be Lionel Richie. But old-school would have to be Elvis Presley.” 

,,Oh, God, I love Elvis Presley.” I know, Chlo. ,,His lyrics are so romantic.” 

,,His voice was just like an angle.” 

,,An angle?” I would slap myself if I could. How can he misread that? Learn how to read! 

,,Yeah, it would be like, uh, a right angle, you know. It would just start out at 90 degrees and then it would just take you somewhere that you never expected you would go.” Chicago chuckles nervously. ,,Doesn't really make any sense, does it?” 

,,Not at all.” 

,,Maybe you could just ask me another question.” 

,,I wasn’t kidding when I said I was happy you agreed to write a song together.” 

,,That’s not a question.” Chicago says, not very friendly. Don’t talk to her like that! 

,,Okay.” Chloe says, with a little doubt in her voice. ,,Uh, how about what inspires you to write music?” 

,,What inspires me? That’s a good question.” A really good one. I have to think about the answer for a moment. ,,You know, I would have to say - It would be, um…” I’m not paying any attention to Chicago and Chloe anymore as Chloe’s perfect question keeps replaying in my head. ,,Inspiration!” I startle by Chicago’s screaming voice and dropped my phone in my coffee. No, not my phone! I need that at the station! Chloe is obviously shocked about Chicago’s yell. ,,You know, inspiration is such a deep, um… It’s personal. It’s like, kind of indefinable, I guess you could say.” I hear Chicago explain to Chloe while I try desperately to dry my phone. Chicago looks over at me for a small second, but I have to disappoint him because my phone is not working anymore. Chicago distracts Chloe and throws food to her. ,,I’m so sorry. Did it get on your dress?” Chloe looks down and that’s my chance. I quickly stand up and run to the bathroom, where I hide in one of the stalls. 

Chloe’s point of view

I decided to dress nicely for this date with Chicago since he chose a fancy restaurant to go to. I’m excited to see how it goes, because last time we hung out all he wanted to do was make out and talk about himself but not music. Hopefully since this is a public space he won’t act that way. Instead of picking me up for the date he just told me to meet him there which I thought was weird but oh well maybe that’s just him. Every time Beca and I hang out she always offers to drive so that’s why it was weird for me. I need to try and stop comparing the two of them, especially since I promised myself I would give Chicago a fair chance. As I approach the restaurant I get more excited and a little nervous as well. 

I make my way to the hostess stand and tell them I am meeting someone, and they direct me to the table and I see Chicago sitting staring at his phone. But then as I get closer to the table I clear my throat to get his attention. He puts his phone down quickly then stands up to greet me and then quickly sits back down. Thankfully we don’t have to wait long until a waitress comes and takes our orders. It’s always interesting to see how everyone orders when it comes to treating waitresses. You can really tell a lot about a person based on how they treat the help. I find it important to treat them with respect and be nice to them since they are doing a thankless job and having to deal with a lot of guests. On the other hand though Chicago talks down to the waitress and is really rude to her. I’m embarrassed by his actions and know that I will need to make it up to her somehow. 

Throughout the date, I try to keep getting him to talk about music and his inspirations but every time I ask him a question he looks down at his phone. I’m getting fed up with his behavior so I finally asked him about it.

,,Is there a reason you keep checking your phone?”

,,Oh uh it’s my grandma she fell and broke her hip and I don’t want to miss anything, you know old people and their phones.” He says then rubs the back of his neck. That seems rather specific and suspicious but I let it go for now. The next thing I was trying to ask about his inspiration and then out of nowhere he started yelling the word inspiration at me, and then threw some food at me.

,,What the hell was that for?”

,,I’m sorry, did it get on your dress?” Chicago asks while handing me a napkin. I stand up and put my napkin on the table.

,,You know what, don’t worry about it, I’ll be right back.” I make my way to the bathroom to look at the damage that Chicago did. As I’m checking in the mirror and cleaning myself off I thought I heard a sound. I stop what I’m doing and turn around. ,,Hello, is there someone in here?” I wait patiently to try and hear a response but sadly there isn’t one. Instead I go back to cleaning off my dress and try to hurry up because I can sense someone is here but they won’t show themselves so it’s creeping me out. After about five minutes I’m satisfied with how my dress looks now and make my way out of the bathroom and head back to the table to get through the rest of the bizarre date. Fingers crossed it gets better and Chicago stops acting weird, one can only hope right. 

Beca’s point of view

I ran away to the bathroom since Chicago scared the crap out of me by yelling “inspiration” out of nowhere, causing my phone to fall into my coffee. It’s useless now. I can’t send Chicago messages to help him with this date now my phone is wet. I try to dry my phone with the dryer, but it’s not really working. I guess I have to buy a new phone. I’m interrupted by the door opening and I quickly go into one of the stalls. Oh, my God, it’s Chloe! I peek through the crack of the door and see Chloe cleaning herself off, while looking at herself in the mirror. 

,,Wow.” I whisper but I shouldn’t have done that because Chloe stops what she’s doing and turns around. I quickly get away from the crack and hold my breath. She can not know I’m here right now, that would ruin everything. 

,,Hello, is there someone in here?” Chloe asks as she waits patiently for me to answer but I’m keeping my mouth shut. Chloe shrugs her shoulders and continues cleaning off her dress. She’s faster than before because she makes her way out of the bathroom shortly after. It looked like she was scared and that’s my fault. I just can’t let her see me. I stay put for a little while, before I leave the bathroom too. I have to get out of here and buy a new phone, I bet Amy can help me pick one. I want to make my way to the exit, when Chicago storms up to me. 

,,Beca, what the hell are you doing running off like that? Get back out there. You helping me is working like a charm.” 

,,Ugh, what do you want me to do? Send you smoke signals?” 

,,No.” 

,,Look, you can go back there, okay? But you are so in over your head, you don’t even know it.” 

,,No, I’m not. You know what? I’m so sick of using your words. I don’t need you. I can do this on my own. Chloe wants me. I talk good.” Chicago tells me and then turns around to go back to Chloe.

,,Hey, good luck! You need it!” I yell after him and then make my way out of the restaurant frustrated. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

Last night was so stupid. That stupid date ruined my whole night. First, my phone got ruined, then Chloe almost caught me and then Chicago told me that he didn’t need me. I wonder how the rest of the date went and if Chicago really didn’t need my help anymore. Chloe didn’t seem impressed. 

Amy and I have been in the mall, buying a new phone. Unfortunately, I lost Chloe’s number, so I can’t message her anymore and I wonder if Chicago yelled at me on purpose, since he knows that I was hanging out with Chloe. I give Amy something to drink and sigh. 

,,How can I message Chloe now, Ames? We still have to finish our AP History project. She will think I am ignoring her.” 

,,Maybe you can sneak into Chicago’s phone. He has her number, right?” 

,,Are you crazy?! I can’t just go into his room and grab his phone. Do you want to ruin my life? Chicago will definitely tell my aunt and you know what she will do. I have to get access to my bank account when I turn eighteen.” 

,,I can distract him so you can grab his phone.” 

,,And when do you want to do this? I mean, he doesn’t want to be seen with me in school. Hell, I can’t even sit next to Chloe in class without him knowing. And if he doesn’t know it, Aubrey or Stacie will rat me out.” 

,,Ugh, I hate those two. I’m still furious about the way they treated you.” 

,,Standing alone in the gym wasn’t my favorite activity, but that’s not important right now. What’s important is that Chloe is going to think I’m ignoring her. I can’t survive her being mad at me.” 

,,Chloe, mad at you? Ha, you’re funny.” I give her a look. ,,What? Chloe likes you Beca.” I nod, much to Amy's surprise.

,,Yeah, she likes me but she’s in love with Chicago. I mean, why would she go on a date with him if she didn’t? And even I can see that he’s handsome.” I sigh and flop on the couch frustrated. ,,Do you know what’s the worst?” Amy shakes her head. ,,I really thought Chloe and I connected. You know how I feel about her, but I really thought she liked me too and not only as friends. I guess I was wrong.” 

,,Beca, Chloe is in love with the version Chicago pretends to be. Chloe thinks he is the artist of the demo, that’s all. If she knew the real Chicago, she wouldn’t be so interested in him.” 

,,If Chicago is in the game, I stand no chance with Chloe.” I state and Amy sighs. ,,Now, how are we going to do this?” Amy starts to smile suspiciously now. 

,,You’ll see. Just meet me at your aunt's house at 2 pm, okay?” I nod and watch Amy leave, probably with a crazy idea in her head. 

I meet Amy at my aunt’s house exactly at 2 pm.

,,So, how are you going to distract Chicago exactly? And how am I going to get inside without him seeing me?” 

,,Well, you go and climb through that open window,” Amy says and points to the open window, but it’s a little high. ,,and once you’re inside, you have half an hour to get into his room, put Chloe’s number in your phone and get out again.” 

,,I can never reach that window. As you can see, I’m pretty short.” 

,,Oh, I know that short shank, but you still have to find a way to get in through the window. It’s your only way in and out without them seeing you. I better hurry because I already rang the bell.” I raise my eyebrows at her.

,,You haven’t -” I’m cut short when Amy rings the bell. I quickly make my way to the window as I see Chicago opening the door and asking Amy what she’s doing here. Amy makes up a story and luckily Chicago believes her because he lets her inside. Okay, how to get in? I look around and notice the unused garden set. I can’t believe my aunt would buy something and then only use it as decoration. I grab one of the stools, stand on it and make my way inside the house. Luckily I’ve been in here a few times before so I know my way to Chicago’s bedroom. I silently go into his bedroom, where his phone is on its charger. I make my way over without making any noise. If Chicago finds out I’m in his room right now, he will make my life miserable. 

I take his phone from its charger and touch the screen. Oh, I need a password. What could it possibly be? I need to think of something quick because Amy can’t hold him for longer than thirty minutes. Think, Beca, what could it be? Maybe the password is his name in numbers? So, I type in the numbers; 2442246 , but unfortunately it’s not that. I really thought it was that because Chicago is so full of himself. Okay, what else could it be? My aunt’s name? I mean, Chicago is a mama’s boy. 264352. No, that’s also wrong. Ugh, what is his password?! I have to hurry because before I know it that half hour could be over. Think! I look around his room, watching the posters on his wall. The many women in lingerie, let me know what I already knew. Chicago only thinks with his man parts. I see Megan Fox in sexy lingerie, Jennifer Love Hewitt and even Barbara Palvin in nothing more than her birthday suit in a pool. Chicago is such a pervert. He probably masturbates while looking at these posters. 

Suddenly my eye falls on another poster and I almost drop Chicago’s phone. Is that? I walk over and look at the poster closely. Yes, I can recognize her eyes anywhere. Wait, Chloe was in a photoshoot for Maxim magazine? Oh, my… She looks so sexy in that lingerie! The butterflies in my stomach fly around even harder now. I’m even more in love with that woman and I can’t believe I never saw this photoshoot online. I bite my lip, while all kinds of thoughts come into my mind. Thoughts I shouldn’t be thinking right now. 

,,You shouldn’t have done that. I’m going to my room to change.” I’m startled by Chicago’s voice and take my eyes away from her poster. Oh, no! I have been staring at Chloe’s sexy poster for longer than I thought. Hopefully I can get into his phone before he comes in. I touch his phone screen again. Okay, what could it be? I think very hard and then an idea comes to mind. Knowing it’s the last chance, I type it in very carefully; 01042003. Yes, I should’ve known. His birthday! I quickly go to his contacts and find Chloe all the way to the top as favorite. I roll my eyes and press Chloe’s name. Her number appears and I unlock my new phone. I turn my gaze to the door when I hear the doorknob being turned. No, do not come in! I have to hide first. Luckily I hear Amy talk to Chicago to slow him down, so I turn back to Chloe’s number and type it in my own phone. Just as I saved her number with her name, the door slowly opened. ,,Amy, please. I have to change before listening to your ideas. I’ll be right back, okay?” I think quickly and hide in his closet, holding my breath. 

Chicago comes into his room and walks over to his dresser where his shirts are. He’s so close to me right now, one sound and he will discover me. I peek through the crack and watch him change into a clean shirt, while he’s watching Chloe’s poster like the pervert he is. He hums in himself, clearly happy about him spending time with Chloe. I have to hold myself back by holding in the scoff. He cannot hear me! 

,,Tomorrow you will be mine, Chloe and we will have all night.” Oh, my God, I think I just threw up a little in my mouth. The way he talks about Chloe makes me sick and my point is once again proven. He’s a pervert who only thinks about sex. I wait until he leaves the room again, before releasing the breath I was holding. I get out of his closet and put his phone back on its charger before walking over to Chloe’s poster one more time. I know I shouldn’t do this but I can’t help it. If Chicago is the one spending time with her in real life, why can’t I have a little bit of Chloe too? Before I can change my mind, I take a picture of Chloe’s poster with my phone before sneaking out of his room. Amy sees me coming out of the room and distracts Chicago one more time, so I can sneak out of the window. 

Once outside, I hide in the bushes until Amy comes out of the house. 

,,Thank you for your pointers on how to win Chloe over, Amy. You are wise to take my side. Beca doesn’t have a chance with Chloe and she never has. Because honestly, who can match me?” I look down. Maybe he’s right? I mean, Chloe seems more interested in Chicago than me, that’s for sure but I was hoping that Chloe would like me just as much as I like her. I guess I was wrong, but hey, someone can dream, right? Amy walks over to her car and waits until Chicago is back inside the house before signaling me over to her. 

,,What did you tell Chicago? I overheard him thank you for the pointers.” Amy gets inside her car and I get into the passenger seat. She waits to tell me until we’re a little further from my aunts house, so we’re sure nobody can overhear us. Amy looks at me. 

,,Don’t worry. I told him that popping gum would really turn Chloe on and that if he did that in front of her, she would definitely want to take the next step.” 

,,Wait, you told him how to get into Chloe’s pants?!” I ask, only hearing the sex part. Amy gives me a look.

,,You don’t listen. I told him Chloe likes someone who pops gum.” My mouth just opens hearing that. 

,,Oh, my God! You did not! Chloe hates it when people do that.” Amy nods. 

,,That’s why I said that. Chicago needs to go down hard. Chloe needs to understand that Chicago is only hanging out with her to get into her pants. It’s not enough for her to find out that he isn’t the artist she is looking for.” 

,,Well, Chicago has more luck in persuading Chloe than I am, so he will probably get what he wants.” I look down at my phone. ,,Even though Chicago is a pervert.” 

,,What do you mean?” 

,,Chicago has posters all over his walls in his bedroom of famous women in lingerie. You can imagine what he does when he’s alone.” 

,,Ugh, don’t give me that image!” Amy says as she comes closer to my house. She stops the car in front of my house and turns off the engine, before turning her gaze on me. ,,Please tell me that you have a picture of Chloe’s poster.” 

,,I’m not like that, Ames.” I try to convince her. Amy immediately gives me a look and I sigh. ,,Okay, fine. I took a picture of her poster but can you blame me?” I show the picture and Amy whistles. 

,,Oh, my, she looks sexy. Chicago is not the only one touching himself tonight.” She gives me a wink and my cheek burns. 

,,That’s not why I took the picture.” 

,,But you are thinking about her when you’re alone, huh?” 

,,Shut up!” I say, but know she’s right. I can’t help it. Chloe’s just so beautiful and sexy. Not that I will confess about this to Chloe. 

,,Nothing to be ashamed of, Beca. I bet many women do something when they’re alone.” Amy says and now I just get out of her car. ,,Have fun.” She says before driving away. I get inside and flop on the couch. Today was crazy. Chicago almost discovered me in his bedroom, the many posters in his room, included Chloe’s and then Amy embarrassing me with my feelings for Chloe. I open Whatsapp and add Chloe. 

Beca: Hey, this is Beca. I have a new number since my phone broke. How was your date with Chicago?

I already know a little bit about your date, but I have to pretend not to know.

Chloe: Hi! I messaged you on your old number and thought it was weird that you didn’t message back. I get it now, though. Honestly? I’m not really sure what to think about the date. It was so weird.

Beca: Weird?

Chloe: Yeah, I tried to talk to him about music, but every time he looked at his phone. He told me that it was his grandma, but it wasn’t a strong reason.

Beca: He was on a date with you and he didn’t even have his attention on you?

Chloe: Not really. And he seemed like he didn’t know anything about music. It was a little weird, since he claims to be the artist from the demo, but he doesn’t act like it. 

Beca: Maybe he was just nervous? I mean, it’s obvious that he likes you a lot. And you like him a lot too, right?

I swallow, already knowing the answer but it still hurts. The image of Chloe together with Chicago, who’s only trying to get into her pants, makes me nauseous. 

Chloe: I do like him and he’s not bad looking but - 

Beca: You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.

Chloe: No, it’s actually easy to talk to you about this kind of thing. It’s easier to talk to you about anything, to be honest. How is it that I feel so much more relaxed with you, than I am with Chicago?

Beca: Ha, don’t let Chicago hear you. He would be devastated. 

Chloe: Hey, I can’t help my feelings. But how did you break your old phone?

Beca: I got startled by someone and dropped my phone in my coffee.

Chloe: No way! That’s hilarious! 

Beca: Hey, you wouldn’t think it’s so funny if it’s your phone. 

Chloe: True, I’m sorry but it’s kind of funny. I chuckle for a small moment. Oh, I wanted to ask you something.

Beca: What is it?

Chloe: Well, would you mind coming over to my house tomorrow evening? 

Beca: Tomorrow? I thought you had a date with Chicago?

Chloe: Yeah, me too but he said he would prefer to write the song in two days. He said he needed more time to prepare.

I swallow, knowing exactly what Chicago needs to prepare. He’s probably going to make his bedroom so romantic that it will blow Chloe’s mind. He will flirt with her and then when they kiss, he’s going to - I stop my imagination because I don’t want that picture in my head. 

Beca: He blew you off? That’s just stupid!

Chloe: Yeah, well, a song needs preparation Beca. But are you available to hang out tomorrow? We can watch a movie with popcorn in my bedroom. 

Beca: Are you sure you want to hang out with me?

Chloe: Of course, otherwise I wouldn’t ask you to come, right? 

Beca: True and I would love to get to know you even better…

Chloe: So, you’ll come? 

Beca: Okay, but I get to choose the movie. Deal?

Chloe: Yay, I can’t wait! See you tomorrow! 

I don’t react to her last message and just look at how enthusiastic Chloe is to actually hang out with me. Maybe I was wrong in interpreting things? I mean, if Chloe is this happy about me agreeing to hang out, it must mean that she likes me too, right? I get out of Whatsapp and open her picture. Looking into those gorgeous blue eyes, I sigh deeply. Oh, Chloe, I’m so in love with you and you don’t even know. I wish I could tell you everything but I can’t ruin Amy’s life. I’m so sorry for lying to you and that you will be a victim of Chicago.

Chapter Text

I take a deep breath as I park my motorcycle outside Chloe’s house the next day. I’m very nervous about this night because it’s Chloe we’re talking about. I will be all alone with her in her bedroom watching a movie. I’m not even sure I can watch that movie with her next to me. I put my helmet back in my saddle, lock my bike and then I very slowly walk over to the front door. I go to the doorbell with my hand and notice that my hands are shaking. Calm down, Beca. I tell myself, shaking away the nerves. Well, at least trying to. Okay, this is the moment. Just ring that bell and see what this evening will lead to. This time I just quickly press the doorbell, hearing it ring through the house. 

It takes quite a while and my confidence that I’m having is fading away. Why isn’t she opening the door? She did say tonight, didn’t she? I open Whatsapp, just to make sure I’m here at the right night. Yes, she said tonight so why isn’t she opening the door? Maybe I should ring the doorbell again? As I think that, my finger is already pressed against the bell. Once again, the bell rings through the house and I wait patiently, getting nervous by the minute. The confidence I had is completely gone as fear is replacing it. Then it hits me. Oh, my God, what if Chloe meeting me tonight is a prank? What if Aubrey told Chloe to do this, just like she did with Stacie in the gym? I feel my eyes fill themselves with tears and I quickly turn around, not wanting Chloe to see me cry, if she’s ever going to open that door. 

Suddenly I hear the front door open and I turn back around, only to gasp. Chloe is standing in the opening of the door, looking drop dead gorgeous. She notices my staring and smiles. 

,,Sorry it took me so long to open the door. I just didn’t know what to wear.” 

,,I thought you pranked me.” Chloe raises her eyebrows. 

,,Why would I want to prank you?” 

,,I don’t know, it happened before with Stacie.” Chloe steps aside to let me inside. I give her a thankful nod and she shows me where to hang my jacket. 

,,So, I see you’ve come on your bike?” Chloe says, biting her lip in such a sexy way. I blush lightly. 

,,Yeah, it’s my most prized possession.” Chloe nods and then she leads me into the kitchen so I can choose what to drink before she takes me upstairs to her bedroom. I look around, taking in every corner of her room in my memory. I probably won’t be back in her room anytime soon, so I need to save this image. ,,You have a nice bedroom.” I tell her and she smiles at me.

,,Thank you.” She sits down on her bed with her back against the headboard. ,,Hey, can I ask you something?” I don’t dare to move, so I just nod while staying where I am right now. ,,What happened between you and Chicago? I heard that Stacie, Aubrey and him did something to you and I have been wondering what.” I swallow for a moment. Should I tell her? 

,,If I tell you, you have to promise not to mention it to anyone that you know what happened. Stacie, Aubrey and Chicago already know anyway.” 

,,I promise to keep your secret.” I take a deep breath.

,,Okay,” I play with my hands nervously, not sure how she will react. I mean, maybe she would find it funny too? ,,it was homecoming night. At that moment, I really liked Stacie and so she said that she would go to the dance with me. I was over the moon and even bought a stupid dress.” 

,,You wore a dress?” Chloe asks.

,,Yeah, hard to believe, huh?” I say but Chloe shakes her head.

,,I think you would look sexy in a dress.” She tells me and I feel my cheeks burn. Did she just flirt with me? I am probably imagining things. 

,,Anyways, the night of the homecoming dance, I got all kinds of messages from other students that it was at the gym, but when I got there the gym was completely empty. They arranged another dance at a different location and the decoration in the gym was only for me. They pranked me. I was standing in the gym alone in a stupid dress, which I only wore to impress Stacie, but she humiliated me. As you can understand, I went back home immediately and cried myself to sleep. The next morning, the whole school knew what happened and just started to laugh at me. Ever since that night, they've been picking on me and making sure nobody talks or hangs out with me.” 

,,That must have been awful.” I nod.

,,It was. But the worst part was that she didn’t come even though she knew what happened. Stacie didn’t come and hold my hand or take me out of there. I was all alone.” Chloe gets up from the bed, walks over to me and gives me a quick hug. 

,,Oh, my God, that was so cruel. I’m sorry they did that to you, Beca. I understand why you hate them now.” 

,,Well, luckily I don’t have to hang out with them, like you do.” I smile at Chloe and it warms my heart she cares so much about me. 

,,I’m not sure if I want to hang out with them anymore. I mean, what they did was messed up and I don’t want to be involved with people like that.” I startle as I hear her statement, because if she stops hanging out with them, Chicago can’t get close to her anymore. 

,,You don’t have to stop hanging out with them just because of me. I know you like Chicago more than you would like to admit.” 

,,I do like him a lot, but -” I stop her. 

,,Then it’s settled. We will continue to meet in secret and you stay friends with Stacie, Aubrey and Chicago.” I don’t really want to talk about it anymore, so I grab the DVD I brought with me from my backpack. ,,Now, let’s watch this movie.” Chloe grabs the DVD and then looks back at me.

,,You want to watch; Princess diaries?” 

,,Yeah, something wrong with that?” Chloe immediately shakes her head.

,,No, I love this movie but since it’s about a princess, I just thought it wasn’t something you would like. You’re so tough and badass.” 

,,Well, you’re right about that.” I smirk and Chloe laughs at my snarky comment. Chloe grabs my hands now and pulls me with her to her bed. My eyes widened at the realization. ,,Um Chlo, I don’t think -” Immediately Chloe cuts me off. 

,,Becs, don’t worry. We’re just going to watch that movie of yours, but I thought it would be relaxing if we sit against the headboard of my bed.” I nod, but don’t move. Chloe puts some pillows against the headboard and sits against them, patting the space next to her. I nervously sit down next to her, feeling my heart almost beat out of my chest. She’s so close to me, our legs are literally touching right now but it seems like it doesn’t affect Chloe at all. Not that that’s surprising since she’s interested in Chicago and not me. Not wanting this night to turn out awkward, I turn on the movie and watch the scenes attentively. Just as we have seen a few scenes from the amazing Anne Hathaway and the iconic Julie Andrews, Chloe comes closer to my ear. ,,Becs?” She whispers in my ear, sending goosebumps all over my body. I turn my gaze at her, while pausing the movie. 

,,Yeah?” 

,,Well, I was wondering since you are DJ Lil B…” Weird to see her a little nervous about what she’s about to ask right now. ,,do you think you can make a mashup for me?” 

,,Would you want that?” 

,,I would love that .” She pouts at me with a hopeful look in her eyes and I feel my heart beat at a rapid speed. 

,,Sure, I can make you a mashup.” Chloe’s face lights up and it looks very cute. ,,But then I need to know a few of your favorite songs.” 

,,How long do you have?” I raise my eyebrows. 

,,Do you have that many favorite songs?” 

,,What can I say, I love music.” The way Chloe says ‘love’, makes me feel all warm inside. It would be amazing if Chloe loved me, but once again, that’s just a dream. 

,,You must have heard some of my mashups on the radio.” 

,,Oh, I did. They were really good, which leads me to another question.” 

,,And that is?” 

,,How did you know they’d go together? I mean, putting a song from Taylor Swift mashing it up with a song from Imagine Dragons wasn’t something I could possibly think of.” 

,,I just tried different things. Some ideas didn’t sound as good as they did in my head, but eventually, something will sound as good as I imagined it. It’s only a matter of trying.” 

,,I can’t do these things. You have a gift.” The compliment warms my heart. I blush slightly as I start the movie again. We watch the next few scenes in a comfortable silence and my nerves are completely gone by now. In fact, I feel very relaxed with Chloe by my side, like we have been hanging out for years. As the scene of the beach appears with the song Mandy Moore’s character sings, it doesn’t leave my sight to see Chloe, who’s really into it, starts to sing softly too. I look at her, more mesmerized by Chloe’s voice than the movie. 

,,You almost sound like Mandy Moore.” I compliment Chloe and now she turns her gaze at me with a smiling but surprised look. ,,You have an amazing voice.” Chloe looks down and I think I see a blush on her face. I didn’t notice how close we are to each other until now. Her eyes are fixed on mine and I can’t seem to take my eyes away from her. She’s so beautiful! Her sweet smile catches my attention and I look at her lips. We keep looking at each other for minutes until I can’t help myself and start to lean in. To my surprise Chloe lets me get closer, as if she’s waiting patiently for my lips to touch hers, but just as I’m close enough to feel her soft lips, I’m reminded of what is happening. I rub my neck as I retreat back. ,,I’m sorry.” I apologize to her. ,,I shouldn’t have done that, you’re with Chicago.” Not wanting to hear Chloe’s anger towards me, I quickly stand up and grab my things. ,,I should go. I’ll see you later, Chlo.” I tell her and then quickly leave her house back to my bike. I put on my helmet, start the engine and race away from Chloe’s house. 

Chloe’s point of view

Beca just left my house in a rush after we almost kissed and I honestly don’t know how to feel about it. This entire night has been a whirlwind of emotions and I hate it. Normally I am able to keep my emotions in check and under control, but being around Beca... I don’t know, it’s just everything is easy and I can be myself. After hearing what Stacie, Aubrey and Chicago did to Beca I now understand why she has such hatred towards them. I was also not surprised when she asked about the date and laughed when I told her it was weird and that Chicago seemed strange. 

I got really excited when she said she would make a mashup for me. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with. Since I already know it’s going to be amazing based on what I have already heard I can’t wait for it, and I’m going to continue to be excited until she gives it to me. It’s really easy for us to talk about music and she has a true appreciation for it, unlike Chicago. It seems like I am pulling teeth whenever I try to get us on the topic of music, which to me is strange because for someone who claims to be behind the amazing demo I heard, it seems like he is the furthest from anyone who should be interested in it. Oh well I guess I will have to wait and see until we get to our song writing session and see what happens. 

Again I would much rather spend more time getting to know Beca at this point but I mean Chicago isn’t bad to me so I will still give him a chance. However he is on very thin ice and if he does anything else that I feel is out of line he will be cut off entirely. I’m sick of people using me to get to my dad instead of actually trying to get to know me like Beca has been. Only time will tell what the future holds. I try to clear my mind and get ready for bed before tucking myself in for the night and letting my thoughts drift me off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

The next morning, I’m up early just so I can make that mashup for Chloe. I can’t let her wait for it, since she has to understand that Chicago isn’t the one that’s musically inclined. I walk over to the many cassettes and just think about an 80s artist that Chloe definitely likes. Hmm, maybe Queen? No, that doesn’t seem like Chloe at all. Would she like Prince or maybe George Michael? Ugh, no. I can already tell that Chloe would not like those. I need to have the perfect artist because this is my only chance to impress her without my aunt or Chicago ruining it. I know Chloe is into powerful female artists like Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, but we haven’t gotten the chance to talk about her favorite 80s female artists. 

I let out a frustrated groan. How am I supposed to make her a mashup without knowing her favorite artists? I shouldn’t have run away so fast yesterday and just ask her more about it. I was just so scared that she would turn me down that I panicked. Okay, female artists. Chloe would possibly like Britney Spears, but that doesn’t sound right with Taylor. Hmm, Madonna? No, that’s also weird. Suddenly an idea pops in my head and I grab the cassette from its stand. It’s a wild guess but it can work. I play the cassette, just so I can find the perfect song that matches “Love story” from Taylor Swift. I skip many songs until “Mamma Mia” is playing and I can totally see those two songs fit perfectly. I smile as I start up my laptop and download “Mamma Mia” from ABBA. I start the song with them, before letting it slide into Taylor Swift’s song. My smile becomes even brighter when the song continues. This is the perfect mashup for Chloe! 

Just as I’m doing great with the mashup, a knock interrupts my flow. Groaning, I pause, because it’s not completely done yet and then walk to the door. Expecting it to be my aunt, I open the door begrudgingly, but I’m surprised to see Chicago. I raise my eyebrows.

,,Chicago, what are you doing here?” 

,,Well, I don’t want to be here, but I have to since you’re going to help me.” 

,,And why would I help you again? I already agreed to help you keep “my” woman.” He gives me a daring look. ,,Oh, I’m sorry. Keep “your” woman.” He obviously doesn't like me talking to him that way, but hey, it’s my aunt who said it first. She referred to Chloe as my woman and not Chicago’s, so it’s kind of her fault. 

,,Chloe is not yours and she never will, because tonight you’re going to help make her mine.” 

,,Make her yours? She’s not some object to possess. She’s a human being and you should treat her with more respect.” 

,,Oh, I respect her.” I raise my eyebrows, because it doesn’t seem like he does. ,,Her amazing and sexy body. And tonight when she kisses me,” I try to say something but Chicago just goes on. ,,and trust me, she will kiss me, you see that I will respect her by taking her slowly.” Hearing him say that makes my blood boil as anger fills my whole body. I want to punch him but I fight that feeling. He will definitely run to my aunt to tell and then I’m screwed. 

,,You’re such a perv.” I just say and Chicago doesn’t like that. 

,,Be careful what you say, Beca.” 

,,I don’t care what you do to me but you’re not going to talk about Chloe like that. Yes, she has an amazing figure but there’s more to her than that. And besides, there is more than just sex in a relationship, you know.” 

,,Sex is the most important thing in a relationship.” I just can’t believe he just said that. But once again, I expect it from him, since he’s an even bigger perv than I thought.

,,If you truly believe that, then you’re dumber than I thought.” 

,,Don’t call me dumb.” 

,,Then don’t act like that!” I don’t back out of this fight. If he wants this fight, so be it but I don’t back down. ,,And don’t talk about Chloe the way you do.” 

,,I don’t have time to fight with you. Just be sure that you’ll be at our house at 3:45 pm, so you can hide and help me with the song.” Just because I want to finish the mashup and want him to leave, I nod. Chicago smiles and then leaves right away. I sigh. Tonight is going to be harder than I thought, because I have to watch Chicago kiss the woman I love. 

That afternoon when I got to my aunt’s house, Chicago immediately sent me to the kitchen where a laptop was on the counter, then he raced back up to his room. Images of Chicago’s bedroom are seen on the screen where I can already see Chloe sitting on his desk chair. He gave me a small communication device so I can talk to him while they are in his room. I hate this already and I would rather go and make my presence known to take Chloe out of here before anything happens that I’m forced to watch. Let’s see if Chicago can actually hear me. 

,,Uh, hey Chicago, can you hear me?” I ask and watch him on the screen. I see Chicago guide Chloe over to his bed now, making the excuse that he can write the perfect song there. 

,,So,” Chloe asks while grabbing her guitar out of its case. ,,what do you wanna start with?” I hate to ruin the moment, oh wait, I don’t, but I really need to know if Chicago can hear me. 

,,Chicago? Can you hear me?” 

,,Yes.” Chicago says which is meant for me but Chloe gives him a questioning look. 

,,What?” She asks him. ,,Do you wanna sing and I’ll play harmony?” I laugh. Chicago sing? That’s the best joke I have heard today. 

,,Uh, no. I was thinking maybe you could sing and I could give you some lyrics that I wrote.” He asks Chloe while he’s bragging. 

,,That sounds good, okay.” My eyes widen. Wait, Chicago wants me to write this song. I mean, I should’ve expected it but he wants me to write this song from scratch. Just think about Chloe and what you feel for her. I tell myself.

,,Don’t break my heart.” I tell Chicago and he repeats it to Chloe. ,,Before I give it to you.” Chloe also repeats it and is very happy. ,,Don’t tell me no before I ask you to.” Chloe tells Chicago how good it is and starts to find the right melody for it. 

,,Do you have more?” She asks Chicago and he nods quickly, knowing that I will do what he asked me to. 

,,Don’t say it doesn’t fit.” I tell him, which he repeats to Chloe once again. ,,Before you try it on.” Chloe plays a little melody with a big smile. 

,,I like it.” She says and I can see her attraction to Chicago growing even more. I can’t seem to take my eyes off her. 

,,Um, there’s too much to lose.” 

,,There’s so much to lose.” Chicago repeats. What a moron! That’s not what I said! I roll my eyes, but still help him. 

,,Too much to lose.” I almost yell and Chicago repeats it quickly. ,,To be wrong.” 

,,That’s really good.” Chloe looks at Chicago smiling. ,,You got more?” 

,,And it feels like there’s something here, but I wanna see it before it disappears.” Now Chloe doesn’t seem to keep her eyes off Chicago. I swallow as I finish the song. ,,And if there’s something real between me and you or are we both open to.” Now Chloe starts to play the melody she has been trying to play all this time that fits the song perfectly, before singing my lyrics and I can’t take my eyes away from Chloe. 

Don’t break my heart before I give it to you

Don’t tell me no before I ask you to

Don’t say it doesn’t fit before you try it on

There’s too much to lose to be wrong

And it feels like there’s something here

But I wanna see it before it disappears

Now Chicago sits next to Chloe on the bed and my heart breaks, knowing what is going to happen once Chloe is done singing. 

And if there’s something real between me and you

Well, are we both open to…

This was everything I thought of. I wonder if Chloe could think of something to make the song even more perfect. 

All these possibilities, so many little possibilities

Just as I think Chloe will sing more, she stops playing and looks at Chicago in a way that makes me sick. My stomach turns. Chloe starts to lean in and I want to close my eyes, but I know I have to keep watching. Before their lips touch, Chloe looks past Chicago to her poster on the wall. 

,,Why on earth do you have that and where did you get it?” She asks Chicago, who seems a little startled but recovers himself fast. 

,,Because you’re the most beautiful girl in the world.” He says while rubbing the back of his neck nervously. 

,,Then why a poster of me in lingerie?” 

,,Because it’s you in your most natural form what could be better than that.” He says, trying to defend himself and it does work on Chloe since she smiles brightly at him before kissing him slowly. If my heart wasn’t broken before, then it’s absolutely crushed right now. They’re really in it right now. I can’t watch this go further, so before I can change my mind, I run upstairs to his room. Without knocking I rush inside, only to see Chicago on top of Chloe. They both turn their heads towards me now. 

,,Beca?” I hear Chloe asks surprised, but I choose to ignore her because otherwise Chicago will tell my aunt that I ruined his chances. 

,,I finished your homework, Chicago.” I tell him. ,,I left it in the kitchen.” Chicago gets off Chloe and walks over to me. 

,,Thank you, Beca but as you can see, I have a visitor.” 

,,Wait,” Chloe interrupts. Chicago looks at her. ,,why would Beca do your homework?” I look at Chicago. He has to lie his own way out of this. 

,,Beca owed me a favor for getting her out of detention.” He tells Chloe and she believes it. Now Chicago turns back to me and guides me out of his room, where he can talk to me without Chloe overhearing. ,,Now, if you wouldn’t mind leaving now. I’m kind of busy if you know what I mean. I’ll have Chloe moaning my name in no time thanks to your lyrics.” And before I can answer, he closes the door in my face. I don’t want to stand here and actually hear what is next, so I get out of the house as fast as possible, only wanting to cry. I really lost Chloe now and there is no real point in trying to make her like me. From now on, she will only have eyes for Chicago. 

Chloe’s point of view

After getting over the initial shock of seeing my poster from Maxim plastered up on his wall along with other celebrities I started to relax more in his room. I went straight over to his house after school and was hoping to get started on the song as soon as possible. It’s not that I don’t like Chicago or find him attractive because let’s be honest I do have eyes and he’s not bad to look at. But having an actual conversation with him is something completely different. It’s the weirdest thing I mean, on our date we started out having a good conversation actually about music and I was really happy to learn more about his tastes but then he got really weird and it was like I was talking to a different person. Who knows maybe he gets nervous when he has to talk about more than just himself. I’m hopeful today won’t be as awkward as that date, one can only hope. 

He just left me alone in his room to go get something and while he is gone I take out my guitar and just start plucking random notes while I tune it. It’s been awhile since I’ve played my guitar but thankfully it’s not completely out of tune so by the time Chicago comes back I’m ready to go. Just like the typical guy he suggests that we move to his bed to write the song. I don’t think much of it but roll my eyes then move to the bed and towards the top so I can lean my back on his headboard. He starts talking but then once again it’s like when we were on the date and he raises his voice like he is talking to someone else.

,,Sorry did I do something to you?”

,,No let’s continue.” He says and then taps his pen to the pad of paper on his bed. For the next fifteen minutes we worked on writing a song and I swear that these lyrics he is coming up with are a lot deeper than I was expecting. I also was surprised when he all but refused to sing himself, but once again maybe he is just nervous. After we got a good amount of the song done I don’t know what came over me but I was drawn to him even more and felt myself lean in to him. We end up kissing and it’s not terrible, but it’s not great and then after a while the door slams open and I’m surprised to see Beca standing in the doorway. I’m shocked to see her and confused as to why she would be at Chicago’s house but I don’t have time to question it before Chicago is rushing her out of the room and subsequently the house. 

I put my guitar down on the ground carefully while Chicago makes his way back to the bed. As strange as his behavior was today, those lyrics really spoke to me and changed my feelings towards him. I couldn’t help myself and I just wanted more of him, so I pulled him back to me and connected our lips together. We made out for a good amount of time and when we pulled away for air I could tell he wanted to go further than that but I am not interested in going further than we have already at least not yet. He starts to bring his hands down to the button of my pants and I push his hand away but he’s being really insistent and instead of getting turned on by his actions it’s having the opposite effect. I push him off of me then roll off from his bed, collecting my guitar and placing it carefully back in its case before I say.

,,That was a great start to the song, you have a real talent but I’m going to go now.” 

,,Oh, come on Chloe, don’t be such a prude, we were having a good time. Plus, how are you going to get home? I drove us here.” He says with a tone that makes me uncomfortable.  I look at him incredulously.

,,Well, that’s a different response than I was expecting, but whatever I’ll just call my driver.”

,,Well, while we wait for him to get here, can we still make out, I feel like we have a good thing going so far.” He says while rubbing the back of his neck.  I roll my eyes after I text my driver and then make my way back to the bed.

,,Only because those lyrics really got to me, your recent behavior is something to be desired.” I close the gap and kiss him again while waiting for my driver to get here. Thankfully it only takes about ten minutes for him to get there and me to be able to leave. 

,,I’ll see you tomorrow Chloe. I hope you had a good day today, I know I did.” He says as I make my way to my car and get in the back for the ride home. Thoughts are still running through my mind and the one thing I can’t seem to get my head around is the fact that Beca was at Chicago house, even after she told me the reason why she can’t stand him. Well, that would be a discussion for a different day, for now I’m going to finish my homework then get to bed.

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

After helping Chicago with the song and watching him make out with Chloe, I’ve been staying away from both of them. Chloe tries to talk to me but I refuse. Amy has been keeping close to me, just to help me cope with seeing Chicago all over Chloe. He doesn’t care about rubbing it in my face every time I see them together. That smirking face towards me after kissing Chloe, makes me sick and want to stop helping him, but then I remember what my aunt will do to Amy and continue with their stupid plan. The thing is, I never thought Chloe would fall for this whole act. She could’ve thought that Chicago was faking it during their first date, but she’s still into him and they did go further than only kissing. Chicago keeps telling me how Chloe screamed his name over and over again, while making her cum. That’s not an image I want to see or think about. 

Despite the fact that I lost my chance to be romantic with Chloe forever, I have been making more mashups for her. I can’t help it, her music taste is similar to mine. Well, I don’t like every song Chloe likes, but we are in the same genres. I have been sneaking an USB stick in Chloe’s locker without Chicago knowing, with mashups specially made for her. I never heard anything from her, so I have no idea what she thought about them, but I’m positive she is listening to them.

Right now, Amy and I are in my house doing our Spanish homework, while the playlist Amy put on is in the background. I try very hard to focus on the words, but I can’t. Chloe is stuck in my mind, keeping me from concentrating and the playlist isn’t helping either since I’ve only heard romantic songs all this time. I let out a frustrated groan as I place my pencil on the table.

,,Why did you choose this playlist, Ames?” I ask my best friend. 

,,Oh, please. You know why. You always seem to get more inspiration if you think about Chloe. Since you’re in love with her, I thought this playlist would help you get the inspiration you needed.” 

,,Well, can you please turn it off? I don’t want to think about Chloe.” Amy raises her eyebrows but pauses the playlist. She looks over at me.

,,Okay, tell me what happened.” 

,,You know that I was helping Chicago with that song, right?” 

,,When Chloe was at his place and you were hiding?” I nod. ,,I know about that. I can’t believe you had to watch the woman of your dreams kiss that dickhead.” 

,,Yeah, well they didn’t just kiss that night.” Amy’s mouth falls open.

,,Wait, did Chloe actually fuck him?” 

,,It appears so. I mean, Chicago won’t stop telling me how she screamed his name when she -” Amy holds up her hand. 

,,Stop! I don’t want to have that image!” 

,,Tell me about it!” 

,,Is that the reason you’re avoiding Chloe?” 

,,Yes. Why should I keep hanging out with her if she’s clearly into Chicago? Hell, she’s all over him all the time in school.” 

,,That’s why you’ve been leaving school so fast all this time. You need to tell me about that so I won’t have to chase you. Cardio was never my thing, you know?” I laugh at her. 

,,Oh, I know. Remember when we planned to go running? You couldn’t even run to the end of this driveway.” 

,,Don’t remind me about that. I almost lost my life that day.” I roll my eyes. 

,,You’re so dramatic sometimes, you know.” 

,,Ha ha. Now, enough about me. We were talking about you and your dream girl.” I let out another frustrated sigh while walking over to my fathers collection. ,,Bec, you need to tell her that Chicago is lying to her and that you’re really the voice of the demo.” I turn my gaze towards her now, while holding one of my father's cassettes. 

,,No, I can’t. You know what my aunt will do to me.” 

,,But you can’t continue doing this. Chloe deserves the truth.” 

,,Ames, I can’t be selfish. Yes, I’m in love with Chloe and I hate to see her with my cousin but I have no choice or my aunt will ruin someone’s life.” I tell her, not really wanting to tell her I mean her right now. 

,,So, you'd rather be unhappy?” 

,,Yes and can you stop talking about Chloe, please. I don’t have any chance with her and I never will.” Amy just shrugs her shoulders and wraps her arm around my shoulders. 

,,I’ll stop talking about Chloe for now and stay over tonight. You need good company. So, what do you say? Can I stay over and could we watch a movie tonight?” 

,,Normally I would never agree to that, but like you said; I need you right now, so okay. But not a word about Chloe or Chicago or I’ll kick you out.” 

,,I promise.” I smile at her and arrange the second bed for Amy. Tonight she will keep me company and my mind off of Chloe. I just hope that Chicago gets sick of rubbing it in eventually. 

Chloe’s point of view

Since the day Chicago and I worked on the song he and I have gotten closer but then on the other hand Beca and I have been more distant. I don’t understand why, I mean I’ve tried to approach her but every time she just turns around and goes in a different direction. I mean after learning about her past with Chicago and why she hates him so much I can kind of understand it especially since I’ve been spending more time with him. Also as much as I’m not the biggest fan of PDA it seems like Chicago can’t get enough of it. He also tends to do it more whenever he notices Beca in the hallway, which kinda pisses me off. It’s also weird because every time he pulls away instead of looking at me he sends a smug look towards Beca. The other thing I have noticed about Chicago’s behavior is that now he hasn’t been spending time with Aubrey or Stacie as much and is kind of a dick to them.

As much as I have enjoyed spending time with Chicago I can’t deny that it’s not as easy as when I used to spend that time with Beca. I try not to think too much about that and enjoy my time with Chicago. The other strange thing is that whenever I try to bring up the topic of music instead of talking to me about it he just starts to kiss me or change the topic. I need to get more done with the showcase and I was hoping that Chicago would be of some help but he is anything but. It’s annoying and I would rather be working with Beca on it, but she has made it clear that right now she won’t be helping. I still listen to her radio show daily and I still get caught up in her song choices. One other thing I have noticed is that even though Beca isn’t talking to me she has somehow found a way to sneak USB drives into my locker that are full of mash ups. I love each and everyone of them and I just want to tell her how amazing they are but I can’t. I’ve sent her a few texts but even those she doesn’t respond to, it hurts but I get it and will try to respect her decision even though I miss her. 

I am still nervous about the showcase but have been able to find more acts on my own which I am proud of. I just wish that all of this work I’m putting into it will make my dad proud and happy for me. Maybe if I’m lucky he will finally listen to me and allow me to continue writing songs for other artists instead of being a producer full time like he is. I have tried to ask Chicago what song he will be singing in the showcase and if I can get a sneak peak of him practicing, but once again he just shrugs it off or says it’s a surprise. That is kind of problematic because I need to do soundchecks with all of my acts and see where I can fit them in the show to make sure it will flow properly. Since his aunt is very important to the school and she told me that his performance will be over the top; so I guess I will take her word for it and for now I put him in as the final performance of the night and close out the showcase. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

Once again, I made sure to keep my distance from Chloe at school, just to make sure not to fall in love even more. Amy has been telling me to tell Chloe the truth but I can’t. Last night was amazing. Amy and I watched romantic movies and just made fun of the characters. We had so much fun doing that. I drove to school this morning with Amy in my car and we enjoyed the cassette of Elvis Presley. I could tell Chloe was a little disappointed that I didn’t bring my motorcycle, but Amy doesn’t dare to sit behind me. I kind of miss having Chloe’s arms around my waist, while she sits behind me and resting her face against my back, holding me tightly. I do miss that blonde so much, but she cannot know my feelings. 

,,Hey, everything will be okay.” Amy reassures me, while walking with me towards the cafeteria. 

,,But Chloe is -” 

,,Yeah, you’re in love with that woman but you can’t express your feelings. It’s messed up. So, what are you going to do about that?” My eyes widened. 

,,Keep it down! Chloe is right there, she can’t hear you!” I point over to Chloe, who is once again in Chicago’s arms. Chicago sees me look over to them and smirks. It seems like Chloe notices this because her eyes find mine now. I swallow and grab Amy’s hand. ,,Let’s go.” I pull her towards our table where Jesse and Benji are already. 

,,There they are.” Jesse says. Amy and I sit down with our lunches. Amy immediately eats her sandwiches, while I can only look over towards Chloe. She’s so pretty and cute. Her blonde hair must feel so soft. Stacie, Aubrey and Flo are talking to each other, while Chicago has his arm around Chloe protectively. He must know I’m watching them by now. 

,,Beca?” I fixate my attention back towards Amy, immediately clearing my throat nervously. ,,Stop drooling over your woman. You haven’t even touched your BLT sandwich and that is your favorite.” Before I can answer, I hear Chicago’s table laugh loud enough for us to hear and hearing Chloe’s laugh, I can’t help but smile. I continue staring and startle a little bit when Chloe’s head drifts towards ours. She shoots a small smile at me when we make eye contact. Oh, how my heart nearly jumps out of my chest. Chicago looks at me too and quickly rests his arm against Chloe’s shoulder, as he snatches a sandwich from Stacie. 

,,Seriously, Bec. I think your sandwich is going to be soggy if you continue drooling over her.” Jesse tells me and Benji only smirks at me. I blush and take my eyes off of Chloe. 

,,She’s really pretty, Jes. I mean, just look at her!” Jesse doesn’t miss a beat with his response. 

,,Yes, her choice of friends is totally attractive.” I roll my eyes and lightly smack Jesse on his shoulder. ,,I’m joking… kind of. I mean, if you’re happy watching her with those morons, I don’t really care.” I groan and bury my face into my sweater sleeves. 

,,Of course she’s not okay with dickhead Walp flirting with her woman.” Amy defends me. ,,But she has no choice, okay?!” I place my hand on hers.

,,It’s okay, Ames. You know I don’t stand a chance with her right now. Let’s go to class and just get through this day fast.” Luckily neither Jesse, Amy or Benji question me and the bell rings, signaling us that the next class is starting.

After my afternoon shift at the radio station, I’m on my way back home. Listening to my fathers cassettes on the auto radio makes the ride even better, since I’m alone again. Amy left to go home, she told me that tonight is party night. Sometimes she goes to random parties and hooks up with guys. It’s not my thing, so I’m happy she didn’t invite me with her. I smile when “I can’t help falling in love” starts to play on the radio. That song reminds me so much about Chloe, or rather my feelings for the woman. I know I shouldn’t think about Chloe at all, but like the song says; I can’t help falling in love . I sigh as I take the last turn right, leaving the main road towards the woods. Chloe’s face appears in front of my mind and I can’t help but sing along with the song.

Shall I stay?

Would it be a sin?

If I can’t help falling in love with you

Like a river flows, surely to the sea

Darling, so it goes

Some things are meant to be

Take my hand

Take my whole life too

For I can’t help falling in love with you

As I drive into my driveway, something catches my eye or rather, someone. I stop singing along with the song and slowly drive up to my house. Oh, my God! That’s Chloe. What is she doing here? I stop the engine and get out of the car, completely ignoring my desire to run away. 

,,Chloe?” I ask softly and her head turns towards me. 

,,Beca, hi.” She starts to get up to meet me, but when she tries to take a step her face twitches in pain. I immediately rush over to her.

,,Are you okay?” Chloe shakes her head. ,,What happened?” 

,,You’re actually going to talk to me?” She snaps at me and I release her, while raising my eyebrows. She has never snapped at me like this before. 

,,Hey, if you don’t want help, that’s okay.” I say, raising my hands up in surrender and walk towards my front door.

,,Wait,” I hear Chloe say, so I turn around and cross my arms, not moving towards her. ,,I’m sorry, okay. I just hurt my ankle while running, that’s all.” 

,,If you won’t snap at me, I could help you.” I just say and give Chloe a look. 

,,I’m just frustrated. I was listening to you on the radio and must have tripped.” 

,,And you happened to run through this part of the woods, huh?” 

,,No, I wanted to run through this part of the woods. You see, I have been here before and -” I stop her right away. 

,,Wait, you have been here before?” She nods. ,,When?” 

,,Just a few weeks ago. You have a lovely little house, Bec.” 

,,How did you find this? Did you follow me?” I’m getting suspicious. Nobody knows I live here and Chloe accidentally found it. Am I really supposed to believe that? Oh, my God! Maybe this is a joke! Chicago, Aubrey and Stacie must have put her up to this, just to mess with me. ,,Did they set you up for this just to hurt me?” Chloe looks into my eyes now.

,,What?! No! I would never agree to hurt you in any way.” I look for a lie in her eyes, but cannot find one. I sigh, because I know I can’t leave her outside like this. I walk over to her. 

,,Let me see your ankle.” I squat in front of her and lightly touch her ankle. Chloe winced in pain. ,,I’m sorry.” I apologize. ,,Did you just twist it?” 

,,I think so.” 

,,Can you stand on it?” Chloe shrugs her shoulders and tries to stand but winces before almost falling down again. I quickly catch her and put her arm around my shoulder while my other hand rests around her waist. I fight the blush appearing on my face. Chloe balances on her not injured ankle and I guide her inside my house, where I place her on my kitchen counter. I grab my first aid kit out of one of my closets and grab an ice pack out of the fridge. I grab the ACE wrap out of the kit and then look into Chloe’s eyes. ,,Okay, I’m going to take off your shoe and sock, okay? Just tell me when it hurts.” Chloe nods and I carefully and slowly remove her shoe, causing Chloe to hiss a little. I remove her sock and see her bare foot. It’s so soft. What kind of body lotion does she use to make her feet so soft? I swallow and then start to wrap the wrap on her ankle, starting at the base of her toes and then start wrapping it in a figure of eight. 

,,Why are you ignoring me at school?” Chloe suddenly asks me, interrupting the silence as she looks at me. 

,,It doesn’t matter.” I say, not wanting to tell Chloe the reason. I finish wrapping her ankle and lightly smile at her. ,,Here you go, all done. You need to lie down, come on.” Once again I wrap one of my arms around her waist, while the other holds her hand that’s around my shoulders. I guide her to the second bed and lift her up in my arms, since the bed is higher. I put some pillows under her ankle just to make sure her leg is above her heart level. ,,Are you comfortable?” I ask Chloe as I look down on her. 

,,Yes, thank you Beca.” 

,,I’m not done yet.” I tell her and then slowly put the ice pack against her wrapped foot. 

,,Oh, that’s cold!” Chloe says and shivers. 

,,Sorry. It’s just necessary otherwise your foot will swell up.” Chloe takes a deep breath and closes her eyes for a small moment. This gives me the chance to take in Chloe’s outfit. She wears an emerald-green top with a necklace that I’ve noticed before. She has paired the top with black jeans that make her ass look absolutely amazing. I feel a pang of jealousy in my chest as I remember that Chloe is Chicago’s girlfriend now. I quickly take my eyes off of her when her eyes open again and put my attention to her ankle again. ,,I don’t think you've broken anything, so that’s good.” I tell her. ,,I think you just sprained it and that it should be okay for tonight if you just keep your leg like this.” I see Chloe move over to me, just to place a small kiss on my cheek, before sitting on the edge of the bed with me. My eyes widen and there must be a blush on my cheeks because I can feel myself heat up. ,,Chloe, you need to keep your leg up.” Chloe waves away my comment. 

,,I have all night to keep it up.” She’s stubborn but who am I to tell her what to do? She smiles at me. ,,Hey, can I ask you something?” 

,,Depends on what it is.” 

,,How did you get this amazing tiny house?” 

,,It’s a long story and you need your rest. You can stay here tonight and I will bring you back home tomorrow.” Chloe smiles at that. 

,,Well, that means we have some time. So, can you please tell me how you got hold of this amazing house? You can tell me the short story if you prefer.” I look over at her and know I’m screwed. I mean, who can say no to her? I sigh and look down to my hands. 

,,My parents and I lived not far from here and we were happy but one day everything changed. My parents promised to buy me a guitar, so I watched them leave. They promised me to come back later that afternoon and so I waited patiently, imagining all the songs I was going to play on the guitar when they came back. I waited for hours, but they never returned.” I swallow away the tears for a moment. ,,Early that night the front door bell rang and I knew something was wrong because my parents never rang the bell. I opened the door, hoping they forgot their keys or something, but was met with two policemen who told me that both my parents got killed in a car crash. A drunk driver hit their car head-on.” I look at Chloe. ,,It’s my fault. I’m the reason they’re both dead.” Chloe shakes her head.

,,No. Hey, don’t do that. People do terrible things for their own fucked up reasons. That’s on them, not you.” She has turned her body to me too and looks at me very intensively. 

,,My aunt was with the policemen too because my mother made her my godmother, but she just drove over to this place and told me to leave her and my cousin alone. Since then, I’ve been on my own. That’s why I spend so much time at the radio station so that I can earn enough money to live since my aunt is holding my bank account away from me.” I can’t help but to let a few tears fall from my eyes now. 

,,Hey,” She holds the side of my face right now with her right hand, as she makes me look into her eyes. She pulls me closer to her and closes the gap. Oh, my God, Chloe Beale is kissing me! She’s actually kissing me. I eagerly kiss her back, completely forgetting the fact that she’s Chicago’s girlfriend. We both enjoy it for a few seconds before I pull back, placing my fingers against my lips. 

,,Oh, God.” I say, while taking a little distance. ,,God, I’m so embarrassed.” 

,,Oh, because of that? No, hey. It’s all good, baby. It’s all good, just another Tuesday.” I stand up in full panic.

,,You don’t understand. You’re being too calm right now, but I might be in big trouble if they found out we just kissed.” 

,,If who finds out?” 

,,My aunt and my cousin. Oh, my God, I’m so screwed! If Chicago finds out that I kissed you, I -” 

,,Chicago? Your cousin is Chicago?” What did I just say? 

,,Forget I said that, that’s not important right now. What’s important right now is that we kissed and that he will make my life a hell if he finds out.” 

,,Why would he do that to you?” 

,,Because you are his girlfriend now. I can’t kiss you if you are his girlfriend.” 

,,Girlfriend? I’m not his girlfriend.” 

,,Ha ha, very funny.” I laugh sarcastically. 

,,No, I mean it. My relationship with Chicago is not that serious.” 

,,Not that serious? Are you kidding me? You had sex with him after the song and now you say that you’re not serious with him?! That’s the weirdest thing I have ever heard!” 

,,Who told you I had sex with him?” 

,,It doesn’t matter who, I just know it happened.” I walk over to her. ,,And now you’re going to get the rest you need. Lie down and put your leg up.” I help her settle in the bed and give her a small kiss on her forehead. ,,Sweet dreams and I’ll still bring you home tomorrow, okay. Get some sleep, you need it to recover.” Before Chloe can react, I climb up the ladder to my bed and lie down, knowing Chloe can’t see me anymore. 

Chloe’s point of view

Beca had been taking care of me after I fell while running in the woods and we were having a great night up until I kissed her. I honestly don’t know what came over me but I was trying to calm her down because she seemed like she was about to have a panic attack when she was talking about her parents and losing them. When we kissed it felt a lot better than when I had kissed Chicago in the past. I don’t know how to describe it but it was different and I liked it a lot. She also kissed me back which was a welcome surprise and I thought we were maybe going to be okay. But then all of the sudden she pulled away and started pacing around the small room. 

I didn't understand why until she dropped the bomb that Chicago is her cousin and now I’m starting to feel even worse for putting her in that position. The next thing she surprised me with was when she told me that someone told her Chicago and I had sex. Which is the farthest thing from the truth I had ever heard and I wanted to explain to her that we never did. Unfortunately she left shortly after we talked, but she left after planting a soft kiss on my forehead which only confused me more. I tried to sleep but my mind was caught up with my anger towards Chicago about lying that we had sex and confusion about my feelings for Beca. 

All I know is that tomorrow at school Chicago will be up for a rude awakening when I confront him about spreading the rumor of us sleeping together. It’s one thing to go around with excessive PDA and now that I know Beca is his cousin it makes even more sense as to why he’s over the top with it; but a completely separate issue when he’s talking about something that would damage my reputation and potentially my fathers. My last name makes me an easy target for people to use and it seems like Chicago is falling into the group that only uses me for my name and not for who I am. I’ll have to deal with this later and hopefully my ankle is feeling better tomorrow and I will be able to walk normally again, as well as sort through my feelings.

Chapter Text

Chloe’s point of view

I woke up in a strange room confused by my surroundings at first, but then I tried to sit up on the bed and get my bearings. I play back the previous night’s events and remember that I went for a run and then fell and twisted my ankle and fell in front of the tiny house that I had previously found; then to my surprise I found out it was Beca’s house. Then I remember she told me about her parents and then I kissed her, I bring my hand up to my lips trying to remember the sensation. I should feel bad about it seeing as I’m kind of with Chicago but at the same time I don’t, it felt right to kiss her and she kissed me back. So now I’m even more confused with my feelings, especially since she told me someone told her that Chicago and I had sex and once again the anger starts to consume me. 

I’m brought out of my thoughts by an amazing aroma that makes me want to figure out what it is. I try to stand up on my ankle and I am able to put pressure on it but it still hurts. I continue to follow the smell into the little kitchen where I see Beca making pancakes and has fresh fruit already chopped up in a separate bowl. She doesn’t notice my presence yet so instead I just sit down at one of the bar stools behind her, and wait for her to notice me. It doesn’t take her long and after about a minute or two she turns around plating the next set of pancakes and almost jumps out of her clothes. She throws her hands up then places a hand over her heart trying to calm herself down.

,,How long have you been standing there?” Shes asks, once her heart rate seems to calm down. 

,,Not too long I just smelled something delicious and decided to follow it.” I say while smiling at her.

,,Well I hope it tastes as good as it smells, and you better eat up because we still have to stop at your house before school.” She says while pushing the food towards me.  I do what she says and start eating the food which is simply delicious.

,,Beca this is amazing, thank you so much for making it.”

,,Don’t mention it, I’m glad you like it." She smiles back as she finishes her food and puts it in the sink. ,,Now come on, we need to get you home.” Slowly we made our way out to her car, as much as I would love to be back on her motorcycle I agreed with her that all the vibrations wouldn’t be the best option for it. Beca is as good at driving cars as she is on her bike and we get to my house in about ten minutes. I quickly go inside and change my outfit while Beca waits outside for me. I know she’s already going to be anxious about being seen with me at school because she said we needed to stay away from each other, but she was vague about the reason. All she kept saying was it had to do with her cousin and he would mess up her life and someone else more if she didn’t listen to him. I don’t want to make her life harder but I do miss her as a friend, maybe I can talk to Chicago about it and make him back off. 

,,So, what if I talked to Chicago and got him to back off on bothering you?” I ask as she pulls into the car parking lot.  She looks over at me with fear in her eyes.

,,No Chloe, you need to promise me that you don’t say anything to him about it; especially about you staying over at my place last night.”

,,But what if -” I start but she cuts me off. 

,,Chloe, please just trust me for now at least I can’t tell you any more than that but for both of our sakes please just keep it to yourself.” She says pleading with me. 

,,Okay, I promise I won’t say anything to him about backing off of you, but I will say something to him about claiming we had sex. That’s just my reputation on the line and I won’t stand for it.” I tell her while trying to calm her nerves.  She sighs and throws her head back.

,,That’s fair, just don’t tell him where you heard it from. I’m sure he’s already spread it around to more people than just shoving it in my face. Now, you head in first so it’s not as suspicious if people see you coming out from my car. Just say that you asked your driver to drop you off at the back of the lot today so you had to walk.”  I nod my head at her and start to make my way out of the car but then turn back around.

,,Thanks again for taking care of me last night.” She nods back to me then turns off the engine and goes to the back of her car to grab her bag, then we walk separately towards the school. I’m determined to find Chicago and have a very heated discussion with him about spreading lies about me around school. 

Stacie’s point of view

Lately I can’t stop thinking about Beca and what Aubrey and I did to her. Beca and I used to be close. We even dated and I really liked her, until Chicago came into our lives. He always disliked lesbians or gay people, so he made sure that everybody who was attracted to the same gender were bullied. I didn’t want to become a target, so I made the decision to keep my feelings a secret and used Beca for my own protection. 

I remember every date that Beca and I had. From going to the movies, to having a dinner date and we even went camping. We shared the same tent and enjoyed our time together. It was there that we both lost our virginity. Beca wanted nothing more than to come out and date openly in school, but I was afraid of Chicago’s reaction, so I forced her into a secret relationship. It went okay for a while, until Chicago found out and forced me to start targeting Beca. Not wanting to get on his bad side, I did what he asked me to. I asked Beca to be my date to the homecoming dance and left her alone in the gym. I know that must have broken her heart and I still feel really bad about it. 

,,Stace? Where are you with your thoughts?” Aubrey pulls me out of my thoughts. I look around the table. Chicago is looking at me with an angry look, possibly because he was talking about something. 

,,Oh, I wouldn’t want to bore you.” 

,,You can tell me anything, Stace.” Aubrey lays her hand on mine to comfort me. She has been here for me ever since we became friends with Chicago. She has comforted me about him lately, so maybe it’s time to speak out about my concerns. I don’t really care about Chicago right now.

,,Yeah, if you have something to say. Speak up and do it quickly.” Chicago says annoyed as he looks behind me. ,,And hurry up will you? Chloe is on her way here and I need to make a perfect impression.” I roll my eyes. 

,,Well, I was thinking a lot about what we did to Beca lately.” I tell honestly and see Chicago gets an even angrier look. 

,,What about that midget?!” He asks angrily. Now Chloe is very close, I bet she can overhear us but I don’t care. I don’t like this version of Chicago. I know he’s not the one from the demo since Chicago can’t sing. 

,,I was wondering, don’t you guys feel slightly bad for Beca?” 

,,What are you talking about?” Flo and Aubrey ask at the same time. 

,,Oh come on, what has Beca done to us? I can’t remember her doing anything to us.” 

,,Doing nothing?! Remember Lucy?” He asks me now and I nod, because who doesn’t remember Lucy? She was the hottest girl in school for a year before she moved away. ,,Well, if it weren’t for Beca, I would have gotten her. But Beca had to get in the way and steal her from me.” 

,,Steal her from you? Oh come on, that’s just bullshit.” Aubrey says now, crossing her arms. ,,As I recall, Lucy stopped hanging out with you because you were always looking for sex.” Chicago turns towards Aubrey with an angry expression. 

,,Are you really doing this right now?” He asks Aubrey and doesn’t have a clue that Chloe has been standing here for a little while. 

,,I just agree with Stacie on this. I think we should give Beca -” 

,,Enough! Beca got what she deserved, okay?! We all know being gay is wrong.” 

,,You really think that?” I see Chicago startle by hearing Chloe’s voice. I’m actually happy because now I feel even more guilty about Beca. Aubrey feels guilty too, I can see it. 

,,Chloe!” Chicago says and rubs his neck. ,,How much did you hear?” 

,,A lot. So,” She crosses her arms. ,,tell me, do you really think that?” 

,,Of course, being together with the same gender is wrong and weird.” 

,,Okay, let me ask you this. How would you feel if I told you that I was bi sexual?” Chicago starts laughing now, but Chloe is totally serious. Chicago also notices that and gives her a serious look.

,,Why would you even say something like that, Chloe? The whole school knows that you’re not bi sexual by now. Not that it matters.” Oh, that definitely made Chloe upset. We can all see it. Flo and Jessica just stay quiet, while Aubrey and I look at each other in guilt. We should find Beca and apologize, because I don’t want to hang out with Chicago anymore. I quietly stand up from my seat, just like Aubrey does. Chicago doesn’t notice, luckily. Aubrey and I remove ourselves from the cafeteria, so he won’t be able to hear us anymore.

,,We have to find Beca and apologize. I feel really bad about what we’ve done to her.” I tell Aubrey and she agrees.

,,Yeah, me too but why would she listen to anything we say? I mean, it was pretty bad what we did to her.” Aubrey asks while her shoulders hang low.

,,Well, there’s only one way to find out.” I tell her determined, then I pull her with me and search the school for Beca. I just hope she accepts our apologies. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

I got back home from school as quickly as I could, just to make sure Chloe or anyone didn’t see me. I really want to be alone. Lately I have been fighting my own feelings and seeing Chicago all over Chloe isn’t helping. I’m still hopelessly in love with that woman and I try very hard to forget her, but it’s not really working. I’m holding my second guitar in my hands as I’m resting on the bed where Chloe laid when she was hurt. I can still smell her perfume and it calms me somehow, like she’s meant to be with me. 

I sigh as my fingers play the chords I was thinking about. The inspiration Chloe gives me is massive and why should I ignore it? I mean, maybe I will write amazing songs just by thinking of Chloe. Let’s see if the lyrics sound good with this melody. I strum once again and then start to sing the lyrics I wrote.

And now I wish we never met

‘Cause you’re too hard to forget

While I’m cleaning up your mess

I know he’s taking off your dress

And I know that you don’t but if I ask you if you love me

I hope you lie, lie, lie, lie, lie to me

I stop playing as a tear rolls down my cheek. The thought of Chicago taking off Chloe’s dress and doing all kinds of things with her, makes me sad. My heart breaks seeing them together, but I can’t do anything about it, otherwise Amy’s career will be ruined. 

It’s 3 AM and the moonlight is testing me

If I can make it till dawn, then it won’t be hard to see

That I ain’t happy, oh, mmm

I ain’t too happy, oh, mmm

Just as I’m about to continue with the song, there is a knock on my door. Raising my eyebrows, I put aside my guitar and notebook before walking over. I wasn’t expecting any visitors. If it’s Chloe, I have to send her away because Chicago will kill me if he knew she was with me before. I take a deep breath before opening the door and to my surprise, Amy stands in front of me, all nervous. 

,,Amy, did we decide to meet today?” I ask her and she shakes her head.

,,No, but we had to come.” 

,,We?” Now Amy steps a side a little bit and the anger fills my body when I see the two people who ruined my life at the homecoming dance. ,,What are they doing here?!” I yell. 

,,Beca,” Amy looks at me now. ,,you know I would never do anything to hurt you.” 

,,Well, you’re hurting me right now. You know I don’t like people knowing where I live. Why in God's name would you bring them of all people?!” 

,,Look, I know you hate them and can’t trust them. I’m on your side, but they wanted to apologize and help you get Chloe from Chicago. Just give them a chance.” 

,,Of course I hate them! They ruined my life or did you just happen to forget that?!” Now Stacie steps forward a little.

,,I know what I did but I want to apologize. That was not right.” 

,,Then why did you do it? I really loved you and trusted you. You broke my heart and you didn’t even care.” 

,,That’s not true. I did care about you but the pressure Chicago was adding to me was too high.” 

,,I’m sorry too, Beca. I was a jerk and you didn’t deserve that.” Aubrey stands next to Stacie now. ,,But we want to help you get Chloe from Chicago.” 

,,Get Chloe from Chicago? Do you have any idea how idiotic that sounds?! Chloe is hopelessly in love with him, I don’t have a chance even if I wanted to.” Now both Stacie and Aubrey look at each other, before turning their gazes back at me.

,,Can we maybe get inside? We can speak more freely inside without anybody else being able to hear.” I look around.

,,Wait, is somebody else here too? Is that your way of pranking me again?!” 

,,What? No! We’re here to come clean and help you with Chloe. We can see the way you look at her. Please.” Now they give me a begging look. I sigh and then step aside. They silently thank me before they get inside my house. I eye them suspiciously before following them inside with Amy in tow. 

,,Don’t touch that guitar!” I yell as I see Aubrey trying to grab the guitar my parents bought me. She startles and steps away from it. I cross my arms. ,,Okay, you can explain.” 

,,We were trying to fit in Chicago’s group of friends.” Aubrey explains. ,,We didn’t mean to hurt anyone, but he can be intimidating.” 

,,Yeah, I’m really sorry Beca. I did like you a lot but I didn’t want to get bullied.” 

,,And so you bullied me instead?  Good way to make friends.” I scowl. They look down and I can see that they’re really sorry. I sigh as I untangle my arms. ,,I accept your apology.” Now they look at me surprised. ,,Why hold a grudge when it’s in the past.” They smile thankfully. ,,But don’t think for a second that I forgive you two for what you did to me.” 

,,I’m just glad you accept my apology.” Stacie says and smiles. 

,,Yes, thank you for that Beca.” Aubrey says and then looks at Amy. ,,Now, we have a plan to get your girl.” She winks at me. 

,,Once again, Chloe is in love with Chicago so I don’t have a chance.” 

,,I’m not so sure about that.” They say now.

,,What are you talking about? I have seen Chicago all over Chloe multiple times.” They nod.

,,That’s true but after Chloe overheard Chicago’s outburst today, I’m not sure how into him she really is . Chloe didn’t like hearing Chicago’s disgust for gay people.” 

,,And yet she’s still in a relationship with him. Hell, they even had sex! You can’t tell me that Chloe has sex with someone she doesn’t love. And besides, I will not come in between. If I do, someone's life will be destroyed.” 

,,Oh, come on Beca, we all know that Chicago isn’t the singer from that demo Chloe loves so much.” Stacie crosses her arms now. 

,,Yeah, we know that it’s you and we want to help you.” 

,,Look, I appreciate the offer but it’s no use. I can’t sabotage Chicago’s performance during the showcase.” 

,,But why not?” Now Amy asks. ,,Because of your aunt holding your bank account from you?” I shake my head.

,,It’s not only about me anymore. If I ruin Chicago’s performance, my aunt will ruin someone else’s life.” 

,,Wait, did she threaten to destroy Chloe’s life too?” They all ask me. I’m not in the mood to tell them who I’m protecting. 

,,Forget about your plans, it’s not going to happen. I’m not going to sabotage his performance. Thank you for your apology, but can you please go now?” I look over at Aubrey and Stacie who are nodding. Amy tells them she will bring them back with her car and then they leave my house. I watch Amy’s car drive away and when it’s out of sight, I fall backwards onto the bed. I don’t know what they were planning but I just can’t do it. Chloe and I will never be and I have to accept that, even if that’s hard. 

Chapter Text

Chloe’s point of view

Finding talent for this showcase has been nothing short of exciting, but also exhausting. This school has so many talented students that it was hard to pick which students to perform. I mean it was very hard to say no, I don’t like hurting people’s feelings but some of those acts were just too much for this type of show. I’m trying to impress my dad so I made sure to pick acts that I think he would like, while also picking a few like I liked just to show that I have the ability to choose my own talents. I can’t lie and say that it would’ve been a lot more fun if Beca had agreed to help me choose the talents and produce the show but I understand her reasons for saying no. 

These past few weeks I have seen less and less of Beca around school and it’s upsetting to me. Again I get it that she can’t stand Chicago but I thought that we had gotten over that but clearly that’s not the case. What I have noticed is that Stacie and Aubrey have been acting weird towards Chicago especially after he made those comments about Beca and how being gay is basically the worst thing someone can be. It’s jarring to me to find that there are still people that have this mindset in this day and age. But at the same time it just makes me more confused about my feelings about him and Beca. The way she took care of me when I got hurt was so amazing and I got to see the softer side of her that she rarely shows off to people. Meanwhile Chicago is still intent on showing as much PDA as possible whenever he feels like it even though I’ve told him to calm down. But oh well I can’t think about that now I need to focus on the showcase and not everything else going on in my life. 

In order to make sure the showcase goes off without a hitch I decided to do a dress rehearsal to run through the acts and make sure to clean up anything that might be distracting to their performance. For the most part all of the acts have been really good and they have only needed minimal tweaks. To my humble surprise Beca is here but I’m not really sure why, at this point I don’t really care for the reason. This last hour I have been trying to get Chicago on stage to practice his part and at least do a run through but all he keeps saying is ,,I don’t want to ruin the surprise,” or ,,Don’t worry babe it’s perfect I swear.” To which I let slide and continue on with the other acts but after everyone else has gone I’m fed up with his excuses so I walk over to him.

,,Alright Chicago, I’ve let you mess around for long enough it’s time to get up on stage and at least block out what you plan to do.”  He looks up at me, almost panicked at first.

,,Is it really necessary? I mean, I have the plan and know it will work.”

,,Yes, it’s necessary. Now, get your ass up on stage so we can make sure the audio and everything works.” I say getting annoyed. He huffs out a breath but then makes his way on stage while looking back at Beca who just rolls her eyes then follows to head backstage. I’m curious about this action but again don’t think too much about it because I need to make sure that Chicago isn’t going to ruin my showcase by doing something stupid because he thinks it’s cool. He gets on stage with a group of dancers and then the backing track starts. What I find strange is that when the song gets to the part where he should be singing, he doesn’t sing at all but instead just focuses on the dancing. I stop the act immediately. ,,Chicago, we can’t make sure that the mic’s audio is set properly if you don’t sing.”

,,I’m just saving my voice. Plus, it worked out for everyone else so I’m sure it will be fine for me.” He says back, almost arguing. 

,,What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another, so please on this next run just sing some of the song, okay?”  He looks off stage then nods and says begrudgingly to me.

,,Fine, but I’m not doing the entire song, okay? I don’t want to give too much away.” 

,,Fine whatever, just do it already please.” My patience for him is running really thin right now because I don’t want to be here all day just testing things out and overworking the backstage crew. They have been nothing but amazing during this entire showcase process and very understanding of my vision. As the song starts again I watch Chicago perform and this time when the words are supposed to come in he starts singing, well I think it’s him at least I’m more focused on how the mic works with the music and need to increase its level so he can be heard over the backing track. I make a note of this and tell the audio person to make the change. After about thirty seconds the vocals cut out and it’s just the music again. I look back up at Chicago and he is looking off stage once again. I make a motion to the stage people to cut the track and then let out an exasperated sigh while rubbing my temples with both hands. 

,,Well, how was that babe?” He asks, smiling widely.  I look back up at him.

,,It was fine, I really hope you are prepared for tomorrow because I swear to god if you make me look foolish in front of my father, we will be done.”

,,Come on Chloe, I promise everything will be perfect, trust me.” He says, then looks to the side of the stage in a menacing way it seems. I have no idea what that was about but I’m too tired to care about that right now. Instead I focus back on the list in front of me and realize that I have completed everything I needed to do in terms of preparing for the showcase. I start to pack my things up when I look back on the stage and see Chicago making his way back over to me. I really don’t want to deal with his nonsense any more today and would rather just go home, take a bath, and relax to try and calm myself down from stressing out about the actual showcase tomorrow. I can’t disappoint my father otherwise who knows what the consequences will be.  ,,So, Chloe how about I take you out to dinner as a way to take your mind off of the showcase? Then afterwards we could go back to my place and distract your mind away from it even more.” He says, while pulling me closer to him.

,,I will agree to dinner but that’s it, I really need a good night's rest, so I’m fully focused for tomorrow.”

,,Come on, don’t you think it would help you to sleep or at least clear your mind if we went back to my place and you know worked out some of your frustrations?” He asks while getting closer to my neck and whispering so only I can hear. Then as I’m about to tell him no I make eye contact with Beca who just shakes her head and walks the other way as fast as she can. She looked almost sad or upset by something but I don’t understand why. I mean, she has been the one ignoring me. Just before she walks away, Chicago has aggressively grabbed my neck and started kissing me hard. I was shocked to say the least but I kissed him back then pushed him off of me. 

,,Again as much fun as that sounds my answer is still no. Now, come on let’s go get dinner and you can bring me home.” I say while starting to walk out of the auditorium. 

Beca’s point of view

I really hate being here at the rehearsals right now, especially since I told Chloe that I couldn’t help. It’s not like I have a choice, but it still sucks to be here and help out Chicago instead of Chloe. I can tell that this showcase means a lot to Chloe and I hate myself for lying to her. I know she has seen me but luckily she decided not to ask me about why I’m here. I’m hiding in the back of the auditorium while watching all of the acts. I have my headphones on but they aren’t plugged into anything. Instead I am listening to the acts and how Chloe is commanding the audio team how to fix the songs in order to get the best version possible. I’m impressed by how well versed she is in the equipment but at the same time I shouldn’t be surprised since I know she produced the album for 5 SOS. 

Throughout the time Chloe is running through the showcase lineup she keeps trying to get Chicago to go up there but every time he comes up with an excuse and is looking like a toddler with his actions. Each time he refuses I laugh a little to myself. Finally Chloe has gotten fed up with his antics and forces him on stage. As he makes his way to the stage he sends me a death glare making me roll my eyes and follow to the backstage area. Just to mess with Chicago, I don’t sing, so he can only focus on the dance. Chloe cuts him off and tells him to actually start singing. Chicago turns his gaze on me. I roll my eyes but grab a mic. Luckily the voice changer does all the work, but I only sing for about thirty seconds. Chloe seems satisfied by the song and the voice, I sigh thankful for that because I really am not in the mood to sing the entire song more than I have to for him. As soon as I finish Chicago says something stupid then makes his way back to Chloe. This time when I put my headphones on and listen to the song I had been working on for Chloe, I make eye contact with her as I make my way out and see her being held closely in Chicago’s arms. I shake my head trying to keep my emotions in check and just as I’m at the door Chicago adds the final nail in the coffin of my feelings by kissing Chloe deeply and she kisses him back. I really hate this entire situation and just wish that the showcase would be here so I can finally be done with this nightmare. Hopefully once I finish this charade for Chicago my aunt will keep her word and leave me alone and give me the access to my bank account when I turn eighteen like she said. If anything I would be able to start playing my own music on my radio show and hope to get recognized by some other recording company if Chloe or her dad won’t sign me. I shake off that thought and just wish that tomorrow comes quickly. I’m still worried about the possibility of Stacie and Aubrey doing something to sabotage Chicago and I know I will get blamed by my aunt for it which means she will ruin Fat Amy’s life as well which I can’t let happen. Finger’s crossed that everything goes well and I can move on from all this drama. 

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

I can’t believe tonight is the showcase. Chicago and my aunt have been running around like crazy people, but I don’t really care. The only one I truly care about is in a relationship, so why try to make her love me instead? Stacie and Aubrey never got the chance to explain their idea, but it’s going to ruin Chicago’s performance and that cannot happen. I sigh as I try to find the perfect outfit. I need something that is cool and sexy at the same time. I still want Chloe to see me and what better way to dress in something she would love? Just as I’m changing into something I think Chloe would love, Chicago bursts in nervously. 

,,Have you ever heard of knocking?” I ask him annoyed. 

,,Ever heard of, I don’t care?” He asks back, not even taking time to say sorry for just bursting in. ,,How do I look?” I raise my eyebrows as I take a small step towards him.

,,You actually want my opinion?” 

,,God, I know. What’s wrong with me?” He sighs now. ,,You know how you’re a bitch and I act like I don’t care, but the truth is I’m sensitive and deep?” 

,,Actually -” I start, but Chicago isn’t finished yet. 

,,I need someone to talk to like a sister and you’re better than nothing.” He starts to play with his hands. ,,I’m nervous about tonight.” He confesses. ,,Oh, my God, why did I just tell you that?” 

,,I don’t know.” Chicago sits down now and I walk over to him. 

,,It’s like my whole body is freaking out. I’ve got hives on my butt.” My eyes widened at that confession. Not something I wanted to know. ,,I can’t tell my mom and I can’t talk to Chloe about it. She’ll say something like; ‘ Oh, one minute you’re talented and we’re connecting and the next minute you’re self-involved and histrionic ’. What does that even mean? I hate history.” 

,,She said that?” I ask, my voice sounding more happy than I intended to. Chicago stands up now. 

,,Listen, toadie, she’s not falling for you, she’s falling for me. I just don’t know who ‘me’ is anymore.” He says, crossing his arms. 

,,Why are you nervous? You are not really singing. All you have to do is stand there and look pretty.” 

,,Have you ever thought about how that makes me feel? You have talent. You could go on American Idol and forget about the rest of us. This is, like, my only chance. Pretty doesn’t last very long, just look at mom.” 

,,You think I’m talented?” 

,,If you tell anyone I said that, I’ll deny it.” He says and then turns around to leave again. 

,,You look great. Chloe will be impressed.” I say. 

,,Our act tonight better work Beca, because if I go down, you’re going down with me.” And then he leaves. 

Later that evening, my aunt, Chicago and I are arriving at Barden High for the showcase. Chicago and my aunt picked me up because they didn’t want me to flake or try anything. As we arrive, we don’t have to wait long before Luke appears in his limousine. Gail immediately smiles brightly as she shakes his hand, acting all friendly. 

,,Hello, Luke. So glad you could make it.” She says. 

,,My two A&R guys, Tom and Tom.” Luke introduces the two guys standing next to him. ,,Uh, did I miss your big line up?” 

,,No, you’re just in time.” I startle as I hear Chloe’s voice behind me. ,,And I know you’ll love the closing act. He’s amazing.” 

,,Well, I expect nothing less.” Luke says now and I can’t help to add in a sarcastic comment. 

,,Oh, yeah. Nothing and less are definitely two words I’d use to describe it.” I can feel my aunt’s eyes burning in me but I don’t care anymore. 

,,Why don’t I show you and the Tom’s to the VIP section.” Now she turns to me. ,,Beca, go help Chicago, please.” 

,,Okay.” I say and then walk past Chloe into the school. I go backstage to the sound board right away. The faster this is over, the faster my life can be normal again without lying to Chloe. I plug in my phone and search for the song as I see my aunt walking over to me. 

,,What was that back there?” She gets full in my face now. ,,This is your last chance to get it right. Unless you want to see Amy’s Juilliard dreams go bye-bye. Is that what you wanna be? A loud mouthed Australian girl’s dream crusher, huh? Do you?” 

,,No.” 

,,No? Then focus!” She says and then rushes away from me again. I roll my eyes and turn my attention back to finding the song, when I startle by two hands on my shoulders. I turn around to see Amy in front of me. 

,,Look, Ames, I -” She stops me right away. 

,,So, that’s why you’re doing what she wants. To protect me.” 

,,Ames.” I step forward and grab her hands. ,,You’re my best friend. Look, I’d do anything for you.” I put my arms around her neck and give her a hug. Together we watch the performances Chloe announces until it’s time for Chicago’s performance. I watch Chloe coming back on stage.

,,Okay, are you guys having a good time?” The crowd cheers. ,,Then let’s keep it going with Chicago Walp.” The excitement in Chloe’s voice makes me sad because even though it’s my song, Chloe is excited because of Chicago and not me. Chicago comes up from the side of the stage as I start the song. I wait for nine seconds before pointing at Chicago as a sign that he needs to start his lip syncing lie. Chicago turns around to the crowd.

Plug in the mic, open the curtain

Turn on the lights, I’m through rehearsing

The feeling ignites, I’m in control

The crowd’s in the palm of my hand, all my fans stand

What is the truth? 

What’s an illusion?

You’re searching for proof, but are you certain?

Whatever you see, is what you get

If words paint a picture

Then I bet you I can get you, yeah

I’ll make you believe in me

I can be what you want me to be

Tonight is the night, where I’ll make you see

That I can be anything, anything, anything

I dare to take a quick look over towards Chloe at the side of the stage, who is absolutely happy about the song and the way Chicago brings it. She has no idea that it’s actually my song. 

I’ll make you believe in me 

Then suddenly someone taps my left shoulder and when I look to my left, someone else grabs my phone out of my hand.

I can be what you want -

The vocals cut out but the music keeps playing thanks to the band. Stacie has pulled my phone out of the sound board. 

,,Give me back my phone!” I whisper-yell at her but she shakes her head. I look over at Chicago, who doesn’t know what to do. He tells the boo-ing crowd that his mic stopped working. Now my aunt comes rushing over to Stacie and tries to grab my phone from her, but she just throws it to the floor and breaks it. Great, now I have to buy another phone once more! 

,,How dare you sabotage Chicago’s performance!” She yells at Stacie before grabbing another mic from the audio guy. ,,It doesn’t matter, we’ll do it live.” I quickly adjust the audio source before my aunt pulls me backstage. The music stops completely as we get backstage and my aunt orders me to stay put. Okay, you got this Beca. Remember why you’re doing this. I say to myself and focus on the curtains. Out of the corner of my eye I see movement and when I look to my left, I see Chloe coming up to me. 

,,No, no, no. You gotta get out of here now.” 

,,You’re about to sing for Chicago.” Is the first thing she says. ,,Why are you about to sing for Chicago?” Shit, I’m so busted right now. I have to tell her the truth! I give up. 

,,Because he can’t sing.” Chloe looks at me surprised. 

,,The songs Chicago claimed were his, were they yours the whole time?” 

,,Yes, they were but can we talk about this later? Because right now, your boyfriend is about to not sing in front of a whole bunch of people. Please.” 

,,And on the dates? Was that you too?” I turn away from her and open the curtain slightly so only I can see Chicago. 

I got nothing to lose, I’ve been exposed

As I’m turning back to Chloe, I only see a smirk on her face before she walks away from me. 

Chloe’s point of view

I’m shocked to say the least to find out that Beca has been the one singing this entire time for Chicago, and to find out she was the one I was really talking to on our dates starts to cement my feelings towards her more. As I look over at Beca who has just given Chicago the signal to start singing again I make my way over to the video guy that is currently filming the stage. I grab the camera and make my way back to where Beca is singing behind the curtain. She looks at me, almost panicked when she realizes what I’m doing, I simply smile at her and signal for her to keep singing. Amy recognizes that Beca is on the screen and instead of keeping her hidden from everyone she starts to push her on stage. Chicago finally notices that Beca is now on stage with him and then he realizes that no one believes his lies any more but instead are cheering for Beca. 

He slinks away from the stage and goes back to hide with his mom who is staring in horror from the side of the stage. I look over at her and see that she is trying to get the phone to work again even after Stacie had broken it. Aubrey surprisingly walks up to Chicago’s mom and shocks her with the wires from the audio board. This sends her flying off backwards, then Aubrey messes with the audio board which turns off the audio changer that Beca had undoubtedly put in place before going to sing live for Chicago. Once this happens all my attention goes back to Beca and listening to her amazing voice. I’m mesmerized by how amazing she sounds. I mean I had heard her on the radio before but seeing her perform live is just an entirely new experience. 

I’m pissed at myself for not trusting my gut when it came to deciding if I should be with Beca or with Chicago. Especially after I found out everything that Chicago did to Beca and why she hated him so much. I also should’ve figured it out when she was caring for me after I got hurt around her house. I want so badly to go back in time and make the decision to choose Beca over Chicago like I wanted to in the beginning. Another thing that should have sent off my red flags to cut things off with Chicago was when I heard him talking about how being gay is one of the worst things a person can be. I will need to call things off with him before I can get with Beca. Hopefully she doesn’t hate me too much after everything and I will get a second chance to be with her, and this time I will do everything in my power to prove to her that I made the wrong choice and that she is really the one I want to be with. 

I’m captivated by her performance and just watch in awe at how great she is at everything that she does in terms of music. It’s amazing to see how passionate she is and I can’t wait to see what we can come up with in the future working together. I know she will be one of the first acts I will produce myself under my name and not my father’s, I can’t wait to see what is to come from that partnership. The song ends and everyone erupts into applause, and I’m brought back to reality. I feel a smile growing on my face and can’t help how proud and excited I am that Beca was able to show her voice and skills to everyone and be appreciated for it. I just hope I can get her to believe in herself and as much as I do with how amazing and talented she is.

Chapter Text

Beca’s point of view

I just finished the song after Amy pushed me on stage. I know I won’t get away with this since I saw my aunt's face, but right now I don’t really care. I smile at the crowd who are cheering for me, not really believing what is happening right now. Do they really love my song or is it just because something happened that they never thought would happen? I turn to Amy who’s standing next to Chloe, who is very happy. 

,,Sing something else.” Chloe yells at me, just as the crowd calls that they want more. My eyes widened, I mean, what song should I play? I have nothing prepared. 

,,Like what?” Chloe looks at Amy for a moment. 

,,The demo you snuck my dad. I heard it.” 

,,Yeah, do it!” Amy yells and I can also see smiles on Aubrey and Stacie’s face. I sigh but smile nonetheless. I get an earpiece from someone from the tech crew. Just as I’m placing it in my ear, the crowd cheers even louder. I turn around and see that Chloe has grabbed an electric guitar. She starts to play the melody perfectly and knowing that Chloe knows my song, gives me courage to sing.

There’s a little secret I would like to tell you

Amy joins me on stage for just a second, only to take off my jacket. I feel a little exposed but then remember that I chose this outfit to impress Chloe and she’s standing close to me now, so why not try? 

There’s a book of lies I know they’ll try to sell you

And they’ll try and they’ll try to convince you to buy

You need them

So the next time you’re down look inside, not around

The more I sing, the more I feel like I belong on this stage and knowing Amy and Chloe are here for me makes it even more special. I want to impress Chloe so badly that I’ll do anything she asks of me. 

I can bless myself

There’s no need for someone’s help

There’s no one to blame

There’s no one to save you but yourself

I grab an electric guitar myself and play with the melody too while I’m standing a little higher, close to the guy behind the drums. 

I can justify

All the mistakes in my life

It’s taught me to be

It’s given to me, and I’ll survive

‘Cause I have blessed myself

Now the dancers that have joined me on stage stand in front of me, gesturing for me to do a little stage dive, so I turn around and fall backwards. I feel their hands on my back and legs, supporting me so I won’t fall.

Do you ever wonder, how anything can make you cry?

Have yourself discovered…

That the pain you feel is the pain that you deny

They put me down on my feet again and I turn around just to see Chloe in front of me, very closely. I smile at her and grab her hand. 

You can bless yourself

There’s no need for someone else

There’s no one to blame

There’s no one to save you but yourself!

I turn away from Chloe because I want to see the reaction of the crowd but it doesn’t take long for me to find her again as I press my back against hers. 

I can justify, all the mistakes in my life

I turn to face her. 

It’s taught me to be, it’s given to me

And I’ll survive, ‘cause I have blessed myself

I wait until the melody ends before putting my fist into the air. I turn around and feel Amy’s arms around my neck. 

,,Oh, my God! You were so good.” She tells me and behind her I see Stacie and Aubrey smiling proudly at me. ,,Who are you? You’re like a freaking rock star.” I swallow as I see Chloe’s father whispering something in her ear. Did he like my performances? Nerves are coming into my body again, just when I enjoyed myself and I looked at Amy. ,,It’s probably going to be alright.” She tells me before walking away the moment Chloe comes over to me. 

,,Thank you everyone for coming to this showcase. This was our last act.” Chloe tells the crowd, before she pulls me outside. Where I completely freak out.

,,Oh, my God! What did I do?!” 

,,You were amazing up there.” 

,,Yeah, but Chicago will - He will - Oh, my God! My life is over!” 

,,Why are you saying that?” 

,,Because they told me to help him and now -” I feel my chest tighten . ,,Now I’m never going to get access to my bank account, my aunt will - she will - Oh, my God, why can’t I breathe?!” I have a feeling like someone is squeezing my throat and I feel nauseous. My heart is beating at a rapid rate and I feel dizzy. ,,I’m - I’m - I’m so dead. I shouldn’t have done that, I -” I groan in pain. ,,I’ve never done this to him before and now I’m - I’m -” 

,,Beca, calm - Okay, Beca you’re having a panic attack. It’s okay, I’ve got you. They won’t ruin your life.” Chloe steps closer to me. I don’t dare looking into her eyes. 

,,But what if my aunt decides to empty my bank account?” 

,,She can’t do that. Yes, she holds back your bank account now, but she can’t empty it because it’s yours. She can only empty it if you die.” 

,,But I -” My breath quickens now and I adjust myself from her. She’s trying to catch my eyes, but I turn my head. 

,,Okay, okay. Look at me.” She takes a hold of my hands now. ,,Your eyes only need to be on me.” What she’s trying to do isn’t working, because my breath keeps quickening and my throat feels squeezed even harder. Now her hands find the side of my cheeks. ,,Eyes forward, Beca. Eyes only on me.” She tells me and as I look into her eyes, she smiles. ,,Good. Now, breathe.” She tells me and starts to do some breathing exercises. Knowing I can’t look away or move, I follow her example and feel my breathing slowing again. ,,You’re doing great, you’re going to be fine.” Her soothing voice calms me down and slowly I’m back at a normal breathing speed. 

,,Sorry you had to see that.” I tell her once I’m back to myself. 

,,No need to apologize. This can happen.” She smiles at me. ,,Nothing to be ashamed of, babe.” My heart quickens for a good reason this time, hearing her nickname for me but then I’m reminded that she’s Chicago’s girlfriend and release her hands. ,,I’m sorry.” She apologizes, but I shake my head. 

,,You have nothing to be sorry for. I ruined his chances with you just a moment ago.” I look at her. ,,Shouldn’t you be inside with Chicago right now? You two are dating, right?” 

,,True but only because I thought I was in love with him. I was in love with the idea of him being the artist I was looking for. Now that I know it was you - well, I loved everything I just heard inside and wish I knew it was you sooner because I wouldn’t have wasted so much time with Chicago if I knew the truth.” 

,,I couldn’t ruin his chances. My aunt not only threatened me but also Amy. She’s my best friend, I can’t be the one who ruined her chances, which will probably happen right now since my aunt will be pissed at me.” 

,,I don’t care about your aunt.” She grabs my hand again. ,,I care about you and every time we spent time together I was hoping to get closer but you had your walls built up so high that I couldn’t get in. As you might know, I love to listen to your radio show and when I found out it was you, my feelings for you only grew.” My eyes widened at her confession right now. Wait, does that mean she loves me back? ,,I was only with Chicago because I thought he was the one who I was talking to during the dates.” 

,,You have feelings for me?” I ask, only remembering that small part of her sentence. Chloe smiles at me. 

,,Yes, I have for a long time now and I’m sorry for wasting so much time.” She places her hands on my cheeks and then slowly leans in. Her lips touch mine and it takes me a few seconds to actually wrap my head around what’s happening now. When I realize that this isn’t a dream and Chloe is actually kissing me. I start to move my lips with hers. Chloe runs her tongue along my bottom lip, asking for entrance. I immediately grant her entrance and our tongues start to move in perfect rhythm. We make out for a little while, until we need to catch our breaths. I lean my forehead against hers and look into her eyes while smiling. I take a small step back so I can fully look at her. 

,,I saw your father talk to you after the performance.” Chloe nods. ,,So, what did he say? Is he mad?” 

,,Yeah. He’s pretty ticked off that I’m not already making the next big album for Beale Records.” I look down disappointed. 

,,Oh. Which album?” 

,,Your album.” I look at her.

,,Are you kidding me?” 

,,No.” She smiles at me. 

,,You’re - you’re serious?” 

,,Uh-huh.” I can’t contain my excitement and pull her in for another kiss. 

,,Oh, my God!” We turn around hearing Amy’s excited voice. ,,I knew you two liked each other!” She squeals happily. ,,So, any news?” I look over at Chloe and she nods as she takes a hold of my hand. 

,,We’re making an album and we’re writing it together.” She tells Amy. Aubrey and Stacie appear next to her with huge smiles on their faces too. Amy cheers and then wraps me in a tight hug. 

,,Looks like you won and got your girl.” She tells me and I start blushing as I feel Chloe squeeze my hand. It looks like everything is going to be okay. And even though I’m worried about what my aunt will do to my bank account now, with Chloe by my side I can handle anything. 

Chapter Text

Chloe’s point of view

It’s been three weeks since I found out that Beca was actually the person I was talking to when I went on dates with Chicago, and worked on a song together and ultimately was the voice I was looking for since I came to this school before the showcase. Within that time we have already written, recorded and produced half of the songs for her new album and to say I’m excited over it would be an understatement. When I found out that even my father was impressed by what Beca did I knew then that I finally got what I had been trying to earn ever since he made me put on the showcase and it felt amazing. To make him proud of me was all I ever wanted and now with the album more than halfway done I know he’s going to be even more impressed. I asked him to come to the studio today so he could see what we have been working on and get his opinion on the songs. I’m relaxed and excited to show off our work but Beca on the other hand is freaking out. 

,,What if he hates it? I mean, you even told me he didn’t like the songs you wrote for 5 SOS and that album was amazing. What if he thinks it’s boring, or too much like everything else and tells us to start all over?” She says while pacing around the studio. I walk up to her and grab her hands to get her to stop pacing.

,,Hey, what matters the most to me is if you like what we have done with your songs. Yes, my father’s opinion matters but not as much as yours does to me, so do you like what we have done with your songs?”

,,I mean, yeah I love them, but what if that’s not enough? Like what if he says the lyrics are too simple and the beat we put them to sounds like everything else already on the radio. Or even worse, what if he says that my recorded vocals sound a lot worse than my live performance, then what are we going to do?” She’s starting to panic more so I pull her in for a hug and whisper in her ear. ,,Stop, your songs are amazing and so is your voice, you need to believe in yourself as much as I do. I mean, hell you even wrote a song about making someone believe in you, so please listen to your own lyrics.” She laughs in my embrace and hugs me back and I can feel her relaxing in my arms and I’m happy I was able to get her to calm down at least for the time being. We still have about twenty minutes until my father is due to meet us, I wanted to give us some extra private time to make sure Beca was relaxed and ready to show her music. If she was a nervous wreck the entire time my father would definitely not be impressed and instead would think she can’t do anything but sing live which is far from the truth. 

,,Okay, well do you think we need to add anything else to these songs before your father gets here?” She asks more calmly now. 

,,No, I think they are perfect the way they are and that if he can’t see that then he doesn’t share our vision which is perfectly okay? I promise you there will be people out there who love your music even if my father is closed minded. Remember we put a lot of work into this and I have so much confidence in you that this album will be a huge success.” I pull her in for a quick kiss to really get her to understand how much I believe in her. She kisses me back and we stay in that blissful space for about five minutes until I hear a knock on the door to the booth. I tell Beca to calm down and take some deep breaths while I go and get my father. 

,,Hi dad, I’m really excited to show you what we have been working on, and please try to play nice, she is already super nervous about your opinion.” I say while I walk us back to meet up with Beca. 

,,Oh please darling, when have I ever not played nice? Plus, if it’s anything like her performance that I saw then I’m sure there is nothing to worry about.” He says while we finish the short walk. Alright well here goes nothing, fingers crossed it goes better than my last album I showed him. I know he will like what we have so far, I just need to keep telling myself that in order to get through this afternoon.

Beca’s point of view

Chloe just brought her father in to listen to our song. I’m nervous as hell but with Chloe in the room I can achieve everything. Chloe’s father looks at me with a serious look on his face.

,,I have to be honest with you, Beca. I’m not happy that you lied about whose demo it was.” I look down at my hands, not really expecting this and by Chloe’s expression she’s not happy about his reaction either. ,,But I’m willing to give you a chance since Chloe hasn’t been able to stop talking about you.” I look up at him again, slightly surprised. ,,So, go on, impress me.” He tells me before he takes Chloe behind the recording booth. I take my place behind the mic and do the breathing exercise Chloe taught me to stay calm. Chloe looks at me through the glass, asking if I’m okay without really asking me. I give her a thumbs up and she starts the music. Right on time, I start to sing the first chorus. 

The full moon is shining like a spotlight

Yeah, I could just sit and listen to you talking all night

When you whisper, yeah baby, when you lean in

Yeah, I get a crazy, crazy good kind of feeling

It’s like Amen from the back of the choir

Sweet hum of freedom underneath the tires

Kicked back sitting by a cracking fire

Strumming them guitar strings

Like an old song on the radio

That you grew up to and everybody knows

Pushing through the water when the river rose

Winding wild and free

Baby, you sound good to me

Baby, you sound so good to me

Mm-m-mm like a melody

Baby, you sound good to me

,,I’ve heard enough.” Chloe’s father tells me and stops the music. I swallow hard, just as Chloe crosses her arms and looks at her father. My heart races with an enormous speed, not because of how good Chloe looks right now, but because I feel like I’m going to faint any second. He stopped the song so fast, that he must think it’s bad, right? Maybe he thinks it’s a good song but better if Chloe sings it? Okay, don’t freak out now. I tell myself as I wait for an explanation. 

,,Dad, please be nice.” Chloe warns him and he just waves her off.

,,Don’t worry, Chlobear.” He tells her and then looks at me. ,,I can recognize talent when I see it and you have something there, Beca. Chloe was right about you, you are the next big thing and I can’t wait to see what else you can come up with.” Now he turns to Chloe. ,,Good job.” I watch him leave the recording booth before I allow myself to breathe. Chloe rushes over to me and wraps her arms around my neck. 

,,See, I told you not to worry. He really liked you, Becs.” She tells me proudly. 

,,I was so scared when he stopped the song.” I say. ,,I thought he was going to send me away.” 

,,Not going to happen,” She immediately says. ,,I won’t let anyone take you away from me, not now I just got you. I love you and we are going to do great things together.” 

,,I love you too and I can’t believe that you’re really my girlfriend now.” Chloe smirks and kisses me quickly before looking into my eyes.

,,Well, do you believe it now?” I don’t say anything, just smile at her before kissing her again. 

THE END