And then it was you

Chloe was happy. Her favourite holiday was around the corner and she was thrilled about it. It would be her first Christmas with Beca and she wanted it to be perfect. That's why she decided to do an early Christmas shopping this year. She called Emily who was happy to tag along. They were the 'outsiders' so they understood each other. 

"Where are you spending Christmas day?" Emily asked while looking around the music store.

"Well, probably with my parents" Chloe took what she was looking for. "Chicago is taking Jake to Atlanta with his parents and Aimee" 

"Oh! Do they know already?" Emily asked remembering what Chloe told her about them. Chloe shook her head and chuckled.

"I'm a little worried about Aimee though" Emily nodded. "Hope Chicago's mom behaves. Aimee is a good girl for him" Chloe paid for Beca's gift. "What about you?"

"Well, I'm taking Stacie with me to meet my parents" Chloe smiled happily to the younger woman. "She is terrified" Emily chuckled. "We would probably stay there until new year. She's never been to Michigan so I want to show her around" Emily smiled. "Are you taking Beca to your parents' house?"

"I don't know. I guessed she would spend Christmas with Jesse and Aubrey" Emily shook her head no.

"She is not. Aubrey and Jesse are going to North Virginia" They walked outside the shop and Chloe texted Aubrey saying that she got Beca's present. "They usually spend Christmas with Aubrey's family, at least that's what Stacie told me"

"What about Beca then? Does she go to her father's house?" Emily shrugged. "Well, if she is not doing anything I would ask her to come with me." Emily smiled at her.

"I think that would be great" Chloe drove them to Emily's house and left her there. She knew Beca wasn't home so she drove back to her house. She thought about asking Beca to have Christmas with her family. Was it too soon? She dialed her mom's phone number. She first needed to know if her mother would be ok with it. 

"Hello?"

"Mom? Hi, it's me" Chloe smiled.

"Oh dear, how are you? how's my little angel?" Chloe chuckled.

"We are fine. He is out with Chicago and Aimee" She had told her mother about everything. Her mother also told her she knew she lied to her about meeting Aubrey at the park. It seemed she had a talk with the blonde and she spilled everything. 

"Good, good. How's Beca?" Chloe smiled at the phone. Her mother was the most amazing woman in the planet. She accepted everything. She would always say 'Love is love, doesn't matter in what shape'. 

"She is good. She is out with Aubrey and Stacie today" She waited and then asked. She knew her mother wouldn't mind but still, she would need to ask. She didn't know if there was someone else coming. "Hey mom? Would you mind if I bring Beca with me for Christmas?"

"Of course! The more the merrier honey. You know she is always welcome here" Chloe smiled gratefuly. 

"Thanks mom"

"No thanks needed. Did you need something else?" 

"Well, are you and dad ok?" She smiled when she heard her mother chuckling.

"Yes, we are fine dear."

"Good! Then I'll see you in a few days so you can see Jake before he goes to Atlanta with Chicago"

"Yes please"

"Bye mom, Love you" She smiled.

"Love you too Chloe"

She hung up the phone and started making lunch for Jake and herself. She knew Chicago would drop him off before lunch. She tought about Beca in her house, with her parents as her...well, girlfriend? She chuckled to herself. That woman surely made her feel like a teenager. Just as she was finishing cooking someone knocked at her door. She opened and saw Chicago and Aimee with Jake in Chicago's arms. She smiled at them and let them inside.

"Did you order a handsome boy for your lunch Miss Beale?" Chicago said smiling and Jake laughed. 

"Oh yes thank you! What a fast delivery service you have" They laughed listening to Jake's giggles. Chloe picked him up and hugged him. "Did you have fun with daddy?" Jake nodded.

"Yes! And Aimee taught me how to hit the ball with my bat" Aimee chuckled.

"Wow! That sounds awesome" Jake nodded and Chloe put him on the floor. He ran to the TV. "He adores you Aimee" Aimee smiled fondly.

"It's mutual. You two made a wonderful kid" Chicago and Chloe smiled at each other. 

"Well, are you all ready for Atlanta?" Chicago put her hand in his neck.

"Yeah I think so...are you ready for a very possible phone call from my parents?" Chloe chuckled and nodded.

"Totes ready" Chloe smiled at Chicago. "Everything will be alright. I promise I'll be good when they call me" Chicago laughed and nodded. 

"Thanks, I sure won't need more drama" Chloe's phone rang and she excused herself.

"Hello? Beca?" She heard the other woman's breathing fast and frantic. "Are you ok?"

"Chloe..." She could hear Beca trying to control herself to speak. "Brooke..." She couldn't finish her sentence and started sobbing.

"Beca, Beca! What happened with Brooke?" She didn't notice her voice raising. Chicago and Aimee looked worriedly at her.

"She is missing" Chloe froze and looked at them. "We are going to the park now to look for her".

"Beca...I'm on my way" She heard the other woman's sobs.

"Ok" Beca hung up and Chloe looked at Chicago and then to Jake who was watching TV.

"Brooke is missing...we've got to find her" Chicago got up and nodded.

"Aimee...do you mind to stay and keep an eye on Jake?" Chicago asked her and she nodded.

"Of course, you go" They both got their coats and run out the door. 

Beca was trying her best to control herself. She broke down when she heard Chloe's voice but she needed to shake it off and focus. Stacie drove them to the park where Jesse was with her. Aubrey arrived a few minutes before them in her own car. They didn't want her to drive in her state but she wouldn't listen. There were police officers with dogs looking everywhere. Beca spotted Jesse and Aubrey and ran to them with Stacie behind. 

"We are covering all the places you told us you were with her Sir." The officer said. "We need you to keep calm and let us work"

"My daughter is missing! I can't be calm" Jesse snapped. He was a mess. You could see his eyes full of tears. Aubrey hugged him and they both cried together. The officer left them alone and Beca could hear Jesse talking to Aubrey. "I'm so sorry...I promise you, she was playing and then I looked at my phone for a second and she was gone...I'm so sorry Bree...this is all my fault.." Aubrey was crying and didn't let go of Jesse.

"We'll find her. It's not your fault" Aubrey said.

Beca couldn't stay there just waiting for Brooke to show up or for the police to find her. She ran off and started to look everywhere. She searched in every place she knew she's been with Brooke. Nothing. No sign of her. She went back to where Stacie was and asked if they knew anything. Stacie shook her head no. Stacie was numb. She wouldn't leave Aubrey's side. Emily arrived at some point and was holding Stacie in place. It was then that she felt two arms around her. She didn't need to turn around to know it was Chloe. She hold her like it was the only thing keeping her in one piece. 

"Chicago is helping the police to find her. Don't worry. We'll find her" Chloe said next to her ear. Beca let herself break in Chloe's arms. "They said that Jesse was quick to call them and that was a good thing." Beca felt Chloe's hands up and down her back.

"We got something!" One of the police officers screamed. They all looked and saw Brooke's coat in the woman's hands. Aubrey and Jesse got closer. "Is this hers?" They nodded and Aubrey fell to the ground crying. 

Beca looked horrified to Chloe. She didn't want to think the worst of the situation. Chloe looked at her with tears in her own eyes and hugged her again. 

An hour passed without them noticing. Chloe was helping Beca to look around one more time. They've been looking for Brooke for 2 whole hours now and only the little girl's coat was found. Chloe was scared. What it something bad happened? She didn't want to think about it. She thought about Jake and shook her head. Chloe looked at Aubrey, she wouldn't even dare to think what she must be feeling. And Jesse? He was even worst. He couldn't stop blaming himself.

"Brooke?!" Chloe looked up and saw Stacie screaming looking at the end of the park. Everyone looked and saw Chicago who was carrying the little blonde girl in his arms. Aubrey and Jesse ran to them and he let her on the ground. She as well ran to her parents. Chloe looked at Beca who was kneeling on the ground sobbing and she kneeled down next to her and hold her. 

"She is alright. She is alright" Chloe said crying herself and holding Beca.

"I thought...someone.." Chloe shushed her.

"I know" She hugged her even tighter. "But she is here, she is fine"

Aubrey and Jesse hugged the little girl who was crying. "She was crying and hiding on one of the trees" Chicago said with a smile on his face. "She is alright"

Jesse got up and hugged Chicago. "Thank you" He hugged him back. 

One of the police officers got closer to them. "Can we ask her a few questions?" Jesse nodded. "What happened Brooke?" The officer asked the little girl who was on Aubrey's arms.

"I...went to...p..play with a fr..friend" Aubrey kissed her forehead. She also was still crying. 

"And then what happened?" The officer asked again.

"I got lost..." She said and started to cry again.

"Why were you hiding?" She looked at the officer and then to her mother who was looking back at her and nodded.

"Because...I saw the police..and..and..I thought I...I was in trouble for running away..." The officer smiled and nodded.

"Oh Brooke" Her mother hugged her. Jesse got closer and hugged them together. 

"Thank you for everything officers" Chicago said and gave them his hand. 

"You were the one who found her" Chicago smiled. "We'll go on our way" He looked at Brooke and pointed a finger at her. "No more running away little lady" She looked scared and nodded. 

Chloe and Beca got closer and Beca ran to Chicago and hugged him. Chloe looked at Chicago and saw him smiling at her. "Thank you so much for finding her" Chicago nodded at Beca.

"We will talk about you running away later" Jesse said to Brooke who nodded with her head low.

Beca felt exhausted. Too many emotions in too little time. Chloe drove them to her house after asking Chicaco to stay with Jake today and here they where now, laying in bed. Chloe was holding her. She was grateful to have her there with her. The thought of something bad happening to Brooke consumed her. Jesse and Aubrey went back to their place. Beca knew they would have a chat with the little girl about what had happened, but for now they were just happy that she was alright. She knew Stacie and Emily were outside in the living room but she just wanted to be where she was. In bed with Chloe's arms around her. 

"How are you feeling?" Chloe asked sweetly.

"I'm fine...still shocked...but fine"  She looked up and saw bright blue eyes looking back at her. "I was really scared Chlo.." 

"I know...I was scared too" Chloe smiled sadly to Beca. "I'm just glad that everything ended up being just a little scare"

"Me too" Chloe kissed Beca's forehead.

"You should try to sleep a little. Your body would thank you for the rest" Beca nodded and let herself dozed off in Chloe's arms.

She woke up a few hours later and she was indeed feeling better. The images of what happened were still in her head and they would probably stay there for a long time. But she felt better. She looked around and saw Chloe sitting in her chair with her laptop on top of her. Chloe must've noticed her eyes on her because she looked up and smiled at Beca. 

"Hey you. Are you feeling better?" Beca nodded and Chloe sat next to her in the bed. "I texted Aubrey." Beca looked at her. "She said they're fine. Jesse not so much but he'll get there" Beca nodded. She knew her brother would blame himself. He always did. Every single time that something happened to Beca when he was supposed to take care of her, he would take the blame. Didn't matter if it was Beca's fault for touching something she shouldn't have. He would always take the blame. She knew she would need to talk to his brother. Even more now that there was another baby coming. 'Oh shit' She thought to herself. What if something happened to the baby because of the stress Aubrey had. She needed to talk to Aubrey.

"Can you pass me my phone?" Chloe nodded and gave Beca her phone and typed.

To Bree: Are you ok? I mean, are you both ok?

She hoped Aubrey understood what she meant. Chloe was looking at her. 

From Bree: Yes, we are. I called the doctor to tell him and he said we are fine.

To Bree: Thank God. Try and have some rest today.

From Bree: Will do. Thanks Beca.

Beca left her phone on top of the bed and looked at Chloe. "What were you doing with my laptop?" Chloe looked to the laptop and back to Beca and blushed. 

"I was listening to your mixes...I hope you don't mind" Beca looked at her. "I promise it was only the Thanksgiving folder." Beca nodded and smiled.

"You've heard those already" She got up and took the laptop and sat next to Chloe again. "Here, these ones are new" She pressed play and let the music filled the room. She saw how Chloe's eyes lighted up. 

"You made a mix with the songs we sang at the Academy" Beca nodded smiling. "It's perfect Beca"

Beca showed her a few more songs. Mostly mixes of songs that already existed and a few new ones that were all Beca's.

"What are you doing for Christmas?" Chloe asked her.

"Nothing. I'd probably stay here and watch Christmas movies" Beca chuckled.

"You're not." Chloe smiled at her."You're coming with me to my parents' house" Beca looked at Chloe and frowned.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Chloe nodded smiling.

"I already asked my mother if it was ok" Beca thought about it for a moment and then smiled at Chloe.

"Ok. I'll go with you" Then her eyes widen in shocked. "Shit" Chloe slapped her arm. "Ouch! What was that for?"

"Your use of bad words" Chloe smiled proudly and Beca rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, I have to finish my shopping and I have to buy something for your parents now" Chloe looked surprised at Beca. "What? I can't go empty handed" Chloe smiled softly at her. "What do your parents like?" Chloe's smile grew.

"They like that you make me happy" Beca chuckled and rolled her eyes. 

"For real Red"

"That is for real though." Chloe chuckled. "But...I guess you could buy them a bottle of wine?" Beca thought that Chloe didn't look so sure. "Or...well..let me think about it" Beca chuckled and nodded.

They didn't leave the bed until the next day. They ordered food and ate inside Beca's room. They didn't hear anything during the whole time they were there so they thought that Stacie and Emily left to Emily's. Beca felt better already and big part of that was because Chloe didn't let her be alone with her thoughts.

Christmas Eve arrived and Chloe couldn't be more excited. She was sad because her little boy wouldn't be with her for the first time but she was happy to have Beca with her tonight. After the incident with Brooke, they all have been more careful with Jake and Brooke. Chloe found that Aubrey was pregnant again because Beca talks when she is sleeping. And when she asked her about it the next day Beca couldn't help the grin that appeared on her face. Beca was good at so many things but keeping a secret was not one of them. Beca talked to her brother and after that it seemed he was a little better. He was having a hard time with well, blaming himself for what happened with Brooke. Beca told her Aubrey was planning on telling the news to Jesse tonight, so one more thing to be excited about. She was about to take her car keys to pick up Beca when someone knocked at her door. She opened the door to find Beca there with two big bags.

"What are doing here? I told you I would pick you up" Beca went inside the house and Chloe gave her a chaste kiss.

"I'm happy to see you too" Beca grinned at Chloe who rolled her eyes at the woman. 

"What do you have there?" Chloe helped Beca with the bags so Beca could take off her coat.

"Presents" Beca took off her coat and Chloe stood there gaping at her. Beca was wearing a black and white dress. "I'm Miss Noelle" Chloe looked back up at Beca who was also wearing a Christmas hat and laughed.

"Becs, you didn't have to buy anything" Beca shrugged.

"Everything is mostly for Jake anyway" Chloe laughed at Beca's guilty face.

"Well, take everything you need because we have to go" Chloe smiled and Beca took one of the bags.

Chloe took her own things and got into her car with Beca. They drove to Chloe's parents house and Beca stopped her Chloe from opening the door of the car. "Are you sure it's alright that I'm here?" Chloe smiled and nodded.

"Totes sure Becs" Beca seemed to relax. "They wanted you here" Beca nodded. "Come on" They got off the car and Chloe knocked on the door. 

"My dears! you're here" Chloe's mom opened the door. "Oh Beca! It's so nice to see you again" She hugged Beca who looked at Chloe smiling at her.

"Nice to see you too Miss Beale" 

"I told you to call me Denisse" She scolded Beca who nodded and chuckled. Chloe's mom let them inside and went to the kitchen.

"Hello to you too mom" Chloe called after her mother and Beca laughed.

They walked inside and the table was ready for dinner. There were only four plates on the table and Chloe frowned. Was no one coming? Chloe looked at her mother who gave her a sad smile. 

"People have their own lives now dear" Beca looked between Chloe and her mom confused.

"You'll always have me" Chloe said to her mother and hugged her. Chloe's mom smiled and patted her back.

"I know" She pulled away. "Now now, Beca! How have you been?" Chloe looked at how Beca's cheeks turned pink and smiled.

"Uh..good good. Thank you for inviting me tonight" Chloe looked at her mom smiling at Beca. That woman knew even before her that Beca was her soulmate.

"Of course, you're part of the family now for what I've heard" Beca's face was completely red by then and Chloe laughed.

"She is" Chloe smiled sweetly at her and Beca returned the smile.

"Good, now Chloe dear could you go and look for your father?" Chloe nodded and went outside the patio. Her father was sitting in one of the chairs outside smoking a cigar. It was his tradition, he would always smoke a cigar at Christmas Eve, Chloe hated the smell.

"Dad" Chloe smiled to her father who looked at her.

"Hello sunshine" He hugged her. He would always be out here with his brother and some of Chloe's cousins. "Is Beca here with you?" Chloe nodded and smiled. 

"Be good with her" Chloe warned him with a smile. "She is already embarrased" He laughed and shook her head.

"I can't promise you anything" He hugged Chloe tightly and kiss her head. "Your mom already gave me the same talk" They laughed together and went inside. Chloe looked how Beca gulped at the sight of her dad.

"Afternoon Mr Beale" Chloe couldn't help the chuckled. Beca was extremely cute when she was flustered.

"So you're the woman who's been dating my daughter" Chloe looked at her father and saw him with a frown. She knew her father wouldn't hold it enough without laughing.

"James..." Chloe's mother shook her head laughing. Chloe looked at Beca and she didn't know what to do.

"Emm...yes? I think..." Chloe nudged her father and he laughed. Chloe rolled her eyes and looked at Beca.

"See Denisse? I told you I could still be scary" He laughed and got closer to Beca to hug her.

"Whatever makes you happy darling" Chloe's mom said. She looked at her father engulfing Beca in one of his bear hugs.

"You should have seen Chicago's face the first time he came here" Chloe's father said and Chloe chuckled at the memory.

"James! There's no need to make Beca feel uncomfortable" Beca looked at Chloe's mom and smiled.

"Don't worry Denisse, Chicago and I are actually kind of friends now" Denisse looked at her daugher and smiled sweetly. "I owe him big time"

"Chicago was the one who found Brooke when she went missing" Chloe explained and her parents nodded.

"Well Denisse! I am starving!" Chloe's dad said and sat in one of the chairs. Beca laughed and helped Denisse with everything.

For the first time in a long long time, Beca felt like she was a part of a family. The Beales were loving and kind. They made Beca feel welcome in their home and in their lives. They ate what Beca could only describe as a feast and sat near the tree drinking eggnog. After Beca's mom died, she didn't like to celebrate Christmas. She would do it for Jesse. He like Chloe was a sucker for Christmas time. Their father wouldn't care about what they did anyway so it was always the both of them. But now for the first time she was really enjoying it. 

"What about a song?" Denisse asked looking at Chloe.

"Sure. Becs?" Beca saw Chloe looking at her. "Sing with me?" Beca chuckled and nodded.

They sang a few Christmas songs and Denisse was surprised to know that Beca could sing too. James joined them singing and Beca couldn't help but laughed. They were singing when Chloe's phone rang.

"Hello?" Beca knew Chloe would have a not so nice call that night. "Yes, it is true" Beca saw Denisse rolling her eyes and James chuckling. Beca thought he had too many eggnog glasses. "Sorry to hear that....That's your opinion...." Beca saw Chloe rolling her eyes at the woman on the phone. "yes....I really don't know how you could raised such a wonderful man when you're...." Chloe looked at Beca who shook her head no. "well.. you" Beca sighed relieved. "Goodbye". She hung up. "My goodness that woman is the evil itself" James laughed loudly and the three women looked at them.

"James dear...I think it's time we go to bed" Denisse said smiling at them. They both left and Chloe sat on the couch.

"Are you ok?" Beca asked sitting next to her.

"Yes, I just, it's not fair the power she has over him." Chloe smiled sadly at her. "I hope he stands up soon enough" Beca nodded.

"Well, what about you and I get to bed as well? It's late and Santa won't come if you're awake" Chloe chuckled and kissed Beca. 

"Let's go" Chloe took Beca's hand and went upstairs to her old room.

"And here I thought yours were the best pancakes I've had" Beca said eating her breakfast. Chloe thought that it was like looking at Jake. "Sorry Chlo...your mom's win" Chloe laughed and ate.

"That's fine, next time you want pancakes you can ask my mom" Chloe winked at Beca and Denisse laughed.

"That's just mean Beale" Beca said laughing.

They finished their breakfast and like the night before, they sat around the tree. James moved his hand to take one of the presents and Chloe slapped his hand. "Wait" She took her phone and videocalled Chicago. 

"Hello family! Merry Christmas!" Chicago said smiling. "Hey Jaky look" He gave the phone to Jake who put it in his ear. 

"Jake sweety! Look at the phone" He did and Chloe smiled bashfully at him. "Merry Christmas"

"Merry Christmas mommy" He smiled.

"Look who's here with me" Chloe moved her phone so everyone was inside the screen. 

"Merry Christmas bug" Beca said and he grinned. "I think Santa left something for you at my house" She winked at him.

"My dear boy! Merry Christmas" Chloe's mom said smiling. 

"Merry Christmas everybody" They laughed. "Mommy Santa brought me a bike" 

"Did he now?" She smiled at him nodding. He gave Chicago the phone back. "He doesn't want to talk anymore" Chloe laughed.

"He wants to go out with his new bike" Chicago chuckled.

"Take pictures and send them to me" Chicago nodded and smiled. "See you soon"

"See you soon! Love you mommy!" Chloe melted.

"Love you too sweetie" They hung up and Chloe saw Beca looking at her with she dared to say...love in her eyes.

"I'll start! There you go Beca" Denisse gave Beca a little present. Beca was surprised.

"You didn't have to" She opened the gift and saw a little picture framed. It was the same photo she saw that day in Jake's room. The one with her and the two kids. She smiled fondly. "Thank you so much! I love it" Denisse smiled and winked at Chloe. Beca looked inside the bag and gave Denisse a little envelope. "This is for you both" 

Chloe looked curiously. She didn't know what Beca decided to get for her parents after all. Denisse looked at Beca and smiled. She opened the envelope and saw two tickets.

"Chicago told me that you wanted to see the musical before but you never got tickets" Beca said smiling. Chloe looked at the tickets for the Phantom of the Opera. 

"Oh Beca" Denisse got up and hugged her. "Thank you so much"

"Well..now my present is going to be lame" Chloe said laughing. She gave her present to her parents. It was a new coffee machine for the kitchen.

"Thank you Chloe" James said smiling at her daughter.

"This is for you Becs" Chloe gave Beca her present. Beca opened it slowly. Chloe saw the way Beca's eyes lighted up. 

"Oh my! You shouldn't have Chlo..." Chloe smiled sweetly at the woman who was trying on her new headphones. "This is too expensive..." Chloe shook her head no. Beca looked at them and saw that in the sides were her initials. B.M. "it's amazing Chlo, I love it"

"I'm glad you like them" Beca shook her head.

"Love them!" She laughed and took her present for Chloe. "Here" She gave it to her. "Before you opened it...Let me tell you that this was a huge risk that I was willing to take in case you didn't want it" Chloe frowned at Beca.

Chloe opened the little box and saw a  red dog collar. "Beca...." 

"He is waiting for you back home" Chloe looked confused to Beca.

"Beca...did you get me a dog?" Chloe was shocked. She didn't expect that. At all. 

"Yeah? I know it was a bold move...but I thought because you love animals...and you always stop to say hi when you see one" Chloe saw Beca rambling on and jumped into her arms.

"Thank you so much" Beca chuckled. "I can't wait to meet him"

"You'll need to wait a few more weeks to have him though. He needs to be with his mom for a little longer" Chloe nodded and kissed Beca's cheek. 

"Jake is gonna be so happy" Chloe smiled at Beca.

They spent the rest of the day with Chloe's parents. Beca was one of them already and Chloe wouldn't have it any other way now. She loved how everything turned out to be. She loved that her parents were ok with it. She loved that Chicago was happy with another woman. But most of all, she knew she was in love with Beca Mitchell.