Feels like home
Beca was getting everything ready for her class. She was nervous. This was a huge deal for her. It would change everything and she wasn’t sure she was ready for that. Everything was going perfectly right in her life. She had people who loved her. Her business was an amazing success and she even got a few more teachers to work for her. But she couldn’t help the feeling inside her. The feeling someone gets when you’re about to make your dreams come true.
A week ago.
“Stacie, come on. I’ve waited enough. Can you fucking tell me?” Chloe shot her a look and Beca rolled her eyes. “Please”
“Whipped.” Stacie said laughing.
“You two are like children” Chloe got up from the couch and pointed to both of them. “Emily please can you end this?” Emily nodded and sighed.
“It would be my pleasure” She sat next to Beca. “Ok, so…Do you know who Fat Amy is?” Beca nodded.
“Of course I do. Anyone who claims to know something about music knows her.” Chloe chuckled a bit.
“Well, she is my cousin’s wife” Beca’s eyes opened in surprise.
“What?” Beca looked at Stacie who nodded smirking to her friend.
“Yeah, when we went to visit my folks, my cousin brought her with him” She shrugged. “I mean, we didn’t even know that he had a girlfriend and he just showed up with her”
“You should have seen her face” Stacie laughed loudly. “She was so starstruck that she couldn’t talk” She pointed to Emily. “This one. Not talking”
“Whatever, the thing is that when they arrived I was showing my parents a video of our performance at the contest” Beca nodded. “And well, let’s say she is coming here to meet you”
Beca was silent. She looked from Emily to Stacie and from Stacie to Chloe. She was in shock. She couldn’t believe that THE Fat Amy wanted to meet her.
“But…why?” Beca finally said.
“Dude! She wants to hire you” Stacie screamed and Emily nodded.
“Hire me?” Beca looked at Chloe who was grinning at her. “What for?”
“My goodness, you’re so dense sometimes” Stacie rolled her eyes laughing.
“She said that she had never heard a voice like yours” Emily said smiling. “She wants to offer you a record deal”
Present.
Beca heard a knock on the door and saw Chloe there. She sighed and smiled at her.
“What are you doing here?” Beca got closer to Chloe and gave her a sweet kiss. “I thought I was meeting you tonight at yours?”
“Yeah, you are. But I wanted to come here first and check on you” Chloe hugged Beca and didn’t let go. “I know you’re nervous, but you’re amazing Becs” She looked into Beca’s eyes. “You have nothing to be afraid of”
“You’re just saying that cause…you know…” Chloe smiled softly at her.
“I’m not. I’m saying it because it’s true” She kissed Beca’s lips. “Just be yourself and everything will be alright” Beca let her head fall into Chloe’s shoulder.
“Thank you Chlo” Chloe smiled. “I don’t know what I’d do without you” Beca took a step back and smiled at the woman. “I lo…”
“Hey there! You must be the one I’m looking for” A blonde woman interrupted them. “I’m Fat Amy”
Beca looked at Chloe who was a little bit taken aback and then to Amy. “Oh. Nice to meet you Amy, I’m Beca” She shook the woman’s hand. “And this is Chloe”
Emily ran inside the class with a man behind her. “Sorry Beca, couldn’t give you a heads up” Emily said apologizing.
“That’s ok” Beca looked at Chloe who hadn’t move. “Chlo?” Chloe looked back at her.
“Yeah, em…I have to go pick up Jake” She kissed Beca on the cheek. “Good luck” She opened the door and left. Beca was too nervous to worry about the change in Chloe’s behaviour.
“I’m Bumper” The man said. “I’m Emily’s cousin and Amy’s husband.” He shook Beca’s hand and Beca nodded.
“So, Emily here showed me your skills” Amy said smiling and pointing to Emily. “She said you wrote the song too?” Beca nodded. “Can you sing now?”
“Like right now?” Beca said and Amy nodded. “I guess? Legacy can you give me my guitar?” Emily did as told. “Thanks. You can join me if you want” Beca said smiling at Emily. She started playing the chords.
I thought that I've been hurt before
But no one's ever left me quite this sore
Your words cut deeper than a knife
Now I need someone to breathe me back to life
Got a feeling that I'm going under
Beca looked at Emily and nodded to her. Amy was looking at them intensely. Emily sang with her in perfect harmony.
But I know that I'll make it out alive
If I quit calling you my lover
Move on
You watch me bleed until I can't breathe
I'm shaking falling onto my knees
And now that I'm without your kisses
I'll be needing stitches
I'm tripping over myself
Aching begging you to come help
And now that I'm without your kisses
I'll be needing stitches
Beca kept playing and let Emily sang the next part. She was smiling brightly.
Just like a moth drawn to a flame
Oh you lured me in I couldn't sense the pain
Your bitter heart cold to the touch
Now I'm gonna reap what I sow
I'm left seeing red on my own
Got a feeling that I'm going under
But I know that I'll make it out…
Beca stopped playing and chuckled at Emily who was grinning at her. She looked at Amy and Bumper and saw them talking to each other.
“I’ve changed my mind” Amy said. “I thought I wanted you in my company” Beca sighed and looked at the floor. She thought they nailed it. “I want you both” Beca and Emily looked at each other with surprise.
“You want us to work for you?” Beca said in shock.
“That’s what I’m saying. I will like to produce an album for each of you. If that’s what you want, that’s it” Amy got up and took Bumper’s hand. “Think about it and let me know. Long legs here has my number” Amy winked at them and left with Bumper who gave them his thumb up.
Beca and Emily stood there looking at each other for a few seconds until Emily hugged Beca and lifted her from the floor. Beca was so happy she didn’t even care what was happening.
“Can you believe it?” Emily said putting Beca back on the floor. “She wants to hire both of us” Emily said grinning.
“Yeah dude. It’s great. We need to tell the girls” Beca said smiling and then stopped. “Wait” Emily looked at Beca. “Do you know where her record label is?”
“I think she has more than one actually” Emily said shrugging.
“I can’t leave NY” Beca started freaking out.
“Beca! Breathe” Emily put her hands in Beca’s shoulder and stopped her. “Look, let’s go one step at the time ok?” She waited for Beca’s nod. “And then even if you have to go, it would be only for a few months right?”
Beca’s thought started filling her head. She understood what it meant to make an album. She would never be at home. She would have to go everywhere to promote her album and then a tour. She didn’t realize she was crying until she felt Emily’s arms around her.
“Beca, we haven’t answered her yet” Emily said. “You can always say no” Beca looked at Emily and breathe.
“I just…It got too real too soon” Beca said trying to smile.
“Look, now you just need to forget about it ok? Focus on the class” Beca nodded and wiped her tears away.
They talked a bit more until Beca was herself again. She then showed Emily a few demos she’s been working on until the other students arrived. The class went smoothly like always. Beca loved her students. They were as passionate as her and that was a huge motivation for her. They wanted to write another original song for their next competition and Beca allowed it.
Everyone left except for Emily who was waiting for Beca to pick up her stuff. They left together and Beca dropped her off at Stacie’s.
“Thank you for today” Beca said. “Do you know what you’re going to do?” Emily was already outside of the car.
“I already said yes” Emily said with a weird smile. “I texted her before our class” Beca chuckled.
“I still need to think about it” Emily nodded. “I will tell you as soon as I can”
“No rush Beca” They smiled at each other. “Now go home to Chloe” She winked at her and Beca nodded smiling.
She drove to Chloe’s house but when she arrived she didn’t knock. She waited at the door and took a breath. She sat down on the little step in front of the door and put her hands in her head. She had to make a decision but she wanted to do it before going inside. She didn’t want to let Chloe believe it was because of her. She would be lying if she said Chloe was big part of saying no to Amy but it wasn’t just because of that. She wouldn’t stand to be away of her people.
When she was younger she daydreamed about being a famous singer. For the longest time she wanted that to happen but as she got older she understood that it wasn’t happening. It didn’t mean she got to let music go. She would never do that. Her music was her air. She needed music to live. She learnt how to make mixes and how to write music, and even if it wasn’t singing in front of an audience, she felt complete. And now that her life had changed for the better, she couldn’t let that go. She got up and knocked on Chloe’s door. She heard Pancake barking inside and chuckled. Chloe opened the door with a smile on her face and Beca stood there looking at her with pure love in her eyes. She felt Pancake on her feet and picked him up.
“Hey buddy, are you having fun with Jake?” Pancake couldn’t stop moving his tail and licking Beca’s face. She went inside the house and let him on the floor. “Where’s Jake?” Beca said to Chloe who crossed her arms in her chest. “What?”
“Really? First Pancake, then Jake…and nothing for me?” Chloe pouted and Beca chuckled. She got closer to Chloe and held her by the waist. “Are you trying to be charming now Mitchell?”
“Not trying. I’m always charming” Beca winked and Chloe scoffed at her. “You know I’m right” She kissed the corner of Chloe’s mouth and smiled when she heard Chloe sucking in her breath.
“Aunty Beca!” Beca looked upstairs and saw Brooke there with Jake. “Eww you’re kissing” Brooke made a disgusted face and the two women laughed.
“What are you doing here chipmunk?” Beca said and waved at Jake who grinned at her.
“Aubrey is picking her up after dinner” Chloe said to Beca who nodded.
“Well then, go and enjoy before Breezilla arrives” Beca and the kids laughed but Chloe slapped her arm. “Ouch, that hurt” The kids laughed again and went inside Jake’s room.
“You’re a baby” Chloe said rolling her eyes. “Let’s go to the kitchen” Beca nodded and followed Chloe.
Beca opened the fridge and took the open bottle of wine. She poured two glasses and gave one to Chloe who was looking at her with a little smile on her face. Chloe thanked her and waited for Beca to start talking.
“I’m not doing it” Beca said and took a sip of her wine. Chloe looked surprised.
“What? Why?” Chloe had a frown on her face.
“It’s not what I want” Beca looked at Chloe and knew she needed to keep explaining herself. “Look Chlo…she wants me to record an album” Beca lifted her hand to stop Chloe from talking. “And I don’t want to do it because I…” She tried to find the correct words. “Look, I’m happy now. I have everything that I’ve wanted and I don’t need an album”
“But Beca…this is a huge opportunity” Chloe took Beca’s hand in hers. “Like super huge. Are you really not going to take it?”
“Chlo…my life is here” Chloe was about to speak when the kids entered the kitchen.
“Beca…are you staying tonight?” Jake asked smiling.
“I don’t know yet bug” Beca said looking at Chloe who had let go of her hand. “Are you hungry?” They nodded.
“Why don’t you go and watch some cartoons and I make dinner?” Chloe said to them.
“Come with us?” Brooke said taking Beca’s hand. Beca looked at Chloe who nodded. They moved to the living room and Beca sat in the middle of the two children. “Are you living with Jake and Chloe now?”
Beca looked at her niece and smiled. “I’m not. I stay here sometimes but I’m not living here”
“My mommy said that when two people love each other they live together” Jake said looking at the TV.
“Why don’t we watch this amazing episode of…” She looked at the TV and didn’t know what it was. “Jake, what are we watching?”
“Teen Titans” He grinned at her. “It’s my favourite”
Beca laughed and watch the TV show with them. Not too long after, Chloe was calling for them. They sat together and ate dinner. Beca and Chloe focus on the kids and forgot about their previous conversation, at least while dinner lasted.
They were almost finished when Beca’s phone started ringing. She looked and didn’t know the number. She looked at Chloe and excused herself. She went to the entry and picked it up.
“Hello?” She waited.
“Beca, it’s Amy here” Beca looked inside and saw Chloe talking to Jake but looking at her. “Emily told me she is in but you’re not sure?”
“Yes, that’s right. Well actually no, it’s not. I’m sure I don’t want to do it”
“Why?” She sighed and put her other hand in her forehead.
“It’s not for me” She heard the other woman scoffed.
“Bullshit. I saw you playing that guitar and I saw your performance. You love it”
“Yes, I do love music” Beca looked again to Chloe and saw her cleaning up the table. She moved further away so Chloe couldn’t hear her. “But there are people I love here more”
“I understand. Look, I’ve seen what you can do and I want you in my team. Let’s meet tomorrow and talk about it”
“Amy…that’s not…” She couldn’t finish her sentence. She looked at the phone and rolled her eyes. Amy hung up the phone. She sighed and heard the doorbell.
She opened the door and there was Aubrey “Beca!” She hugged her. “I didn’t know you were going to be here” Beca smiled at her and shrugged.
“It’s my girlfriend house dude, It’s not really a surprise” Beca chuckled. “How’s the little one?” She touched Aubrey’s stomach.
“Ugh fine. Lots of nausea though” Aubrey laughed softly. They walked inside the house.
“Bree hi!” Chloe said and hugged her.
“How did they behave?” Aubrey said to her.
“Perfect. You know them” They chuckled. “Brooke sweetie, mommy is here”
Brooke walked to her mother with Jake next to her. “Did you have fun today?” Brooke nodded smiling. “Well, we better go before your father freaks out”
“Ok mom” Brooke walked to Chloe and hugged her. “Thank you for everything Chloe”
“Thank you for coming sweetie” Chloe smiled down at her.
“See you next week chipmunk” Aubrey picked her up and waved goodbye to them while walking to the door.
“Thank you Chloe! See you tomorrow” Aubrey closed the door behind her.
Beca and Chloe watched some TV with Jake until it was bedtime for him. Chloe took him upstairs and tucked him in.
“Is Beca staying tonight?” He asked from the bed.
“Maybe sweetie, I don’t know” Pancake jumped to the bed and lay down on his spot.
“Say goodnight to Beca for me” He closed his eyes and smiled. Chloe smiled back at him and kissed his forehead.
“Will do. Nighty night” She got up and closed the door.
Beca was waiting for her in the living room. She sat down next to her. “Who called you earlier?”
“Amy” Beca said looking at Chloe. “She wants to meet with me tomorrow” She shrugged.
“Did you give her an answer?” Beca nodded.
“I told her I didn’t want it” Chloe sighed and took her hand.
“Are you sure about this?” Beca nodded.
“I am Chloe, and I will meet her tomorrow and I will tell her the same thing” Beca sighed. “I know it may sound stupid to you or something but I know I’m doing the right thing”
“I don’t think it’s stupid” Beca looked at Chloe’s blue eyes and saw truth in them. “I just want to make sure you’re making the right decision for yourself” Beca nodded.
“I know. Thanks Chlo” Chloe got closer and kissed her.
“Jake asked me if you were staying tonight” Chloe chuckled.
“He asked me too” Beca looked at the floor laughing. “I love that kid”
Chloe didn’t think it twice and looking at Beca she spoke. She didn’t know how the words leave her mouth. All she knew was that Beca was looking at her with tears in her eyes. She wasn’t saying anything and she started freaking out. Did she say it too soon? She could have sworn that Beca was about to tell her back at the Academy.
“I love you too Chloe” And then she let go the air she didn’t know she was holding. Chloe felt Beca’s hands in her face and seconds later her lips in hers. Beca kissed her and like every single time she got lost in the kiss. It felt the same but at the same time different. Chloe knew they loved each other for a while now. But neither of them dared to say it. But Beca speaking about her love for Jake was something that Chloe’s heart couldn’t keep inside. She needed to tell her she loved her, and she did. And now that it was now in the open, their kisses felt even better.
They looked at each other and smiled. They were in cloud 9 but the were interrupted by Beca’s phone going off.
From Stacie: Can you come home? I had a fight with Emily and I think it’s over.
“Oh shit” Beca said and showed the text to Chloe. “I would love to stay tonight with you but…”
“You have to go, I know” Beca gave her a little smile. “I hope she is alright”
“Can you check on Emily?” Chloe nodded. “I’ll text you when I get there” They walked to the door and Chloe kissed Beca again. “I’ll never get tired of that”
“I love you” Beca’s smile grew.
“I love you too.” She kissed her one last time and left to her car. Before she started the car she open her mail and send Chloe a song she was saving for this moment.
Beca arrived and found Stacie crying on the couch. Beca ran to her and hugged her. She had never seen her friend like that. This was going to be a long night.
At Chloe's house, she opened her email and saw the title of the email and a little text:
"Feels like home"
I wrote this song a few weeks ago and I was waiting for the right moment to show it to you.
I love you Chloe Beale.