After

Beca was drowning in work. She’d achieved the promotion she so desperately had wanted, so now she’d to proof she was actually worth it. And since she’d missed three days by going to Emily’s wedding, it was becoming a bit of a challenge. She didn’t mind though, work was a welcome distraction. Cause ever since the wedding Chloe was no longer the only girl preoccupying Beca’s head. She didn’t really know what to think about this whole situation, it was not like she actually knew this woman. It was just… they’d had this connection, something Beca hadn’t felt in ages. Maybe it was because they understood each other’s pain. Or maybe it was the alcohol speaking. Anyway, it didn’t matter, at least not for now, she had work to do.

“Mitchell, don’t forget to close when you leave”, and with that her last co-worker walked out, it was 9.30 p.m., they were supposed to end their working day at 6… But yeah, extraordinary circumstances... Almost three hours later, Beca finally wrapped up too. She’d achieved some results she could be content with. Probably not the best work she’d ever done, but it would be just fine. After tomorrow night, she would be back on track. Her boss could be proud of her, and well maybe award her by no longer bothering her with his boring happy-family-stories.

When she dimmed the lights, she felt her phone buzz. Beca had no idea who would call her this late, in fact, no one ever called her. She figured it would be her boss to check in on her, but when she looked at her screen, she saw an unknown number pop up. Curious, she picked up: “Beca Mitchell”, “Hey Beca!” that voice, she hadn’t noticed how much she was starting to love it, “it’s Clarke Griffin, we met at –,” “Yeah I know who you are Clarke”, Beca smiled, how could she even think she wouldn’t remember her? “Oh, right ehm sorry for calling this late, I thought you’d be asleep and I could just leave a voicemail.” “Nah, I didn’t finish work until now, so perfect timing. How did you get my number by the way? Oh wait. Emily of course.” “Correct, she seemed really surprised anyone would want your number.” She could hear Clarke laugh, but Beca couldn’t actually blame Emily for that. “So ehm why I’m calling, I have a job interview in L.A. tomorrow and well… I ehm thought we could like have dinner or so.” Beca was taken by surprise. So much that she even forgot Clarke was expecting an answer. “Unless you don’t want to of course…” “Oh no, I’m sorry… I love the idea.” “Great.” “Tell me where and when I can pick you up and I’ll be there.”

Beca stood in front of her closet, wondering what to wear. This was so not her. But neither was her agenda for today. She wondered why Clarke would take an interview in L.A., given that she lived somewhere in the north, Montana she thought. Although she wasn’t exactly sure about it anymore. After hesitating another ten minutes, Beca picked out a simple plaid shirt and some tight jeans, of which Chloe always used to say that they made her ass look great. She felt like that might come in handy today.

She was running late for work. “Thanks Griffin”, she grumbled. On her way out, Beca quickly grabbed an apple for breakfast. That should be sufficient to get her through the morning. Once she’d taken place behind the steering wheel of her Ford, Beca noticed she’d forgotten her phone. Thus she ran back to her apartment, swearing all the while. This girl was seriously messing with her head. And her schedule.

As expected Beca arrived late. Also as expected, her boss wasn’t happy about it. Luckily he sheered up when he saw what she’d produced the night before. And without any further ado she made it through the day.

Contrary to yesterday, Beca left at 6 p.m. sharp, heading for the hospital where Clarke’s interview must be finished by now. When she arrived, Clarke was already standing at the parking lot, wearing a black leather jacket and a pair of jeans which made HER ass look great. Beca caught herself staring at Clarke’s body and blushed. Clarke’s face brightened when she noticed Beca’s car and she happily waved at her. “Beca!” as she pulled over, Clarke smoothly got in, “thank you so much for meeting up!” Beca grinned, as if it were a shore! “Hey Clarke, you’re welcome.” “No seriously, it’s really nice of you, I mean normally –““Whoa, slow down”, she smiled at her, checking whether she was insulted to be interrupted, which luckily wasn’t the case, so Beca winked and asked: “First tell me: are you so excited to see me or because of how the interview went?” Clarke’s eyes started twinkling and her smile broadened: “Both Beca! They told me I can start next week!” “Holy shit dude, that’s fucking amazing!” “I know right?” “And are you taking the job?” Beca asked, as she was parking her car at the Indian restaurant she’d chosen. “Well, it’s a great opportunity and all”, Beca sensed a ‘but’ was coming, though before Clarke could finish her sentence, she interrupted her: “It’s here.” “Oh well that was quick”, as they both walked toward the restaurant, their topic changed to Indian food. Though of course they didn’t forget what they were talking about before, and once the drinks was served, Beca switched the conversation back to more serious business: “So Los Angeles ha?”

“I wanted a fresh start, far away from my mom and friends, who seem not to be able to think about anything but the loss of my girlfriend when they look at me.” Beca nodded, she’d felt the same way at the Bella Reunion. Everybody had been extra polite and way too sensitive around her, handling her with so much care. They had looked and talked to her with so much compassion that Beca had wanted to stand up and scream that she was perfectly fine. Yes, she’d lost Chloe, but talking to her like she might have a mental breakdown at any moment wasn’t going to bring her back.

“I thought that moving away might help me to process Lexa’s death.” As Clarke took another sip of her beer, she continued: “Only I hadn’t expect things to be moving this fast. Bellamy, my best friend, will probably want to kill me if he hears there’s no time to throw me a party.” Clarke grinned, “Though I’m pretty sure he and his sister won’t let me leave without one.” Beca laughed, “Well they sound exactly like my friends. I intentionally didn’t tell anyone when I was moving to avoid such situations.” “Bah, I don’t mind, a good party can be an awesome distraction.” It could, and as Beca thought about it, she wondered when it had been the last time she’d attended one. Probably before Chloe had passed away… “Hmm yeah, if you need any distraction once you’ve moved to L.A. I’ll be happy to join you.” “That’s a deal!” Beca smiled, had they just made plans for another date night? Cause with the candles, the soft music and the silly smirk on Clarke’s face, that was exactly how this felt. Like a date.

The food arrived and they changed their conversation to more casual topics. By the time the dessert came, Beca was convinced Clarke knew more about her than any of her friends or family.

Since Beca was driving, she hadn’t touched any alcohol, but Clarke was widely compensating. She was such an adorable drunk and the beer really seemed to loosen her up. While she bluntly opened up about the people she’d been with in college and shared a lot of awkward stories, Beca hoped Clarke wouldn’t regret her honesty the next morning.

After Beca had won the discussing on who might pay the bill, promising she would let Clarke pay next time – Beca’s heart had jumped up by the mentioning of a next time – she drove Clarke back to her hotel. “Thank you again for tonight”, Clarke said as she got out of the car. “The pleasure was all mine. Good n –,” “Oh wait!” a smirk appeared on her face, “I won’t be able to fall asleep, unless you give me the assurance that you’ll become my facebook friend.” Beca laughed and gladly promised her to accept her request. “Ha now I can go on with my life!” Beca wondered whether Clarke would remember any of this tomorrow and she responded smilingly: “Good night weirdo!” “You too Beca, see you soon!”