DAY 25 - ANNUAL BELLAS CHRISTMAS REUNION

Author's Prompt: It's time once again for the Annual Bellas Christmas Reunion. Aubrey has carefully planned and organized every aspect of the reunion. Every aspect except one; they are missing their resident Christmas elf, and no one knows where she is.

The Bellas entered the Vermont cabin they had rented for their Annual Bellas Christmas Reunion. The cabin had been decorated and looked like a picture from a magazine.

"Wow," CR said. "Look at that tree. It's beautiful."

The other Bellas oohed and ahhed as they checked out the rest of the cabin's decorations.

Aubrey took control and assigned rooms. Everyone put their luggage in their respective rooms and met back in the main living area.

"Here are your itineraries for the week," Aubrey said as she handed out sheets of paper to each of the girls. "All activities are mandatory."

"We want to have fun," Fat Amy said, waving around the itinerary. "Christmas isn't about schedules or itineraries. It's about drinking and partying and doing your own thing."

"I'm with Amy on this," CR said looking at the itinerary. "I don't ice skate. Never have and never want to. And, I'm not going to sit there freezing my ass off while you all are skating."

"Where's the bonfire?" Ashley asked. "We always have a bonfire on Christmas Eve. We sing Christmas songs and drink hot cocoa. It's a tradition. We should each be able to keep some of our traditions even if we aren't celebrating with our families."

"Ashley's right," Jessica said. "What about going caroling? There are several cabins as well as the main lodge we could go around and sing for."

"I told you they weren't going to want to have to follow a strict itinerary," Emily whispered to Aubrey. She saw the hurt look on Aubrey's face and turned to her fellow Bellas. "How about we keep the itinerary and don't make everything mandatory? And we can throw in a few of our own traditions along the way."

The girls agreed and Aubrey gave Emily a thankful smile.

"Well, according to the itinerary," Fat Amy said grabbing her coat, "we're supposed to have lunch in the main lodge. Let's go!"

The Bellas start laughing as they put their coats on and follow Amy out of the cabin.

~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~

After lunch, several of the girls opted to go ice skating. CR and Fat Amy decided to sit in the main lodge and have drinks around the fireplace.

After ice skating, the rest of the Bellas joined CR and Fat Amy. Aubrey was feeling relaxed and ordered a round of shots for the girls.

"So, when's Beca supposed to be here?" Fat Amy asked as she set down a tray of shots.

CR set another tray with cups of hot cocoa on the table. She took a cocoa and grabbed a shot before sitting back in her chair.

"She's flying in on Christmas Day," Emily said. "She has a show the night before and flies out that morning. She'll probably be here around two I think."

"Where is she?" Jessica asked as she took a cup of hot cocoa.

"Vegas," Emily said. "She's been there for almost a week."

"What about Chloe?" Ashley asked. "I thought she'd be here before we were."

"Um, I'm not so sure about Chloe," Aubrey said.

"What do you mean?" Jessica asked.

"I haven't heard from her in about a week," Aubrey said quietly. "I'm not sure she's coming."

"Is it because Beca is coming?" Fat Amy asked. The girls all glared at her. "What? I'm just sayin' the last few times have been rather tense when they both showed up."

"I think they...talked," Emily said. "About a month before our Christmas reunion last year, Beca let it slip that she and Chloe were going to try and be friends. They didn't want to have any tension or awkwardness around everyone."

"Now that you mention it," Jessica said. "Things last year were a little less tense."

"I, um, also think," Emily stopped and her shoulders sagged. "I don't think they've talked much since then. Beca never mentions her. But, she has mentioned-."

"What's going on, Emily?" Aubrey rubbed the young girl's back. "What has Beca mentioned."

"She mentioned that she's seeing someone," Emily said quietly.

"What?" several voices spit out.

"Who?" Aubrey was now looking at Emily. Emily shifted in her seat.

"She keeps talking about 'her girl'," Emily said. "When I asked about her she'd clam up and wouldn't talk about her. She finally had enough of me bugging her about it and told me she didn't tell anyone because she didn't want us to interfere. That she really liked this girl and thought it would lead to...something more."

"Chloe must know," Aubrey said. "Oh, my God! That's why she's been so off lately."

"What do you mean?" CR asked the question that was on all their minds.

"She didn't decorate her apartment for Christmas. She wasn't wearing her Christmas shirts and sweaters. She just wasn't...Chloe at Christmas."

"Did you ask her what was going one?" Jessica asked this time since Aubrey hadn't answered Ashley.

"I went to her apartment a week ago to talk about the reunion," Aubrey said.

"Hey, Chlo," I called out as I knocked on her apartment door. "It's me."

She usually comes running to the door and I would hear her feet slapping on the wooden floor. But there was nothing. No sounds at all.

I knocked again and waited. I even put my ear up to the door to catch any sound at all from inside. Again, nothing.

I pulled out the key she gave me in case of an emergency and went in. I called out her name as I walked through the living room and kitchen. It was eerie because there was no sound at all. If Chloe was home, she always had the TV on or music playing in the background. There was none of that.

I checked everywhere and she was nowhere to be found.

I was worried so I texted her asking her where she was.

She texted back that she needed to get away for a few days. That she was to make some changes in my life.

I asked if we would still see her at the reunion, right?"

She said yes, but that she I probably wouldn't get here until Christmas Day.

"So, she said she'd be here?" CR asked looking around at the other girls.

"Well, yeah," Aubrey said. "But, I think she only told me that to get me to leave her alone. I haven't heard anything from her since."

"I think Aubrey's right and Chloe's not coming," Fat Amy said. "Chloe was upset that she lost Beca when she kissed Chicago. She told me she regretted it immediately but Beca saw them and ran. The past two years have been hard for Chloe. Her and Beca are in the same place at the same time, but Beca ignores Chloe. And, Chloe is afraid to say anything to Beca for fear of making Beca stop attending the Bellas reunions or shutting us all out. I-, I think Chloe might have feelings for someone else, but she's also still in love with Beca."

"Why do you think that Amy?" Emily was curious now.

"She'll get a text and start smiling a loving kind of smile," Fat Amy said. "It's the same look she used to get every time she got a text from Beca."

"Maybe it is Beca," Emily said.

Aubrey and Fat Amy both laughed. "She would tell me is she was talking to Beca," Aubrey said.

"Are you sure?" Emily wasn't buying it.

"Did Beca tell you she was talking to Chloe?" Aubrey asked and glared at Emily.

"No," Emily mumbled. "Sorry. You're probably right."

"Something's not adding up," Ashley said. "Why is Chloe hiding things from us, from Aubrey, now? Wouldn't she want us to know she moved on from Beca? And, where would she go without telling Aubrey?"

"Has anyone contacted Beca?" Jessica asked hesitantly. "No offense Aubrey, but Beca and Chloe knew each other better than anyone else did."

"I agree," Aubrey said. "Beca had a way of knowing things about Chloe before any of us did. Even me."

Jessica rubbed Aubrey's back in comfort. Aubrey gave her a grateful smile.

"So, who's going to reach out to Beca?" CR asked, again looking around at everyone.

When her eyes landed on Emily she stopped and raised an eyebrow. The other girls all turned to look at Emily.

"What?" Emily said her eyes wide. "No, I can't do that. She doesn't talk to me about Chloe. Ever."

"She'll talk to you," Aubrey said. "A lot has happened between them but Beca still has feelings for Chloe. Just tell her you're worried about Chloe. Tell her all the weird things that she's been doing, like no Christmas decorations, saying she needed time for herself. See if by some off chance Beca has heard from her. I think Beca will be the bigger person and offer to reach out to Chloe to make sure she's okay."

"But, Beca has someone else," Emily said. "She's pushed her feelings for Chloe down so deep, that she won't want to talk to Chloe for fear those feelings will come back."

The rest of the Bellas continued to stare at Emily. Emily looked around and saw nothing but hopeful looks. It sounded like Chloe was going through a lot and she knew that they all wanted to be there for Chloe.

"Fine, I'll talk to Beca," Emily finally said. "But I have to do it alone. I don't want any of you," she looked directly at Fat Amy. "Any of you saying anything to her to get her upset and start blocking us, especially me. I like working with her and being a part of her life."

Fat Amy tried to look offended but knew Emily wasn't wrong. "Got to the cabin and call her. We'll stay here and finish our drinks."

"Okay," Emily said and stood up. "Aubrey, please make sure none of them go to the cabin. I'll come back here once I've talked to Beca."

~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~

Beca groaned when she heard her phone ring. She was thoroughly enjoying the way her neck was being nibble on.

"Ignore it." At least that's what the muffled response sounded like.

"I can't." Beca picked up her phone and checked the caller ID. Beca answered the call. "What's wrong, Emily?"

"Oh, um, hey, Beca," Emily stuttered. "I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time."

"Hang on a second, Em," Beca said as she got out of bed and put her finger up to signify her bedmate should stay where she was.

Beca grabbed her shirt and hastily threw it on before opening the hotel room door and stepping out into the hallway.

"Beca?" Emily called through the phone.

"I'm still here," Beca said and cleared her throat. "What's up?"

"Oh, my gosh," Emily said. "Did I interrupt something? I did, didn't I? I'm so, so sorry. It's just the girls, we, uh, Aubrey is, um-."

"Em!" Beca practically yelled into the phone. "Take a breath. Now let it out. That's good. Now what's wrong?"

"Everyone's worried about Chloe," Emily said. "We don't know where she is or if she's planning to come to the reunion." She then repeated what Chloe told Aubrey and about how Chloe wasn't decorating for Christmas or anything.

"Huh," Beca said. "So, why are you calling me?"

"Come on, Beca," Emily whined. "We all know you two still care about each other. We just thought maybe you knew where she might be. Or that maybe you'd heard from her. We just want to make sure she's okay."

Beca took in a breath. "Fine. What do you want me to do?"

"Try and call her," Emily said. "See if she'll talk to you. Aubrey has tried but Chloe hasn't called her back or responded to any texts in over a week."

"I'll try and call her," Beca said. "I'm also flying to Vermont as soon as I can get to the airport."

"What about your show tomorrow tonight?"

"It was, um, cancelled."

"So, why didn't you join us early?"

"I was hoping to have a day or two of private time with a special...friend," Beca said tersely.

"Oh," Emily said.

"Yeah," Beca said. "You might want to tell everyone I'm bringing someone with me."

"I will," Emily said. "Text me when you have your flight info. I'll pick you up at the airport."

"That won't be necessary," Beca said. "I'll get us a rental car. Thanks for the offer."

"You're welcome," Emily said. "And, Beca? I'm sorry about messing up your private plans."

"It's okay, Em," Beca said with a smile. "It's for a Bella and you girls always come first."

"Thanks," Emily said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

After Beca ended the call, Beca pulled up a familiar number and called it. She spoke for a few minutes and then went back inside her room.

"Get packed," Beca said. "We're leaving tonight for Vermont."

~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~

Emily sat staring at her phone for a few minutes. "I guess I'll get to meet Beca's new girl now." She let out a heavy sigh and slowly got up to make her way back to the main lodge.

"There's Emily," CR said as soon as Emily walked into the lodge.

The girls all watched her slowly make her way over to them.

Seeing the look on her face, Aubrey said, "She's not going to help us, is she?"

"No, she is," Emily said. "It's just, um. I interrupted her with a special friend. Her Christmas Eve show as cancelled and she wanted to spend a few days of private time with them. She's also coming and will be here some time tomorrow."

Emily wiped at a tear she wasn't expecting. "I really thought her and Chloe would be okay, you know?"

"Oh, Emily," Aubrey said pulling the younger girl into a hug. "We all did. But we have to respect that Beca has moved on."

"I do," Emily said. "It's just not knowing where Chloe is and knowing Beca has someone else, it's just so sad."

Aubrey hugged Emily and rubbed her hand up and down her back. "Come on, Em. Have a shot. I think you deserve it."

Fat Amy had a shot in Emily's hand before Aubrey could finish her thought. Emily shot it back and grimaced. "Wow!"

The other girls chuckled and decided to head back to their cabin. They were all trying to feel happy for Beca but still couldn't help but feel concerned for Chloe.

~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~

Early the next morning Aubrey was awakened by her phone ringing. Emily stirred in the other bed as Aubrey grabbed the phone.

"Aubrey Posen," Aubrey said with her raspy morning voice.

"Hey, Brey," Chloe's voice came through the line.

"Chloe!" Aubrey squealed causing Emily to sit up in her bed. "We've been so worried about you."

"I know," Chloe said. "I had my phone off and the last text I got was from Beca. I can't believe you guys called Beca."

"We had to," Aubrey said. "You just left without telling me where you were going. And you weren't responding to my calls or texts."

"I get it," Chloe said. "I'm just letting you know I'm on my way to Vermont. I'll be there in a few hours."

"You're coming?" Aubrey smiled at Emily and Emily gave her a thumbs up.

"Yeah," Chloe said. "There's something I need to tell you guys."

"Can't you tell me over the phone?"

"No," Chloe said. "It's too important for a phone call."

"Okay," Aubrey said.

Emily was waving to get Aubrey's attention. Aubrey looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Tell her about Beca and her special friend," Emily told Aubrey.

"Who was that?" Chloe asked hearing someone talking in the background.

"That was Emily," Aubrey said. "Um, Beca's flying in today, too."

"That's good," Chloe said.

"Um, Chlo," Aubrey said hesitantly. "She's bringing someone with her."

"Okay," Chloe said. "I'm really happy for her. I have to go. I'll see you guys later."

"Okay, Chlo," Aubrey said. "See you later."

Aubrey ended the call and looked down at her phone.

"What did she say? About Beca bringing someone."

"She said 'Okay' and that she was happy for Beca." Aubrey looked over at Emily. "She seems to be okay with it. She also said she had something to tell us."

"Maybe she found someone else, too," Emily said hopefully.

"Maybe," Aubrey said.

~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~

Aubrey informed the other Bellas about the call she received from Chloe. They were all both excited and nervous. The way Aubrey spoke Chloe was fine with Beca being with someone else. And Chloe had something to tell them. They all surmised that maybe Chloe had found someone else.

"I guess the Bhloe ship has sunk," Fat Amy said sadly. "I thought they were like the Titanic."

"Un, you know that ship sank, right?" CR asked looking at Amy.

"Yeah, but it wasn't supposed to," Fat Amy said. "It was supposed to be indestructible, just like Beca and Chloe."

CR patted Fat Amy on the shoulder. Emily's phone pinged with a text and she checked her phone.

"Beca will be here in about an hour," Emily said. "She said she'd meet us at the lodge around 9:30."

"Let's get dressed and go to the lodge," Aubrey said. "We can have breakfast with Beca and, um, her guest."

The girls go off to their respective rooms and get ready. Aubrey and Emily are waiting for them when they meet in the cabin's common room.

"Chloe texted me while we were getting ready," Aubrey said. "She said she should be here in about 15-20 minutes."

"That's about the same time as Beca," Jessica said.

"Why do I feel like the perfect storm is brewing and we are going to get caught up in it," Ashley said.

"Stop being so gloomy," Aubrey said. "Let's think positively. Yes, Beca and Chloe are not going to be together, but it looks like they both may have someone who they can be with. Let's celebrate that, okay?"

The girls grumble and leave their cabin to walk to the lodge.

"It just doesn't feel right."

"I haven't even met Beca's girl and I don't like her."

"I feel the same way about whoever Chloe's with."

Emily and Aubrey followed behind the girls.

"Do you think they'll be okay?" Emily asked. "I'm worried what it will do to them when they see each other with someone else."

"We just have to be there for both of them," Aubrey said. "We're still a family."

Emily nodded as they walked up the steps to the main lodge. Emily grabbed Aubrey's arm to keep her from running into the back of the Bellas. They had stopped as soon as they entered the lodge.

Emily looked over their heads and saw Beca facing someone in a hooded coat. She looked up and her eyes got wide when she saw all the Bellas standing there looking at her. She looks at the person standing in front of her and said something to them. The person walked away and out of sight of the Bellas.

"Hey, girls," Beca said as she walked over to them.

"Beca," CR said.

"Beca," Emily squealed and grabbed her in a hug. "I'm so glad you're here. Where'd your friend go?"

"She's, uh, checking us in," Beca said.

"What?" Aubrey said confused. "I thought you were staying with us?"

"We, um, thought it best to stay in our own cabin," Beca said.

"Beca, the whole idea was for the Bellas to stay together and celebrate Christmas," Aubrey said. "You already paid your share."

"It's fine," Beca said. "We can still do the whole Bellas Christmas thing. We'll just be sleeping in another cabin."

"Sleeping," Fat Amy snorted.

Beca's face turned red. "Um, so, have you girls had breakfast yet?"

"No," Jessica said. "We were going to head in and wait for you and Ch-, uh,..."

"It's alright, Jess," Beca said with a laugh. "You can say Chloe. It's all good. Trust me."

"We just weren't sure where you stood with each other," Ashley said. She pulled Beca into a hug. "It's really good to see you, Beca."

The rest of the Bellas took turns hugging Beca. CR was just pulling out of a hug when they hear, "Where's my hug?"

"Chloe!" The girls all squeal and turn to hug Chloe and welcome her.

Emily is the last to hug Chloe and when she pulls back she looks a bit closer at Chloe. "Did you-"

"Let's eat," Beca said and the girls all chorused agreement.

Chloe walked toward Beca and with her back to the girls gave Beca a big smile. Beca couldn't help reciprocate it.

"Here's the key to our cabin, babe," Chloe said loud enough for the girls to hear.

She kissed Beca when she reached her and look back to see seven jaws dropped to the floor.

"Chloe's your girlfriend?" Fat Amy asked.

"What?" Beca said. "No. Chloe's not my girlfriend."

"What is this then?" CR asked. "Friends with benefits?"

"No, guys, wait," Chloe said.

"O-M-AcaGee!" Emily squealed. "You were in Vegas with a special friend. Your show was canceled. You wanted some private time. You want your own cabin. YOU GUYS GOT MARRIED!"

"WHAT?" Aubrey yelled and looked at Chloe and Beca. Both have big smiles on their faces as they hold up their left hands showing off their wedding bands and engagement rings.

"We got married," Beca said and pulled Chloe to her. Chloe kissed her and faced the girls with her beaming Chloe Beale smile.

"How? When? What? How?" Aubrey was dazed, confused, upset, happy; she didn't know what emotion was the most prevalent.

Emily ran over and grabbed the two in a hug. "I'm so happy for you. Congratulations!"

"Thanks, Em," Beca said.

"We have got to hear this story," Jessica said hugging the newlyweds.

"We thought you two were done with each other," CR said. "But, I am so happy you're together. Congrats!"

"Thanks, CR," Chloe said hugging the woman.

Aubrey was still dumbstruck and hadn't moved. "Brey?" Chloe said hesitantly.

Aubrey still didn't say anything. Chloe walked over and stood in front of her best friend.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It's just with Beca's fame we had to keep things a secret. I wanted to tell you but I couldn't. Not if I wanted to be with Beca. And I really wanted to be with her."

Aubrey pulled Chloe into a hug. "I'm so happy for you, Chlo."

"Thanks, Brey," Chloe said.

"I still want to know how this happened," Fat Amy said. "And, I still need breakfast. Let's get a table, some food, and then you can tell us everything."

"Sounds like a plan," Beca said and held her hand out for Chloe to take.

The Bellas followed as the two walked hand-in-hand into the restaurant.

~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~ ~25 Days~

The girls managed to get through breakfast before they turned their eyes to Beca and Chloe.

"Well?" Fat Amy prompted. "How did this whole marriage thing come about?"

"Wait!" Aubrey said pulling out her phone. "Let me Facetime Stacie. She'll kill us if she doesn't hear about this before it gets out through the media."

"Hey, Brey," Stacie said when she saw Aubrey's face on the screen. "How's the reunion?"

"It's going great," Aubrey said. "Everyone say hi!" Aubrey panned the phone around the table so everyone could say hello to Stacie.

"STOP!" Stacie yelled. Aubrey stopped moving the phone.

"What's wrong?"

"Is that a wedding ring I see on Chloe's finger?"

"Oh, my God," Aubrey said. "How did you notice that? Never mind. It seems Beca and Chloe got married in Vegas before coming here."

"Those bitches," Stacie said. "How did that even happen?"

"That's why I called you," Aubrey said. "They're going to tell us. Go ahead, Chlo."

Aubrey turned her phone toward Beca and Chloe so Stacie could see and hear everything.

"Okay," Chloe said. "About a month before last year's Christmas reunion I called Beca. We talked and decided we were going to try and be friends again. I told her about what a mistake it was that I kissed Chicago and that we were never together. And then, at the reunion we talked some more and we both told the other we loved them and then she kissed me and we decided to try dating."

"Chloe was hesitant at first," Beca said. "She was still in New York and I was in LA and she didn't want what happened to me and Jesse to happen to us."

"But then I realized that I was so in love with her that I couldn't imagine not being with her," Chloe cut in looking at Beca lovingly. "So, we started a long distance relationship and met up whenever we could."

"Amy, you don't know how many times you almost caught us in your apartment," Beca said with a laugh. "I wanted to get a hotel room but Chloe thought that cheapened our relationship and she would feel like a hooker or something."

"And all those times I couldn't do something because I was going home," Chloe said. "I was really flying out to LA to be with Beca. Her label made me sign a confidentiality agreement that stated I couldn't tell anyone we were dating. Not even you guys or our families."

"But how did all that lead up to you guys getting married?" Emily asked.

"About a month ago," Beca said. "Chloe was in New York and got a call from a hospital in LA. She's still my emergency contact."

"Oh, my God, Beca," Stacie asked. "What happened?"

"Nothing serious," Beca said. "I cut my hand on a glass and went to the hospital to get stitches. I had a reaction to something they used, I still don't know what, and I passed out. I stopped breathing and they resuscitated me. I had to stay in the hospital for two days. They called my emergency contact which happened to be Chloe and-"

"I had never been so scared in my life," Chloe interrupted and grabbed Beca's hand. "They called to ask if I knew of any medicines Beca was allergic to. I told them not as far as I knew and they wouldn't give me any information on her because I wasn't family."

"So, you guys got married so Chloe could get information if you were ever in the hospital?" Fat Amy stared at them like they were crazy.

"No," Beca and Chloe both laughed.

"I flew out to LA the next day and Beca was fine," Chloe said. "I told her I couldn't keep doing the long distance thing and she told me don't and then asked me to marry her and move to LA."

"She said yes," Beca said kissing the back of Chloe's hand. "Chloe stayed in LA with me and we decided to get married in Vegas since I had a show there and then was coming here for the reunion."

"Yeah, Brey," Chloe said. "When you texted asking where I was, I was with Beca. I had to be cryptic so you wouldn't catch on."

"I want to hear more about this," Stacie said. "But I have to go. Bella is fussing and I need to check on her. Congratulations, Beca and Chloe. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks, Stacie," Beca said.

Aubrey ended the call and put her phone in her pocket. "So, when you said you had to tell us something, this was it?"

"Um, no," Chloe said. "I'm moving to LA in January."

"That only makes sense, Chlo," Aubrey said. "You're married now. You should live in the same state as your wife."

"Hey," Fat Amy said. "Maybe next year we can do our Bellas Christmas reunion in LA."

"That sounds like fun," Jessica and Ashley say simultaneously causing them both to laugh.

"The Bellas in LA sounds like a great idea," Aubrey said.

The girls start talking and Aubrey has already started planning their next Christmas reunion.

Beca and Chloe sit back with smiles on their faces. Chloe leaned in and kissed Beca.

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Mitchell."

"Wait," Beca said. "I thought we were going to be the Beales."

"Nope," Chloe said. "Marriage license says Beca and Chloe Mitchell."

"Okay, then," Beca said. "Kiss me, Mrs. Mitchell."

"With pleasure, Mrs. Mitchell," Chloe said as they joined lips.

The kiss ended and Chloe laughed as the rest of the Bellas were still talking about next year's Christmas reunion.

"Best Christmas ever," Chloe said and snuggled into the Beca.

There it is; the last BeChloe Christmas 2018 one-shot. I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them. Thanks to everyone for their reviews, likes, faves, etc. Until next time. Sorry again for being late with the last few.

And since I love you guys, next up will be 14 Days of BeChloe Valentines - 2019. I'll be putting up a prompt request tomorrow, so put your thinking caps on.