Time & Tension

Chapter 4

Beca tried to make some small talk as they rode back to campus.

"So, why did you need a rental car?" Beca asked.

"If I stayed for the awards ceremony, I'd miss my plane," Stacie said.

"Doesn't your flight leave at midnight?" Beca asked.

"It does. But It's two hours back to Atlanta, and I still have to get back to my dorm room to finish packing before I head off to the airport," Stacie said, keeping her eyes forward and on the road.

"That makes sense..." Beca responded.

The car was quiet for the rest of their drive, the air still cold and heavy. It could have been the reminder of death or the cracked window. Still, Stacie kept her eyes straight ahead through the whole drive as tears streamed down her face. It was still so surreal for her.

Just then, they both received a text from Aubrey. Since Stacie was driving, Beca read it out loud, "The Bellas did not advance. We're done for the year."

At about 9 p.m., they made it back to campus. Stacie didn't take her luggage to the competition, so she had to go back to campus to claim it.

"Beca, want to help me with my stuff?" Stacie asked.

"Sure," Beca said as the two headed for Stacie's dorm room.

Beca waited outside the dorm room while Stacie changed out of her Bella uniform. Once she was done changing, she opened the door to let Beca in, and the two carried Stacie's luggage down to the parking lot, loading the suitcases into the car and saying their goodbyes.

"Bye, Beca. See you next week," Stacie said, hugging Beca.

"You too, Stacie," Beca replied, returning the embrace.

Stacie reached the airport about two hours before her flight. She only carried two bags and her purse, so she didn't have to worry about having checked bags. Returning the rental car to the lot, she made her way to her gate. The rest of the Bellas made it back to campus about 30 minutes before midnight. As for Beca, she started her first night shift at the radio station the following evening. Beca received a call from Stacie over break, informing her that her family had gone skiing in honor of her father after the funeral.

While everyone was out on Spring Break, it was revealed that the Footnotes lead singer was not a college student. As a result, the Footnotes had been disqualified, allowing the Bellas to advance to the finals. All of the Bellas received phone calls stating that the Bellas were back in for the finals.

THE END!