Photograph

Twenty Three

The next day was bright and the sun was streaming onto my face as I tried to print out the now edited pictures from tour.

After being seen with Billie, a lot of artists had reached out to me or dad to request for my photography skills for either their websites or posters or merch or whatever. This consisted of Gracie Abrams even inviting me to some LA shows in the vast future.

"I'm just saying, Alex. This was good for your ego! I think you should accept it, and plus, it might last longer this time round."

My mum was sipping tea across from me, trying to start a conversation.

"What where you doing while I was away anyway? I'm convinced you just want to get rid of me again." I said, typing away.

"Don't be stupid. Stop being an idiot. I'm trying to help you here, Alexandra. And, for your information, nosey, I was working."

"You're always working."

"Watch it, kid."

We had talked like this for the majority of the morning.

"Who even is Gracie Abrams anyway? Did she see your pictures and just randomly invite you?" My dad chirped from across the kitchen. 

"What do you think happened with Billie? You think they knew each-other and Billie decided to fly her out to help with her tour because they're best friends?" My mum responded.

"Well, no, because I was the one who bought the damn house and the car and the flights here." He bitterly responded.

Suddenly, the conversation ended and the sound of my phone rang through the kitchen, saving me from the secondhand embarrassment from the snappy answers that I was getting.

I grabbed it and excused myself as I made my way out into the garden to answer it.

"Hello? Who's this?"

There was a small delay and I could tell someone was there due to the steady breathing through the line. It kinda scared me.

"Hello?" I tried again.

"I hope you're staying away from Billie."

Ugh.

I sharply inhaled and tried not to lose my shit at the older man through the phone. I don't even know how he got my number.

I had to be careful how I responded.

...Or, I could have hung up.

"I already told you, I—"

A familiar yet unfamiliar laugh ripped through the phone suddenly.

"Just kidding, it's Finneas. Pretty good Rob impression though, right?"

I exhaled the breath and placed my hand on my chest. "Oh my god." I laughed in relief. "How did you get my number?"

"Claudia gave it to me. I would've asked, but I didn't get round to. Sorry." He said.

"How did you know Rob said that to me?" I asked.

"Billie told me. Well, Rob told her and I was in the room during the phone call. Don't listen to him, he talks out his asshole a lot."

"Oh."

There was a silence. "So, what's up, Finn? How is everyone? Sorry I didn't say bye to you yesterday, I kinda got whisked away by Katie."

"I, uh." He stuttered. "Wanna come over? I feel like yesterday was a bit too awkward and mom really misses you already so..."

"I don't think that's—"

"Please? Billie won't be there. Well, she will because she lives here, but she can barely walk, let alone come downstairs, you won't even see her. I'll pick you up around the corner in about 15?" He pleaded.

I caught my mum's gaze through the sliding glass doors, and she awkwardly looked away quickly when our eyes met.

"Okay, fine." I said. Hearing him quietly exclaim in relief, I hung up and went back inside.

"You seem happy. Where you off to?" My dad asked.

"To a friend's. Don't wait up."

/

"Alex, honey!" I heard as Finneas put his car keys on the table.

She skipped over towards me and pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing me.

You know those hugs you get when the other person squeezes you so tight you feel like your bones are moulding into each-other? Maggie's hugs are like that.

"Told you she missed you." Finneas grinned.

I suddenly heard a grumble come from behind us and the sound of crutches grazing the floor.

I turned around to be greeted by a tired looking Billie, who was trying to hide a smile as she hobbled into the kitchen with her paralysed foot.

I exchanged a look with Finneas, and he just shrugged. With a smirk.

Scheming son of a—

"Yo."

I froze as I realised she was a real person, and was slightly startled at the sudden gesture. "Yo."

Maggie clapped her hands playfully like she did on the tour bus on the first night, indicating she had a plan set. "Alright, kiddos. Alex, you're more than welcome to stay the night. Dinner will be in about an hour." She smiled and walked out.

"Y'all need to talk." Finneas said, sitting down at the long table and raising his eyebrow as he looked at us standing next to each-other.

"I don't think we do, Finneas." I retorted.

"Please. There are some things we need to say- I need to say." Billie stuttered, making her way back out of the dining room and by the stairs.

She looked at Finneas and nodded her head towards the long set of stairs, motioning that she wanted help back up them. Nodding, he stood back up and made his way over to his sister and leaned over for her to hop on his back.

"Dude, you need to jump on."

"Hello? I'm fucking paralysed? I can't just jump on! You gotta get lower!"

I rolled my eyes at the stupid sight and followed them up.

I had a feeling this would be eventful.