short stories

Happier Than Ever- Billie Eilish (Jack Hughes)

JACK HUGHES WAS SPOTTED WITH A NEW GIRL ENTERING HIS EX ANA LANG'S CONCERT IN NEW JERSEY

"Fuck my life," I say as I finish getting ready to go up on stage. I can't believe he would even think of showing up tonight.

"You saw the pictures didn't you?" my best friend Mat asks.

"No shit I saw the pictures," I say while pacing back and forth.

Jack and I's relationship was toxic, to say the least, I had just turned 18 while he was 21 when we first started dating. I met him when I was 16 through a mutual friend of ours. Our friends say how we looked at each other, so it wasn't a surprise when we started dating. In the beginning, he was an amazing person who knew exactly what to do and say. A picture-perfect boyfriend. As the year went on he became much more controlling, I was barely allowed to do anything if it wasn't with him. I let this go on for 3 years, I let him isolate me from my friends and family, I became miserable and he couldn't have cared less.

"I just don't understand why. Since the break up he has made it clear that I was some spoiled brat who he couldn't care less about. He talks shit about me any chance he gets. I just wanted this one night to go well, I wanted to end my tour on a good note but no, he has to come to show in the city he made me hate and make this whole thing about him." I say sitting down so that I don't pass out with how dizzy I am.

"I've moved on.... Why can't he just fucking leave me alone?" On the verge of tears, my tour manager comes out and tells me it's time to head on stage. Finishing putting my equipment on, I make my way towards the stairs that lead to the stage.

"I don't know. But I do know that his ego will get hurt once you play your new song. Go kill it out there Annie. It's the last show of your arena tour, don't let him ruin it" Mat says making his way toward the general admission floor.

And kill it I did, the energy in the arena was indescribable. Between songs I heard the whispers about how Jack and his new girl were here. I didn't care much about it since celebrities are usually put in a barricade towards the back of the floor. I was having such a grand old time until I made eye contact with Luke, Jack's little brother with whom I'm still friends. I knew that if Luke and Quinn were up near the stage Jack would also be there. I hated that I was right because as soon as I made eye contact with Jack, I started to fumble with the lyrics to the song I was on. Why did he have to be so close? If anything, my song is going to hurt even more now.

"Hello, New Jersey!! How are we doing tonight?" The response from the crowd was unbelievable. As much as I grew to hate this city in those 3 miserable years, I knew I couldn't let my fans down.

"Since this is the last show of my tour. I wanted to play something special I have been working on. It's about someone who I thought would make me Happier than Ever... So here goes nothing." I say. Getting my guitar and standing by the mic I make eye contact with Jack who looks furious.

"When I'm away from you, I'm happier than ever

Wish I could explain it better

I wish it wasn't true

Give me a day or two to think of something clever

To write myself a letter

To tell me what to do, mm-mmm"

I could see the faces of all his friends and brothers. They looked amused. Almost telling me that I had every right to do this. Sometimes I forget that because I shut my family out, his family also became mine. Luke and Quinn being my biggest supporters.