In My Dreams - Bill Kaulitz Story

57. Friends

POV Bill

I felt relieved that I could reassure Elise a bit about the friends and family who would be visiting today. Later, Georg, Gustav, and Andreas would come over. My attic room used to be the place where we hung out, and I was looking forward to seeing our good friend Andreas again. It seemed like it had been so long since we had seen him.
Traditionally, family would also visit when we were home. Omi, some aunts, and uncles would come over. Mom and Gordon were already busy with preparations for tonight.
When Elise and I came down the stairs and entered the kitchen, we were greeted by the delightful smell of fresh coffee and freshly baked bread. Mom and Gordon were busy, surrounded by pots and pans, with warm smiles on their faces. The morning sun filtered through the window, giving the kitchen an inviting glow.
Mom, wearing her favorite cooking apron, greeted us with a radiant "good morning," and Gordon, busy perfecting the coffee, nodded kindly to us. The table was already set with an assortment of fresh bread and a variety of toppings neatly arranged on plates. It looked like a delicious breakfast about to be devoured.
Elise offered to help with a friendly smile, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. However, both Mom and Gordon stopped her with a soft "no." Mom took in Elise's concerned look and apologized, "Sorry, Elise, we don't want you to end up back in the hospital today." Her friendly smile emphasized her genuine concern.
Elise, still with her finger in the bandage, looked down and seemed apologetic for yesterday's mishap. Before she could further apologize, Tom interrupted with a playful wink and a broad smile, "Don't worry, Mom. Bill will keep Elise entertained today."
"Tom!" I shouted as I waved the nearest kitchen towel at my twin brother.
Elise, trying to defend herself, quickly said, "Normally, I'm not this clumsy in the kitchen, really."
I placed my hand on her shoulder and looked at her with a reassuring smile.
"Elise, please don't worry," I assured her. "Mom and Gordon have everything under control. The most important thing is that you're here." My mother quickly added, "Exactly, Elise! We're so happy to have you here with us."
Elise gave a smile and said, "Okay, if you say it's okay, I'll go shower before all the guests arrive."
"Sure," I said. "I'll come with you to get towels." Tom, already poised to respond sarcastically, muttered with a chuckle, "Yeah, yeah..."

Not long after, Andreas, Georg, and Gustav arrived. Up in the chill corner, we had already turned on the PlayStation and were busy gaming. As I unloaded my imaginary shotgun on a horde of virtual zombies, Andreas addressed me.
"So, Bill," he began, "I heard things are getting pretty serious between you and Elise?" I briefly diverted my gaze from the screen to answer him. Andreas had been one of our best friends since kindergarten, but unfortunately, he lacked the musical talent required to be part of Tokio Hotel.
I nodded as Georg let out a frustrating curse because his character in the game had died. "Hmm, yeah, pretty much," I confirmed. Gustav, sitting on the edge of the couch, added with a broad grin, "We really couldn't stand her at first, huh."
"God, no," Georg began, "she was really insufferable, and it seemed like she was using Bill just for the fame. But since about a week ago, she's completely changed. She's sweet, kind, funny, well, totally different."
I responded, saying, "Hmm, you guys didn't really give her a chance to get to know her. The conversations we had alone..."
Tom interrupted me with a grin, "Conversations? Haha, I caught them again this morning!"
"What?!" exclaimed Georg, pausing the game. "Are you serious? Haha, Bill, can't you two keep your hands off each other?"
Andreas looked at me questioningly, and I said, "Maybe you should learn to knock before entering, Tom." I was irritated, and the guys started laughing.

Shortly after, the door to my attic opened, and Elise walked in. Her hair was still wet from the shower, but she looked beautiful.
Almost immediately, I jumped up and greeted her with a smile. "Hey, Elise," I said, pointing to the guys. "This is Andreas. Andreas, meet Elise."
Elise greeted Andreas with a friendly handshake and said, "Nice to meet you." Andreas responded with a smile, saying, "Hey, Elise. I've heard a lot about you."
After Elise greeted all of us, Gustav noticed the bandage around her finger and asked, "Elise, what happened to your finger?" Tom, the eternal joker, burst into laughter immediately and said teasingly, "Elise wanted to cook." I gave Tom a playful punch to make him shut up.
Andreas spoke up, saying with a broad smile, "Wow, Bill, you've chosen quite a beautiful girlfriend." I couldn't help but laugh and responded with a touch of pride, "Watch out, Andreas, she's my girlfriend." Elise replied with a wink, "Hey, I belong to no one."
With a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, Elise snatched the PlayStation controller from my hands and declared determinedly, "Shall I beat all of you?" Andreas looked on admiringly and said, "Wow, she's amazing."