While pursuing her dreams in college, Lillian applies to become the road photographer for her favorite band, Bad Omens. While trying to wrap up her summer semester and sign up for classes for her last year of college, she is offered the job.
TW: I h...
Tasha bid Lilly good luck as she rushed out the door. "I hate to leave you so quickly, but I am running SO late for my exam... You will do amazing. You'll wow their socks off. I just know they'll love you." She gave Lilly a hug. "Please help yourself to my wardrobe..."
Lilly's heart pounded in her chest as she hugged Tasha back. "You're my soulmate..."
"And don't you forget that!" Tasha pointed as she walked out. "Love you!"
"Love you!" Lilly called back as the door shut behind her.
Lilly took a deep breath and looked around the kitchen, silence filling the apartment. "Alexa... Play Bad Omens..."
'Now playing Bad Omens from Lillian's Spotify...'
The opening chords of Like a Villain filled the space, propelling Lilly into action. She flicked the lights on and looked at her watch. 2:45 pm... She wrung her hands together and pulled out her makeup, deciding on something simple.
She brushed on eyeliner, perfecting a sharp cat-eye, and finished with a dark red gloss. Her reflection stared back, a mix of determination and nerves. Lilly plugged in her flat iron, spraying her hair with heat protectant. By 3:30, her hands were shaking again as she raked the brush through her brown waves.
Halfway through straightening, a sharp burn seared her neck. "Shit!" She jumped back, the flat iron clattering onto the counter. Leaning close to the mirror, she spotted an angry red mark forming. Panic bubbled in her chest as she tore through drawers. "Where's the burn cream?"
She grabbed her phone and called Tasha.
"Tasha, help! Burn cream!"
A gasp. "Seriously? Check the emergency kit above the stove."
Lilly darted to the kitchen, yanking open the cabinet. Relief flooded her as she found the packet. "Got it. Thank you! Love you!"
"Don't burn the place down!" Tasha quipped before hanging up.
Lilly followed the directions, dabbing the ointment carefully before returning to her hair. By the time she finished, it was 3:45. She shut off Alexa and settled at Tasha's desk, her laptop open to the Zoom link in Matt's email.
"Deep breaths," she whispered, her pulse pounding as she waited.
Later that evening, Lilly and Tasha went out to eat to celebrate tests and interviews. Sitting across the table, the two girls clinked glasses together.
Tasha raised her glass. "Cheers to two badass women making it happen!" She grinned.
Lilly let out a heavy sigh and took a drink. "God, if you're real, you'll give me this job."
After two more rounds of interviews and, just as Tasha had said, Lilly was offered the job. She gladly accepted but was told she had to fly out to California by next week to meet the band and get ready for their upcoming tour.
"I have to tell my mom... And I have to drop out of the semester..." Lilly looked at her friend for comfort.
"Just remember you just got your dream job. College will always be here for you to finish... if you want to, that is." Tasha laughed.
Lilly nodded in agreement as Tasha hugged her.
"I will be here... your room will be here... Sweet Jinx will be here..." Tasha and Lilly looked at the fluffy black cat lounging on the sofa next to them. "I'll support you no matter what, dude. I'm always just a Facetime call away. Do you want me to come with you to tell your mom?"
Lilly shook her head, "I should really tell her on my own." She chewed her bottom lip. "Do you wanna... go through my closet in the mean time?"
Tasha grinned and they walked into Lilly's room. Lilly pulled her phone out of her pocket and texted her mom.
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Tasha dropped Lilly off at the restaurant, wishing her luck. Lilly found her mom, Jen, already seated.
"Tasha isn't joining us?" Jen asked, raising a brow.
"No, she's working on projects." Lilly slid into her chair, nerves tying her stomach in knots.
Jen handed over a menu. "So, how's school? Did you bring me here to finally tell me you're switching to a practical major?"
Lilly stiffened, scanning the menu without fully reading. "I'm ready to order," she said quickly, trying to deflect.
"I'm ready for answers." Jen's tone was sharp, her eyes narrowing.
The waitress approached, and they placed their orders—Jen, brisk and efficient; Lilly, barely audible as she asked for a house salad with dressing on the side.
Once the waitress left, Jen leaned forward. "Well?"
Lilly's hands twisted in her lap. "Mom... I asked you here because... I'm dropping out of school." Her voice cracked, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I got a job as a photographer for a band, and I have to move to California next week."
The table shook as Jen slammed her hands down. "You're what?" The force from her hand on the table caused Lilly's glass to knock over. The waitress rushed over to clean up, her smile awkward as she retreated.
"Mom, please—"
"Do you hear yourself?" Jen's voice rose, drawing stares from nearby diners. She glared across the table at her dauhghter, her lips a thin, furious line. "I can't believe this. Photography? A band? Do you think this is sustainable?"
Lilly wiped at the tears stinging her eyes. "Mom, I—"
"No. Don't expect me to support this foolishness. I won't fund your failure."
Lilly's voice trembled. "Dad would have understood—he's why I chose photography."
"And that's a mistake I'll never forgive him for." Jen waved the waitress over, asking for the check and a box for her food. She threw cash onto the table, rising without another word. "This is the last thing I'll ever do for you."
Lilly sat frozen, tears spilling down her cheeks. The waitress returned for the check with a sympathetic glance but said nothing.
-------------------------------------------------
Lilly's last few days flew by. Before she knew it, she was crying as she bid her farewells to her best friend at the airport.
"FaceTime me the second you land." Tasha squeezed her friend, tears marking her face.
Lilly nodded and muttered an 'of course.' Letting go of each other, Lilly waved as she walked up the escalator.
a/n: UMMMM thanks if you read this!! the chapters are a bit slow as of now but i promise they'll get rolling. i have my mortivation back now :^) i have already started the next chapter and feel like it will be done within the weekend.
