Dreams Can Come True

23. Best Friend

POV Elise

I arrived at the studio, upset, where Bas was already waiting for me. "Uh-oh," he joked, "did the night at Elise's apartment not go as planned?" He chuckled a bit, but I slumped into a chair next to him. Bas began to realize that something was really wrong and changed his demeanor.
"What happened, Elise?" he asked, concerned. I sighed deeply and looked at him. "Do you have a moment?" I complained. He nodded understandingly and set his guitar aside. "First of all, there was a break-in at my apartment," I began.
"What?" Bas interrupted, surprised. I nodded solemnly and told him the whole story, how I came home with Bill and discovered that my apartment was ransacked. I described the message on the mirror, the fear that gripped me, and how Bill and I decided not to call the police because of potentially compromising information in David's hands.
Bas listened attentively, his face reflecting concern. "Elise, that's truly terrible. Are you okay?" he asked, offering me a cup of coffee.
I took a sip and sighed. "No, I'm not okay, Bas. I feel violated, scared. And as if that's not enough, I had an argument with Bill last night."
Bas furrowed his eyebrows and placed his hands on his knees. "That's a lot to deal with all at once. What exactly happened between you and Bill?"
I looked at Bas, trying to organize the turmoil in my mind as I told him about the argument with Bill. "It started last night when we were in bed," I began. "Bill told me he had a surprise for me and placed a key to his apartment in my hands. He wanted me to move in with him permanently. He talked about it being for my safety and that he wanted to protect me. But I feel overwhelmed, as if I have no choice anymore."
Bas frowned. "Why would that be a problem? Living together seems safer."
I sighed and tried to explain my feelings. "It's not that I don't want to be with him. I love Bill, but I've always felt the need for a place of my own. A space where I can retreat. And I don't want to give that up."
Bas nodded understandingly, but he didn't seem entirely convinced. "But is it worth it? Having your own place versus being together every day with someone you love and who wants to take care of you?"
"Yes, Bas, it's important to me," I replied. "It's not just about having my own place, but about the feeling that I can finally do something for myself, something I can be proud of. In my previous life, everything revolved around my mother. I loved her and enjoyed taking care of her, but I had to give up so much. I never had my own place, never enough money to even do something for myself. I want to show that I can do something on my own, that I don't always have to rely on others. It's an opportunity to prove that I'm more than just the caring daughter who sacrifices everything for others."
I looked at my hands, as if lost in thought in my own past. "So, yes, it's important for me to have my own place. Not because I don't want to see Bill or appreciate his help, but because I want to achieve something for myself, something I can be proud of, something that's entirely mine."
Bas looked at me understandingly as I expressed my feelings. "I understand, Elise. It's important for you to be able to show that you can achieve something on your own, especially after everything you've sacrificed for your mother."
I nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Bas."
Bas narrowed his eyes as he thought deeply. "Have you shared this with Bill? Does he understand that this is more than just having your own apartment?"
I shook my head. "No, not yet. It's hard to get through to him right now. He seems determined to have his way."
Bas raised his eyebrows thoughtfully. "Maybe you should try to explain it to him at a calm moment, when he's a bit calmer. Communication is really crucial in a relationship, and I believe that Bill will eventually understand why this is so important to you."
I took a deep breath and looked at the ground. "I don't know, Bas. I feel confused, broken, and I don't know how to fix this. Everything seems to be spiraling out of control."
He put an arm around me and gave me a hug. "You don't have to fix this alone, Elise. Know that I'm here for you. And maybe it's time to talk to Bill, to find a solution together."
I nodded, knowing he was right, but the thought of talking to Bill also made me anxious. "I'm not sure if I can handle that, Bas. I feel so vulnerable right now."
He smiled encouragingly. "Vulnerability is not weakness, Elise. It's human. You're allowed to show how you feel, and if Bill truly cares about you, he'll understand and support you."
With a nod, Bas gave me another encouraging smile. "You deserve to be happy, Elise. I hope you two can work it out."

At that moment, Paul walked in, his curious gaze falling on us. "How's the new song you're working on coming along?" he asked, glancing around the room.
Bas picked up his guitar again, and I prepared to stand behind my microphone once more. "It's starting to take shape. Elise has fantastic lyric ideas. We're on the right track," Bas replied with a smile.
Paul nodded approvingly. "Good to hear, Bas. You two work well together."
"Thanks, Paul," I said with a smile.
Paul wished us success and left, after which Bas and I focused again on writing the song. The music filled the space as I poured my emotions into the lyrics. It was a welcome distraction from the turbulence in my personal life.