Dreams Can Come True

60. From Another World

POV Elise

The past few days have flown by like a whirlwind. It feels like I've been in the studio non-stop, where Bas and I have immersed ourselves in the world of music and creativity. Together, we've perfected every chord, deliberated over every lyric, and felt every note deep in our souls. It's been an intense but satisfying experience, knowing that we're creating something that's truly our own.
And not only that, we've also reached a significant milestone: our band finally has a name. After hours of brainstorming and discussion, we reached a consensus, and I couldn't be prouder of our choice. From Another World - it sounds like a perfect reflection of who we are and what we stand for. The name holds a special meaning for me, thanks to my experience with reality shifting. It feels like our music has come from another world, a world where we're free to pursue our dreams and raise our voices.
Bas and I both agree that the name suits us perfectly, and it gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction to know that we've created something unique. And when we shared our choice with Bill and Tom, they were just as excited as we were. It feels good to know that we have their support, that they believe in our vision and our music.
Together with Bas, Bill, and Tom, we're the only ones who know the true meaning of our band name. It feels like our secret alliance, like we share a special bond that no one else understands.

Although I officially still lived with Bill and Tom, it felt like I was already stepping into another world. Tomorrow evening, I would finally pick up the keys to my own apartment, a step towards independence and freedom that I cherished. But still, it felt like a bittersweet transition. I would miss my home with Bill and Tom, the warmth and security they had provided me with in times when I had nowhere else to turn.
Secretly, I found it to be unfortunate timing to move right now. We were in the midst of preparing for the launch of our first CD, and tensions were running high. But it is what it is. Sometimes things just happen when they're supposed to happen, and who am I to defy fate?

I had rarely seen Bill in the past few days, as our schedules constantly clashed. The only moments I could feel his presence were at night when I lay tired in bed or early in the morning when the world was still deeply asleep. And while I knew it was all for a good cause, I couldn't deny how much I missed him. I missed his presence, his warmth, his reassuring smile. I missed the way he held me as if I were the most precious jewel he had ever found. I missed the deep conversations we had when we were together, the moments of connection we shared in the silence of the night. Was moving really a good idea? I began to doubt myself, what if my own apartment meant that I wouldn't see him at all? No, I was going to make this work.

The morning broke with a soft glow of the rising sun shining through the windows of the studio. As I flipped through my notes and prepared for the long day ahead, I felt excitement bubbling in my heart. Today would be a special day, a day when I would arrange something special for Bill. The idea had been nesting in my mind for days, a plan I had carefully crafted to show my gratitude to Bill. It was the last night that I was supposedly still living in the apartment with them, and I wanted to make it unforgettable for Bill. I knew how difficult it was for him that I would be leaving, and he deserved a farewell that he would remember for a long time. That's why this morning, when I was already in the studio, I called Tom. I asked him if he couldn't come home today. Fortunately, Tom understood my situation and agreed to spend the evening elsewhere. I had also informed Bas and our team about my plan. Yes, it's true, we now have a whole team behind From Another World. Together, we arranged for me to finish work earlier tonight, so I could be home in time for the surprise. Bas had looked at me with a smile on his face when I told him what I was planning. He immediately understood that I wanted to spend some time with Bill. As I focused on my work in the studio throughout the day, I couldn't help but occasionally drift into thoughts of the evening ahead. A romantic dinner just the two of us, that was the plan. "What are you finally making?" Bas asked, noticing my absence and pulling me out of my reverie. His question brought me back to the present, and I smiled broadly. "I was thinking of something special," I answered mysteriously, "but that will remain a surprise for now."

Later in the day, as I stirred pots in the kitchen, the smell of my spicy shrimp sauce filled the room. The tomato sauce simmered gently in the pan, and I felt excitement growing as I imagined how surprised Bill would be when he came home tonight. Suddenly, my attention was diverted by the sound of my phone lying on the counter. I wiped my hands on a kitchen towel and picked up my phone. A message from Bill appeared on the screen. 'Tom has a date later, are you sure you can't leave the studio earlier today? We'll be alone at home,' it said, followed by a whole series of winks and kisses. I couldn't suppress a soft laugh as I read his message. Bill was clearly in a playful mood, and I loved seeing how he tried to seduce me into coming home earlier. With a warm feeling in my heart, I quickly typed back a reply. "No sorry, it's very busy X," I sent. I already imagined how surprised and amazed Bill would be when he came home later and found me in the kitchen, busy preparing a delicious dinner. Just the idea brought a smile to my face.