Dreams Can Come True

76. Skype

The evening air hung like a soft veil around us as Bas and I stood in the parking lot. The last rays of the setting sun painted the sky pink, giving the surroundings a magical glow. I felt the need to say goodbye, but before I could utter a word, Bas shook his head with a determined look in his eyes.
"Elise, I'm taking you home," he said, his voice resolute yet kind.
I frowned slightly, knowing Bas had always been protective, but I didn't want him to interrupt his evening plans because of me. "No, Bas, you really don't have to go out of your way," I tried to say politely, running my hand through my hair. "You know I like walking home after such a long day in the studio."
But Bas was adamant. "I promised Bill I'd make sure you got home safely, and that's exactly what I'm going to do," he declared firmly.
I couldn't help but sigh, knowing it was pointless to argue against his decision. With a mix of gratitude and slight irritation, I got into Bas's car as he started the engine and headed toward home. Once in the car, I felt the fatigue wash over me. Bas started the engine, and we slowly drove away from the recording studio. The streets of the city were quiet at this late hour, and the sound of the engine filled the silence in the car.
As Bas drove, I leaned against the window and stared outside. My thoughts drifted to tomorrow, to the photoshoot awaiting us. But at this moment, I longed only for the Skype call with Bill and my bed, for a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.
When we arrived at my apartment, I thanked Bas for his company and got out of the car. I watched him as he drove away, feeling a sense of gratitude for his friendship.
With heavy legs, I walked to my front door and opened it. The warmth of my apartment enveloped me as soon as I stepped inside, and I knew I could finally relax.

After a long day and a quick bite to eat, I finally grabbed my laptop. It was time for my Skype call with Bill, something I had been looking forward to all day. I had already set up my laptop on the coffee table, and I sat down, a bit nervous but mostly excited to see and hear him.
I saw that Bill was already online and clicked on his name to start the call. A moment later, his familiar face appeared on my screen, and my heart leapt with joy. "Hey, Bill," I greeted him with a smile.
"Hello, sweetheart," he replied with a wide smile. His voice was warm and familiar, and I immediately felt at ease with him. "How are you?"
I smiled broadly as I looked at him. "Better now that I see you," I answered, my heart leaping at the sight of his familiar face. "How was your first day of shooting for the music video?"
Bill leaned back in his chair and excitedly told me about his first day of shooting the music video for "Automatic." He shared details about the location, the atmosphere on set, and how well everything was going. He radiated excitement as he spoke, and I could feel his enthusiasm even through the computer screen.
As he spoke, I couldn't help but notice that his appearance had changed. His hair was now black and braided into dreadlocks, with an occasional white streak. It was a bold look, but it suited him perfectly. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he spoke.
"And check out my new look," Bill suddenly said as he pulled a few strands of his black dreadlocks forward. "What do you think?"
"I love it," I said sincerely, my eyes still fixed on him. "It really suits you."
Bill smiled broadly and seemed pleased with my reaction. He then told me about how Tom and Gustav had also changed their hair, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, I knew that from my last world," I said, chuckling. "You guys are a bunch of trendsetters."
After a while, Bill asked about my day, and I told him about my experiences, albeit on a slightly less exciting level than his. But he listened attentively and seemed genuinely interested, which gave me a warm feeling of connection.
I told him about my day in the studio, about how I had invited Bas over the previous evening, and how we had spent some time in my new apartment. I also shared my thoughts about the upcoming photoshoot and how I felt a bit nervous.
Bill listened attentively to my story and then offered some reassuring words. "Don't worry, Elise. You're going to shine at that photoshoot, just like you always do. And I can't wait to see the photos."
We talked further about various topics, from our plans for the coming days to our shared memories. It felt like we were together again, despite the distance separating us.
When Bill asked about my evening, I shrugged. "Nothing special," I said. "I had a small bite to eat, tidied up my apartment, and will soon head to bed."
Bill nodded understandingly. "It sounds like a quiet evening," he said. "But I'm glad you're finally settled in your new apartment."
I smiled gratefully at him. "Yes, it really feels like home here," I said. "But I miss you, Bill."
His smile softened as he looked at me. "I miss you too, Elise," he said sincerely. "But hopefully this week will fly by, and we'll be together again soon."
The conversation flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye. "I have to go, sweetheart," Bill said with a sigh. "The day is starting here, but I'm already looking forward to seeing you again. Skype again tomorrow?"
I smiled and nodded. "Sounds good," I said sincerely. "See you tomorrow, Bill."
"I love you, Elise." My smile widened at his words, and I felt a warm sense of connection between us. "I love you too, Bill." We waved goodbye, and I closed the Skype call, my heart filled with warmth and happiness.