CHIHIRO | Billie Eilish

Chapter 35: Inked memories

Nayla's POV

Two weeks had passed since the Vogue interview was released, and the positive response had buoyed our spirits. One quiet evening, as Billie and I were winding down, my phone buzzed with a message that made my heart skip a beat.

"Billie," I said, showing her the message. "It's from my mom."

Billie looked at me with concern and curiosity. "What does she say?"

I opened the message, feeling a rush of emotions. My mother, who had no idea I was dating a celebrity, had seen the interview and reached out tentatively. She expressed surprise at seeing me and Billie together and a curiosity to reconnect.

"I think she wants to talk," I said, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope.

Billie nodded, her hand finding mine in reassurance. "Do you want to call her?"

Taking a deep breath, I nodded. "I need to do this."

We decided to set up an audio call for the next day. The hours leading up to it were filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Billie stood by me, offering support and encouragement at every step.

When the time came, I sat nervously on the couch, my heart racing with anticipation. Billie kissed my forehead and quietly left the room to give me some privacy. With trembling hands, I pressed the call button.

The call started off awkwardly, both of us unsure how to bridge the gap that had widened over the years.

"Nayla," my mother began, her voice cool and reserved as we switched to our native language. "Where are you now?"

"I've moved to Los Angeles," I replied, feeling a lump in my throat. "I've been living here with Billie since my graduation."

"I didn't know you were dating someone so well-known," my mother admitted after a while, her voice softening slightly.

"I wanted to tell you," I replied earnestly, "but things got complicated, and I didn't know how."

There was a moment of silence, tension hanging in the air. "Nayla," my mother said finally, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "do you love her?"

"Yes, Mom," I answered without hesitation, feeling a rush of emotion. "I love her very much."

My mother nodded slowly, processing my words. "Alright. I suppose I should meet her properly someday."

"Would you like to talk to her?" I asked tentatively, knowing it was a crucial moment.

She hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I would."

"Mom, let's keep this respectful." I got up and called Billie back into the room.

"Billie, would you mind talking to my mom?"

"Of course," Billie replied softly, her expression warm and understanding.

I handed my phone to Billie, who took it with a gentle smile. "Hello," she said warmly. "It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise," she replied tersely.

Billie maintained her gentle demeanor. "I understand you have questions. Nayla means the world to me, and I'm committed to supporting her in every way."

I watched nervously as Billie and my mother conversed in english, their voices low and earnest. Billie shared snippets of our life together, I could hear my mother's tone gradually softening as they spoke.

After a while, Billie handed the phone back to me, her smile reassuring. "She wants to talk to you," she whispered.

Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself. "Mom," I said softly, my voice trembling, "thank you for talking to Billie."