my mom is billie eilish

Chapter 4: A New Reality

The following days after our dinner together with Billie were strange—like stepping into a new reality, one where the lines between my past and present were blurred. I went through the motions of my everyday life—school, homework, trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy—but everything felt different. Like I was living in someone else's story.

But it wasn't just the knowledge that Billie was my biological mother that weighed on me; it was the uncertainty of what came next. Every time I saw a picture of her online or heard one of her songs, it was like a reminder that my life was no longer simple. And then there were the nights when I'd lay in bed, the silence pressing down on me, the locket she'd given me cool against my skin. I'd think about everything she'd said, about the life I could have had, and wonder if I'd ever be able to fully embrace this new reality.

Despite my internal turmoil, I decided to keep going to school. Even though it was a struggle to focus, the routine provided a small comfort. But as the days passed, it became clear that change was inevitable, whether I was ready for it or not.

One afternoon, as I was packing up my things after class, my best friend Maddie nudged me with a knowing grin. "So, are we still on for tonight?"

I blinked at her, momentarily disoriented. "Tonight?"

"Yeah, movie night, remember? We've been planning it all week. I was thinking we could order pizza and binge-watch that new series everyone's talking about."

"Oh... right," I mumbled, forcing a smile. "Yeah, of course."

Maddie gave me a look, her eyes narrowing. "Okay, what's up with you lately? You've been acting weird."

"Nothing's up," I said quickly, shoving my books into my backpack. "Just... stressed, I guess."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Come on, Katherine. We've been friends long enough for me to know when something's bothering you. Spill."

I hesitated, unsure of how much I wanted to share. Maddie had been my rock since we were kids, but how was I supposed to tell her that my life had been turned upside down by someone she'd only ever seen on TV?

"I... I've been dealing with some family stuff," I finally said, keeping it vague.

Her expression softened, and she reached out to squeeze my arm. "You know I'm here for you, right? Whatever it is, you don't have to go through it alone."

"Thanks, Maddie," I whispered, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I appreciate that."

"Okay, but seriously, tonight we're going to relax and forget about all the drama, deal?" she said, her smile returning. "You need a break."

"Deal," I agreed, feeling a flicker of relief. Maybe a night of mindless entertainment was exactly what I needed.

The rest of the day passed quickly, and by the time I arrived at Maddie's house, I was ready to lose myself in something other than my own thoughts. We ordered pizza, piled onto her couch with blankets, and started the first episode of the series. For a little while, it worked—I was able to forget everything and just enjoy the moment. But then, halfway through the second episode, Maddie hit pause and turned to me with a serious look.

"So, when are you going to tell me what's really going on?" she asked.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?"

"Come on, Katherine. You're my best friend. I know something's wrong. You've been distracted, distant... This isn't just 'family stuff,' is it?"

I sighed, realizing that I couldn't keep hiding it from her. Maddie deserved to know the truth, or at least part of it.

"You're right," I admitted, staring down at my hands. "It's... a lot more complicated than I've let on."

She sat up, giving me her full attention. "I'm listening."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to figure out how to start. "Okay, this is going to sound crazy, but... I found out that my biological mother is... well, she's someone famous."

Maddie's eyes widened, clearly intrigued. "Wait, what? Like, how famous are we talking?"

I hesitated, the words feeling strange on my tongue. "Billie Eilish."

For a moment, Maddie just stared at me, her mouth slightly open in shock. "Are you serious? Like, *the* Billie Eilish?"

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of emotions. "Yeah. She showed up a couple of weeks ago and told me everything. Apparently, she was really young when she had me and... well, it's complicated."

Maddie blinked, clearly struggling to process this new information. "Wow... that's insane. I mean, I don't even know what to say. How are you feeling about all of this?"

"I don't know," I admitted, feeling the weight of it all press down on me again. "It's been really overwhelming. I'm trying to wrap my head around the fact that my life has basically been a lie. And now she wants to get to know me, to be a part of my life."

Maddie was silent for a moment, then she reached over and gave me a tight hug. "That's a lot to deal with, Kat. But you're strong. You'll get through this."

I hugged her back, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Maddie. I'm just... scared, I guess. I don't know what's going to happen next."

"Well, whatever happens, you've got me," she said firmly. "And if Billie Eilish wants to be your mom, then she'd better treat you right, or she'll have to answer to me."

I couldn't help but laugh at that, the tension easing slightly. "Thanks. I'll let her know."

We spent the rest of the night trying to distract ourselves with the show, but my mind kept drifting back to Billie. What was I supposed to do? I wanted to trust her, to let her into my life, but it was hard. Every time I thought about her, I was reminded of everything I had lost—my adoptive mother, the life I thought I knew.

The next day, I got a call from Billie. She asked me to meet her at a new school she had found for me. "I think this school will be a good fit for you," she said, her voice cautious. "It's a private school, smaller classes, more personalized attention... And I know the transition will be hard, but I think it could be a fresh start for you."

The idea of switching schools was terrifying. I had enough to deal with already—new people, new teachers, new everything. But I also knew that this was Billie's way of trying to help, of giving me opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise.

"Do I have to?" I asked, my voice shaky.

"No," Billie said softly. "You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. But I think it could be a good opportunity for you. You deserve the best, Katherine."

I didn't know what to say, so I just mumbled, "I'll think about it."

And I did. For the next few days, I weighed the pros and cons, talked it over with Maddie, and tried to figure out what I really wanted. It was scary to think about leaving everything I knew behind, but a part of me also craved the chance to start over, to escape the constant reminders of the past.

Finally, I made my decision. I called Billie and told her that I would give the new school a try. She sounded relieved, and we made plans to visit the campus together.

As I hung up the phone, I felt a mix of fear and anticipation. This was a new chapter in my life, one that I hadn't asked for but was now stepping into. I didn't know what lay ahead, but I knew that I couldn't turn back. I had to move forward, even if it meant walking into the unknown.