Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

4 -

The next morning, Ellie emerged from sleep, still tired but smiling as she remembered the night before. She dragged herself out of her room, drawn by the smell of coffee spreading through the apartment. Entering the kitchen, she found Joan and Aubrey already at the table, deep in conversation. Joan, always full of energy, was talking way too much, while Aubrey, as usual, listened quietly, a distant look in her eyes.

Ellie sat at the table, a slight smile on her lips. She couldn't hold back the exciting news she was dying to share.

Ellie: "Guys, something crazy happened last night, you're never gonna believe this."

Joan looked up, intrigued: "Your ex texted you?"

Aubrey took a sip of her coffee, waiting patiently for the story. Ellie bit her lip, savoring the anticipation before dropping the bomb.

Ellie: "Way better, I got a message from Billie Eilish."

Stunned silence fell over the room. Joan's eyes went wide, his mouth forming a perfect "O" of shock. Aubrey raised an eyebrow, interested, though much subtler in her reaction.

Joan: "WHAT?! You're kidding! A message from Billie Eilish? Like, the Billie Eilish?"

Ellie: "Yes, that's the one. She saw the photos I posted last night, and she messaged me to say she thought they were incredible. I'm never getting over this."

Aubrey put her mug down calmly, a slight smile at the corner of her lips: "That's... impressive. I knew your photos were good, but that's insane. So, what did you say to her?"

Joan: "Yeah, what'd you reply?"

Ellie's smile faded a little. She ran a hand through her hair, looking embarrassed: "Well... I just liked her message. That's it."

Silence fell over the kitchen again. Joan froze, incredulous, while Aubrey's eyebrows knit together slightly.

Joan: "Wait, what?! Billie Eilish messages you, and all you did was like it? Have you lost your mind?"

Ellie shrugged, clearly embarrassed: "GUYS, I panicked! I thought about what to say for an hour, then I fell asleep like a total idiot."

Aubrey: "I can't believe it. You left Billie Eilish on read."

Joan: "Just a like... It's like you replied, 'Cool, thanks' when you had the chance to actually talk to her! I'd have sold my soul for that chance."

Ellie sighed, taking a sip of her coffee to gather her courage. Her friends were right. She definitely needed to respond to Billie, but she had to find the right words.

Ellie: "I know, I messed up... I'll think about it today. I just don't want to come across as weird."

Aubrey nodded encouragingly, while Joan relaxed a bit, though still a little frustrated.

Aubrey: "Why not just tell her the truth? Say you took your time before posting the photos because you were a bit nervous after meeting her, that you wanted them to be perfect. She'll probably appreciate the honesty."

Ellie smiled at the idea. It was actually the best option: just say the truth, no pretenses. She got up from the table, ready to start drafting her message, but her phone buzzed on the table, catching her attention.

She picked it up and saw a new email. The logo of a Detroit newspaper immediately caught her eye. Curious, she opened the message and stood there, speechless.

Ellie: "Guys, you're not going to believe this..."

Joan immediately leaned toward her, his eyes round with curiosity: "What now? Did Billie message you again?!"

Ellie shook her head: "No, but... a Detroit newspaper just contacted me. They want to buy some of my photos of Billie for an article they're writing about her concert."

Aubrey: "That's huge. They want to publish your photos?"

Ellie nodded, rereading the email to make sure she wasn't dreaming: "Yes, they're asking if I'd be interested in selling them the shots for publication."

Joan: "Time to cash in big."

Ellie felt a wave of pride wash over her. This kind of professional recognition was beyond anything she'd hoped for. But she knew she had to stay focused. She took a deep breath.

Ellie: "Alright, I need to respond to them, but first... I need to deal with Billie."

Joan nodded enthusiastically: "Yes, one thing at a time! And hey, if it helps, you can mention me to her, dude, I've been obsessed with her since I was 15."

Aubrey: "Joan, for everyone's sake, just shut up."

Joan: "Ouch, not cool."

Ellie went back to her room and flopped onto her bed, phone still in hand. She took a deep breath before opening Billie's message again. It was surreal to think she had received something so personal, so simple and direct.

She began typing.

Ellie (in her message): "Hey Billie, I just wanted to say thank you. Honestly, it took me two months to post the photos because I wanted them to be perfect. I was a little nervous to share that moment, but I'm really glad you liked them."

She read and re-read her message, making sure it sounded right. It was simple, sincere, exactly what she wanted to say. She hit "Send" and let her phone fall onto her bed, a wave of relief washing over her. It was done.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity. She quickly got to work responding to the Detroit newspaper, explaining that she was open to their proposal and would like to discuss the details of publication and payment. She'd never done this before, but she knew it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

Between her job at the café and her studies, Ellie stayed busy, but in the back of her mind, she kept thinking about her messages, the one she'd sent to Billie and the new opportunity with the newspaper.

That night, after a long day, Ellie collapsed onto her bed, exhausted but strangely content. Out of habit, she opened her phone, wondering if Billie had seen her message.

To her surprise, a new notification appeared on the screen. A new Instagram message. Her heart leapt.

She clicked the alert and read the message.

Billie: "I totally get it. Sometimes the timing just has to be right. Your photos are really special, and I'm glad you shared them."

Ellie stayed still for a moment, a smile slowly spreading across her lips. Billie Eilish had replied to her again. Not only had she seen Ellie's message, but she'd taken the time to respond. It was unreal.