Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

22 -

Ellie returned to her room after the meal, her stomach nearly bursting from the massive vanilla ice cream Billie had made for her. She collapsed onto her bed, letting out a contented sigh. The meal had been great, filled with good food, shared laughs, and tour stories. But now, she needed a moment to digest.

She pulled out her phone and started sorting through photos from the New York concert. Each shot took her back to the incredible energy of that night. Ellie could almost feel the dazzling lights, the roar of the crowd, and Billie's smile on stage. Her heart warmed as she relived those precious moments.

While lost in her memories, her phone buzzed again. A message from Billie.

Billie: "Finneas just booked a laser tag game in the hotel. It's insane, you and Kate, in 20 minutes, you in?"

Ellie thought about it. The idea of playing laser tag in a hotel sounded both ridiculous and exciting. She texted Kate, who responded almost instantly.

Ellie: "We're in! Ready to kick your asses!"

Within minutes, she and Kate got ready quickly, throwing on dark, comfy clothes.

They headed toward the laser tag room, laughing at the craziness of the whole situation. When they arrived, they found Billie and Finneas waiting for them, visibly eager to start.

Ellie: "Looks like we just can't stay away from each other."

Finneas: "That's the magic of touring, we're practically inseparable."

Other crew members had joined too, creating a relaxed, fun vibe. The instructor came in, smiling, and announced there'd be ten players in the laser tag game. He asked everyone to split into two teams. Billie immediately positioned herself opposite her brother, a competitive glint in her eyes.

Billie: "Ellie, come on, join my team, we're gonna crush them."

Ellie: "You're scaring me, but okay, I'm in."

Kate ended up with Finneas. With the teams set, the excitement in the air was palpable.

The instructor went over the rules and safety guidelines, and then the game began. The lights dimmed, and their vests lit up. Ellie was surprised by the intensity of the setting. Billie seemed to take on the role of team leader, giving orders and making gestures as if they were on some military mission.

Billie: "Ellie, stay close to me."

Ellie nodded, amused. Billie was fully into character. The two girls snuck through the maze, Billie moving with warrior instincts, clearly determined to win.

Billie: "Follow me!"

Ellie couldn't help but laugh as she saw Billie signaling with her hands in strange ways that made no sense to her.

Ellie: "What the hell are you doing with your fingers, Billie?"

Billie: "I'm making signs for our strategy, we're gonna ambush them."

Their team started taking shots at the other team, and Ellie felt herself totally immersed in the game. She moved with agility, slipping behind obstacles and seizing every chance to tag members of the opposing team.

Throughout the game, Ellie realized she'd saved Billie from several attacks, stepping in front of her to cover her.

Billie: "My hero!"

Ellie: "I should get that tattooed, damn, watch your left, Kate's coming in."

Billie turned just in time to see Kate charging toward them, but Ellie intercepted, firing as she did. Both girls were locked in concentration.

At one point, they found themselves crouched near their base, guns in hand, ready to defend their position.

Ellie: "So, what's the plan?"

Billie: "We wait till they get close, then... bam! No mercy for the enemy."

They quickly mapped out a plan and split up to execute it. Billie charged left, Ellie took the right. They were ready to attack.

When the other team approached, Billie and Ellie opened fire, shooting in bursts. Chaos erupted around them, lights flashing, the players' vests lighting up in a dance of colors.

Ellie: "I'm starting to enjoy this whole violence thing, it's weird."

Billie: "We're monsters."

But suddenly, Finneas popped out of nowhere and, in one swift move, took down both girls.

Billie: "No! Anyone but you!"

Ellie burst out laughing, surprised.

Ellie: "What? We're out of lives?"

Billie dropped to the ground, feigning despair.

Billie: "How could you, Finneas?!"

Finneas: "Sorry, sis, but no mercy on the battlefield."

Though bummed to be out so soon, Billie regained her smile, thanks to Ellie cheering her on.

Ellie: "At least we died together. Wanna grab a drink at the bar while we wait for the others to finish the game?"

Billie: "Good idea! I'm thirsty."

The two girls left the room, leaving the others to battle a few more minutes. In the hallway, their conversation intensified.

Ellie: "Damn, that was amazing, I loved it!"

Billie: "It was pure chaos, but damn, it was so fun."

They made their way to the hotel bar, a cozy place with dim lighting and a warm atmosphere. Once seated, Billie ordered a sparkling lemonade while Ellie went for a light cocktail.

Billie: "So, tell me, what do you think of the tour?"

Ellie: "Honestly, it's incredible. I'm loving every day, every concert, every moment with the team. I can never thank you enough."

Billie: "It's awesome to hear that, I hope everyone feels the same."

Ellie: "You know, I love seeing how passionate you are about what you do, you're such an inspiration."

Billie nodded, her expression becoming more serious: "I think it's important to never lose sight of why we do this. What you're saying really means a lot, I just hope I'm always becoming a better person than I was the day before. I'm glad if that shows."

Ellie: "It really does, you're so damn authentic, and that's rare in this business."

Billie smiled, touched by the compliment: "Thank you, that's so sweet. You trying to make me cry?"

Ellie: "I wouldn't dare."

Billie: "I really love hanging out with you, it just feels so natural."

Ellie: "Same here. You've literally changed my life, Billie, and in such a short time, it's incredible."

Billie: "This is just the beginning."

The laser tag instructor joined them a moment later, along with the rest of the team who'd finished the game.

Kate: "So I heard we're the losers?"

Ellie: "We got too cocky, Finneas took us down."

Kate: "I'm sure your defeat was epic."

Billie: "I'd say more... dramatic."

Billie and Ellie exchanged a knowing look, realizing they'd just shared a special moment together. The evening continued with laughter and conversation, their friendship deepening as the hotel bar became their temporary refuge before the whirlwind of upcoming concerts.

Hours passed, and finally, as Ellie returned to her room, she thought to herself that this was one of those nights she'd never forget. In this extravagant world of music, she'd found a friendship that was real and precious, but was there something more behind that friendship?