Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

25 -

Ellie woke up early in the morning, savoring the last moments of peace before the busy day ahead. It was another tour day, but this one was special: the last show before a month-and-a-half break. She got up, filled with excitement at the thought of returning to her hometown, Portland, seeing her friends, and especially her big fluffy dog, Livai.

After packing her things and putting everything into her suitcase, Ellie decided it was time to send a message to Kate. She pulled out her phone and typed quickly:

Ellie: "Hey, are you taking the same flight as me to Nashville?"

The response came almost instantly:

Kate: "Yep! I can't wait, it's going to be so nice to get some rest."

Ellie then remembered she'd messaged Billie the night before, after the concert. She wondered if she'd been too forward, texting her right after the performance. She hadn't received a reply yet, which made her a little nervous. She was excited but also anxious, wondering if she'd crossed a line.

On the way to the airport, the two girls talked about their plans for the long-awaited break.

Kate: "So, what are you doing during the break?"

Ellie: "I'm gonna hang out with my friends and especially Livai, I miss that furry ball more than anything."

Kate: "Nice plan! I wish I could come meet him, but I've got so much stuff to do in New York. It's stressing me out."

Ellie: "We'll do FaceTime nights, don't worry. You really need to come visit me sometime."

Kate: "Deal?"

Ellie: "It's a deal, babe."

Once they arrived at the airport, everything went smoothly. The security checks were quick, and the two friends made their way to the gate, still chatting. Ellie couldn't stop thinking about the excitement of the tour.

Once they were in the taxi heading to the hotel in Nashville, the girls enjoyed the view, admiring the new streets they were discovering. When they got to the hotel, everything seemed as welcoming as the others they'd stayed in. Ellie felt right at home, as always.

Once in their room, Ellie lay down on the bed, satisfied but a little tired from the journey. As she relaxed, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She hurried to open it.

Billie: "Hey Ellie! Sorry for the late reply, I passed out on the plane, I was fucking exhausted."

Ellie smiled as she read the message. She was happy to hear from Billie at last.

Ellie: "No worries, you definitely needed the rest. No bus this time?"

Billie: "Nah, too lazy to take the bus for that long of a ride. We figured the plane would be more comfortable and faster."

Ellie: "I get it, I'd be too lazy too. I can't wait for this last show before the break."

Billie: "Me too! I'm so pumped! What are you doing during the break?"

Ellie: "I'm going back to Portland to hang with my friends and my dog. What does a star do on vacation?"

Billie: "Well, the star is going home with her brother to see her parents and her big dog too."

Ellie: "Nice, our plans are pretty similar, basically doing nothing with our dogs."

Billie: "Dude, we HAVE to make them meet, even if I have to come to Portland."

Ellie: "I love that idea! But... hold on a second, you're not using your dog as an excuse to come see me, are you?"

Billie: "Shit, you really think I'd do that?"

Ellie: "I see right through your game... Honestly, that'd be so cool, I've got plenty of spots to show you in my little Portland."

Billie: "Really?! You're hyping me up! I'm gonna talk to Shark about it when I get back."

Ellie: "Haha, let me know what he thinks. I'll make sure Livai's ready for a potential date with Shark."

Billie: "A date? Isn't that moving a bit too fast for them?"

Ellie: "It's never too fast. Anyway, I'm off, fatigue's catching up with me. Goodnight Billie."

Billie: "Goodnight Ellie."

Ellie felt a sense of relief after the conversation. She had managed to build a stronger connection with Billie and share a nice moment, even from afar. It lifted her spirits. With the concert tomorrow on her mind, she felt ready to tackle the final stage of the tour before the much-needed break.