Breathe Into Me

Lied When I Said...

*Billie's POV*

It's the woman I saw with Addie on the train.

"Uh hi, I'm doing some community outreach with the shelter I work for. We are starting a dog walking program if you're interested..." I hand the woman a flyer.

"I literally walk my dog, why do I need someone else to do that for me?" She gives me a puzzled look.

"Oh no, I should have been more clear. We're looking for volunteers." I explain hesitantly, thumbing through the rest of the flyers in my hand.

She leans against the doorframe, her eyebrow raised in suspicion. "Why are you working this late into the evening..."

"Just making up for missed hours this week, my brother was in the hospital and I took a couple days and made sure he was okay." I bite my lip hoping it's a good enough answer for her.

She hums in response and reads over the flyer a little more carefully. "Would I be able to bring my baby?" She looks down and her baby pittie who's little tippy taps have padded up beside her.

"Absolutely." I give her a smile.

"I'll think about it, but thanks for the info." She nods and closes her door. I leave the apartment complex and toss the rest of the flyers into the trash bin outside.

A few days go by and my phone is practically radio silent with the exception of a few messages from my brother, parents, and a couple friends. Then, one from an unknown number sparks my interest.

Unknown
-Hello, I'm reaching out about volunteering. When would be a good time to meet?-

Fuck me, it's Fiona. I was beginning to think she wasn't going to bite. I type a quick reply and make a mental note to make sure to keep an eye on the door for people coming in.

Billie
-I'm here all day, stop by before we close at 5 and I'll still be able to meet with you.-

Fiona 🐞
-see you  soon-

I stress every waking second, every time the doorbell goes off, and then it all melts away when I see Fiona walk through the door with her cute little smile. Maybe I am making the right decision.

"Hey you, you made it." I excitedly greet her.

"I did, I figured I could spice up my resume on my days off, not that I have many of those to spare." She notes, looking around.

"Well I'm glad you chose to stop by then, so what days were you looking to fill?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Maybe Sunday mornings, those are usually pretty open for me."

I wince, "Our volunteer slots are filled for Sundays... but I could make an exception and meet up with you at the dog park on... this Tuesday afternoon, say 3 o'clock?"

She sighs and tilts her head. "Yeah I guess this Tuesday is fine, I can still bring my dog though right. She's super friendly, hopefully won't be an issue." 

I smirk a little amused at her annoyance. "Look it's just a volunteer thing, you don't have to if you don't want to..." I remind her.

"No I do! I just don't wanna seem over enthusiastic..." she admits avoiding eye contact.

I chuckle and lean against the counter. "And why is that." My voice low.

"No reason, I'll see you Tuesday. You have my number now though." She said as she leaves me wondering what she meant by that.

I actually think about it for the rest of my work day. As I'm turning the key to lock up my brother practically runs into me. "Billie, how many streams is a lot to you?" He asks excited.

I look at him like he's lost his mind. "Uh I don't know like 500 why?" He pulls out his phone and shows me the count for the weird a joke of a song we put out. "Please tell me you're kidding..."

He shakes his head. "If we do this right, Billie... things could change for us."

But I like my life, I like getting paid to hang out with dogs. My love life is a bit messy at the moment but I doubt money will fix that. I brush past him and start my walk towards the station. "Maybe."

"Just maybe? Billie you could literally be a literal superstar. What's holding you back?" He asks.

"Nothing just it's not the right time." I tell him.

In all honesty, I'm scared. I want better but I don't want things to change. But, I know they have to. That song is out there and if it keeps gaining traction like that, it's only a matter of time before labels start lining up.

"You know what, I'll consider it, but I'm not making any promises. If I hate it I'm dipping." I explain, changing my mind.

"Great, because we have a meeting." He grins huge.

"When?" I ask as we near the train station.

"Tuesday 3pm." He says proudly.

"I-..." I stutter. You've got to be fucking kidding me.

~~~~

*Addie's POV*

I sit at my dining room table alone. My apartment feels so empty, so quiet. I never thought I could miss someone who was right about everything when they walked out on you.

Part of me hates that she was right.

Part of me knows that she only sees part of the picture.

She didn't see the sleepless nights cramming for tests during college. Or the fact I enlisted in the military just to so I would be able to afford college. The year break I took from college to just have one. Going back to school instead of grieving when my dad died. She didn't see the surprise birthday party I threw for Jess during our intern year. Or the time my roommate stole all of my shit. She didn't see what made me who I am.

I won't change who I am to fit her mold. If she can't see me for who I am, that's on her.

Addie
-Hey are there any OT hours this week?-

Dr Jackson
-Always, come on in.-

a/n: so not exactly what I had in mind buuuuut here ya go bubs.

also may or may not have a tiny crush on someone rn 👀 and no I'm not telling you who it is.

I lub you bubbies 🥰💕