Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

27 -

The next morning, Ellie stepped out of Portland airport, her heart racing with excitement at the thought of seeing her loved ones again. As soon as her eyes landed on Joan, a smile lit up her face. There, just a few meters away, he was greeting her with that big, radiant smile, as warm and comforting as she remembered. Without thinking, she rushed towards him, almost running, and before she could say anything, he grabbed her in his arms and spun her around like one of those damn movie scenes.

Joan: "Ellie! You're alive!"

Ellie laughed out loud, her feet barely touching the ground. "Joan, stop your shit, you're gonna kill me!"

He gently set her back down and looked at her with that familiar, tender gaze.

Joan: "I missed you, babe. Damn, you've even got some wrinkles!"

Ellie: "You missed me too, idiot. It was a crazy adventure, but nothing beats coming home."

He grabbed her suitcase before she could protest, carrying it effortlessly. As Ellie started telling him a few stories from the tour, he suddenly interrupted her.

Joan: "Ah, no, shut up! You remember the pact with Aubrey, right? No juicy details until we're all three together."

Ellie frowned, suddenly recalling the promise.

Ellie: "Shit, I was about to make a huge mistake, Aubrey would've killed me."

They headed toward the parking lot, walking side by side, and Joan glanced at Ellie.

Joan: "You look dead tired, but happy."

Ellie: "I left my soul and my body out there, but it was worth it. I took the best pictures of my life."

When they got to the old Chevrolet, Ellie burst out laughing when she saw it.

Ellie: "Wow, this is a real change from the luxury black Ubers I was taking every day."

Joan: "Don't start acting like a star, the real life is gonna do you good."

They both laughed as they loaded her suitcase into the car, and after that, they headed home. The ride was quiet, filled with light conversation, but Ellie felt the excitement building as they got closer. She was about to finally see Livaï and Aubrey.

As soon as Joan parked the car in front of the house, Ellie rushed to the door. She hadn't even put the key in when the door swung open slightly, and Livaï, all excited, darted toward her. He leaped onto her with such force that she lost her balance and fell backward.

"Oh my God, Livaï!" Ellie exclaimed, laughing her ass off, as the dog showered her with kisses. "I missed you, my boy!"

She couldn't help but laugh as Livaï, totally hyped, circled her, wagging his tail like crazy. Joan, standing next to her, watched with an amused smirk.

Joan: "I think he's more excited than I am to see you."

Ellie struggled to get up, stroking Livaï with affection. She entered the house with the dog still attached to her heels. No sooner had she crossed the threshold than a familiar voice called out from the living room.

"You're finally here!" Aubrey shouted, rushing over to hug her. "I thought I'd never see your face around here again!"

"I'm here, in the flesh!" Ellie replied, hugging her friend tight. "I've missed you guys so much!"

The two girls shared a long hug, then Aubrey stepped back a bit to take Ellie in from head to toe.

Aubrey: "So, tell me! You survived the tour, it looks like."

Ellie glanced at Joan, who, with a sly smile, shook his head.

Ellie: "I can't say anything, orders from the boss," she said, raising her hands in surrender. "We have to wait until we're all on the couch before I spill the stories."

Aubrey burst out laughing and turned to Joan: "I see you're enforcing the rules. Well played!"

They all settled into the living room, and after Joan served drinks, the conversation started casually.

"So, how was it?" Aubrey asked, clearly eager to hear Ellie's stories. "The concerts, the cities, the team... You must've met some incredible people, right?"

"It was crazy, seriously," Ellie began, a dreamy smile on her face. "Each concert was unique, and the vibe... it's indescribable. When you're in the middle of thousands of people and everyone is singing in unison, it's just... magical."

"And Billie?" Joan asked, a teasing look in his eyes. "Is she as cool as she seems?"

"Even cooler," Ellie answered, nodding. "She's so talented, super down to earth, and honestly, she's someone you can count on. She even made me watch The Office."

"Wait, what?" Aubrey exclaimed, moving closer. "I've been telling you to watch that show for years, and it takes Billie Eilish telling you to watch it for you to finally do it?!"

Ellie blushed slightly.

"Yeah, I caved," she admitted, laughing. "Billie was shocked I didn't know it. It's her favorite show."

"I'm gonna sell this story to a gossip magazine," Joan said, shaking his head, laughing.

"If you can make money off it, she'd be the first one to encourage you," Ellie shot back, laughing.

"She sounds so cool, I kinda envy you," Aubrey added. "Are you guys gonna meet up before the tour starts again?"

Ellie shrugged, but a mysterious smile tugged at her lips.

"We talked about it briefly. We're gonna try to meet up in Portland, maybe let our two monsters meet."

Joan burst out laughing, crossing his arms: "Ah, the old dog excuse. Does it still work in 2024?"

"That's exactly what I told her," Ellie replied, laughing.

"Using your dog to fuck, how shameless," Joan said with a mischievous grin.

Ellie rolled her eyes, amused but a little embarrassed by the innuendo.

"Stop your bullshit, it's just for the dogs," she insisted, laughing.

"Yeah, yeah, sure," Joan responded, winking.

They continued talking, Ellie telling more stories from the tour, like the times she had to run to catch up with the crew or the moments when she captured unexpected but amazing shots. Aubrey and Joan listened intently, laughing and reacting to every story.

Ellie: "One of the craziest moments was when Billie totally wiped out on the backstage stairs. We thought she was done for, but she got up crying with laughter."

Joan: "The vibe sounds insane. You must've really enjoyed it."

Ellie: "Totally, I already miss it."

Joan: "It must be something, living it from the inside. You really feel like you're part of something bigger, right?"

Ellie: "Exactly, that's what I'll miss the most. But I'm still happy to be home. You guys are my family."

They kept sharing stories and laughs for hours. Ellie's return to Portland not only reignited her love for her hometown but also strengthened her bonds with her loved ones. And as she curled up on the couch, with Livaï at her feet, she knew that while the tour had been incredible, nothing beat the feeling of being home.