Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

28 -

It had been twelve days since Ellie had returned to Portland. The first few days had been a whirlwind of reunions, moments spent with her loved ones, and walks around her beloved city. She had reacclimated to normal life, far from tours, concerts, and hotel rooms. She had even taken the time to catch up with her old coworkers from the café where she had worked before becoming a full-time photographer. They now called her "the star," a joke that had taken on a life of its own after Joan had proudly told everyone that his best friend was now photographing Billie Eilish.

Ellie still laughed at the new label, but she also appreciated the normalcy of these moments. It felt good to get back to simple things, like serving coffee, chatting with familiar faces, and strolling through the streets of Portland with Livai.

Over the past few days, she had also reconnected with some of her old college friends, the ones she had studied history with. They had bombarded her with questions about the tour, the music, and especially Billie. Her friends had always been fascinated by the music scene, and although Ellie wasn't the star, she had become their go-to source for all the inside details.

"So, what's it like being the photographer for the most envied girl in the world?" her old friend Lara had asked with a mischievous smile.

"It's exhausting, but amazing," Ellie had replied honestly. "It's a whole other world, but I feel like I belong there now."

But even after all these conversations and moments spent with her friends and Livai, there was a small voice inside her that reminded her she still hadn't contacted Billie since her return. The days had flown by, and despite her desire to send a message, she'd hesitated.

She told herself Billie must be busy. After all, she was a superstar. She must have interviews, engagements, and probably taking her own break to recharge. Ellie didn't want to seem intrusive, nor did she want to force a relationship.

But that morning, after a long walk with Livai, Ellie made up her mind. Maybe if she never sent the message, she'd regret it. So, she gathered her courage and wrote something simple, to avoid putting any pressure on the situation:

Ellie: "Hey, how's it going? Did you have time to rest and hang out with your little Shark?"

She hit "send" and sighed in relief. It was done. Now she could get back to her day without thinking about it too much. When she got home, Joan and Aubrey were already waiting for her for their Harry Potter night, a tradition they'd kept up for years.

"We've been waiting for you!" Joan said, gesturing to the couch where everything was already set up: caramel popcorn, blankets, and the DVD box set on the coffee table.

"Sorry, I kind of wandered around with Livai," Ellie replied with a smile. "You guys ready for the marathon?"

Aubrey nodded enthusiastically, and Joan pressed play on the first movie. They spent the evening commenting on scenes they knew by heart, laughing at the details they'd never really paid attention to before. Aubrey's usual upbeat presence, however, had a new dynamic to it. She had a new boyfriend, a guy named Jake, and though he wasn't there that night, Joan and Ellie had often heard noises coming from Aubrey's room these past few nights.

"Seriously, I'm thinking of moving out, my walls have never shaken so much," Joan joked as the credits rolled.

"Be happy for her, usually those relationships don't last longer than one night," Ellie replied with a laugh.

After the night ended, Ellie went upstairs to her room, happy but exhausted. She got into bed, ready to sleep, when she felt a familiar vibration under her pillow. It was her phone. She grabbed it, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw Billie's name on the screen.

Billie had replied.

Billie: "Hey Ellie! Sorry for the silence, I totally disconnected these past few days. Shark's so happy to have me back, he won't leave me alone! How's Portland treating you?"

Ellie smiled, feeling both relieved and excited to read those few lines. Billie had taken the time to respond, and that warmed her heart. She quickly wrote a response, trying to keep it light.

Ellie: "No worries, Shark's probably glued to you just like Livai's glued to me right now. It feels good to get back to my little piece of paradise, quiet and all, even though I kinda miss that crazy concert energy."

She hesitated for a moment before hitting "send." She didn't want to sound too nostalgic, but there was truth in what she had written. She loved being in Portland, but the buzz of the tour, the adrenaline of the concerts, all that was slowly becoming something she missed more each day.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed again. Billie had responded almost immediately.

Billie: "I totally get that. It's kind of weird going from that fucking whirlwind to this calm. But hey, it's nice to come back to real life for a moment."

The conversation continued, light and enjoyable. Ellie talked about the walks she was taking in Portland's parks, the cafés she was revisiting, and the evenings spent with Joan and Aubrey. Billie, in turn, told her about hanging out with Shark, watching shows, and trying to disconnect as much as possible before the tour resumed.

With each message, Ellie felt their connection growing, despite the distance. It wasn't just a tour friendship. There was something more, something undefinable that made every exchange special.

Finally, after several messages, Billie ended with:

Billie: "I've missed talking to you dude, hope we'll see each other soon. Maybe in Portland, who knows???"

Ellie smiled at the idea.

Ellie: "I'd love that. Let me know when you're in town. Give Shark a kiss from me."

After sending that last message, Ellie set her phone on the nightstand, a smile on her lips. Billie was still so down-to-earth, so approachable, and that simplicity touched Ellie more than she could have imagined.

As she fell asleep that night, Ellie felt lighter, more at peace, and above all, more connected to a reality she hadn't seen coming. A reality where Billie Eilish wasn't just an artist she photographed, but someone who could become so much more in her life.