Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

30 -

Ellie and Billie arrived alone in the apartment lobby, Shark bouncing with excitement beside them. Joan, who had realized a bit late that he'd left his car at the café, had quickly told them he'd go fetch it on foot. Billie had offered him a ride, but he'd insisted on going himself.

Joan: "Don't worry, Billie, it'll be some exercise, and it gives you both a little time to settle in."

The girls exchanged an amused glance at Joan's always-chill attitude, then headed up to the apartment together.

Billie: "Your friend's really fun, I like him."

Ellie: "Wait till you get to know him. He's a total bitch, always in his own world, but he's the coolest of us all. I really do love him, but don't tell him too much."

Billie: "Afraid he'll get a big head?"

Ellie: "My worst nightmare."

Once they reached the apartment door, Ellie barely turned the key before Livai, her dog, burst out, overjoyed to see Shark. Shark, just as eager, tried to leap forward. Billie tried to hold him back, but he quickly broke free and bolted straight for Livai. They immediately started racing around the entryway, knocking over a shoe and nearly crashing into Ellie.

Billie: "Wow! Sorry, I thought I could hold him."

Ellie burst out laughing. "Don't worry, Livai's the same way, you can't stop him once he's excited. These two are going to be a handful together."

After a few minutes of mad dashing, the dogs started sniffing each other and circling the room, creating a chaotic but adorable canine dance. Meanwhile, Ellie offered Billie a quick tour of the apartment.

Ellie: "Come on, let me show you my kingdom."

Billie followed Ellie, taking everything in with interest. She admired the decor, which blended modern touches with a few vintage elements. In the living room, her eyes stopped on a frame hanging on the wall. It held a newspaper clipping, an article from a Detroit paper that talked about Billie's concert and mentioned Ellie's photos.

Billie: "Is that the article that published your photos?"

Ellie blushed slightly, a little embarrassed. "Yeah, that's the one. Joan hung it up after he bought it. It was a huge moment for me, our first time meeting."

Billie smiled, her eyes shining with a mix of nostalgia and amusement. "I'm glad you got lost that day."

Ellie relaxed a bit more as they chatted. But despite Billie's kind words, she couldn't shake a slight tension, having her friend here in her personal space. She wanted everything to be perfect, for Billie to feel at ease, but realized she might be trying a little too hard.

Ellie: "Can I get you something to drink? Water, tea? Or maybe a snack? I think I've got some carrots..."

Billie noticed her slight unease, and with her usual warmth, placed a gentle hand on Ellie's shoulder.

Billie: "Carrots??? Ellie, it's okay, relax. I'm really happy to be here with you, honestly."

The calm tone and Billie's gentle presence melted away some of the tension building up inside Ellie. That soothing voice, capable of comforting anyone, seemed to erase all her worries.

Ellie: "Sorry, damn, I don't even know why I'm stressing."

Billie: "It's my irresistible charm, I'm used to it."

Ellie: "Well, someone's humble."

Billie: "Me? Always."

The two girls settled into the living room, where the dogs, still exploring, finally began to calm down a bit. Billie leaned over to pet Shark and glanced at Ellie with a mischievous smile.

Billie: "I think their first date's going pretty well."

Ellie: "I'm almost jealous."

Ellie finally felt at ease in Billie's presence, with their dogs by their side. It felt as if the last few weeks on tour had melted away, leaving space for this simple, pleasant moment.

Soon after, the front door opened again, and Joan walked in with Aubrey, who had just finished her shift at the café.

Joan: "Is this where the party's at? I thought I'd be stuck in those damn traffic jams forever on the way back. It was hell out there."

Aubrey, always cheerful, immediately went over to greet Billie. "It's an honor to have your ass on our couch."

Billie laughed at Aubrey's comment. "Hey, Aubrey. Thanks for letting me crash at your place."

Introductions complete, Joan suggested they help set Billie up in the guest room. Everyone pitched in, sharing laughs and jokes as Billie and Shark explored the warm but slightly quirky apartment.

Ellie watched the scene, her thoughts lingering on the feeling of familiarity that had settled in among them. She was no longer looking at a global star but a dear friend, someone she valued for her warmth and kindness.

Finally, once everything was in place, they all gathered in the living room, ready to enjoy a relaxed evening. Billie stretched as she flopped onto the couch.

Billie: "I think I landed in the best place I could've. It feels so good to just disconnect."

Ellie, sitting beside her, felt a wave of contentment wash over her. This moment, as simple as it was, was exactly what she'd needed after those intense weeks on tour.