Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

31 -

After watching a movie quietly in the living room, Ellie felt a weight settle on her shoulder. She turned her head slightly and saw that Billie had fallen asleep, her breathing slow and steady. A tender smile formed on Ellie's lips. This moment felt surreal, but incredibly comforting. They'd chosen a light movie, but halfway through, Billie, exhausted from the tour and all her travels, had gradually drifted off, her head gently leaning against Ellie's shoulder.

The light from the movie cast soft shadows on Billie's face, highlighting the calmness of her features. Ellie hesitated to wake her, secretly enjoying this moment where she felt close to her, even if the other wasn't aware of it. Finally, she whispered softly:

Ellie: "Billie... it's time to go to bed."

Billie let out a small grunt, almost like a purr, before slowly sitting up, her eyes half-open.

Billie: "Hmm... did I fall asleep?" she asked, her voice still tinged with sleep.

Ellie: "Pretty much missed three-quarters of the movie, but that's okay, the trip wore you out."

Billie nodded, still a little drowsy. They each went to their own rooms. Ellie sat on her bed for a moment, her thoughts circling around this shared moment, before finally lying down, the smile still on her face. The intimacy of the evening resonated with her in a way she couldn't quite explain.

The next morning, Joan was the first to wake up. He headed to the kitchen to make coffee when he heard footsteps behind him. It was Billie.

Joan: "Sleep well, dude?"

Billie nodded, rubbing her eyes slightly. "Yeah, it feels so good to just relax, thanks again for letting me stay here, it's so cool."

Joan handed her a coffee, and they started chatting about everything and nothing. Soon, the conversation drifted to Ellie. Billie seemed curious and a little admiring.

Billie: "Ellie's really something, I mean... she seems so genuine, like she doesn't expect anything from me, and you have no idea how rare that is..."

Joan smiled : "Yeah, I can tell you, she's got a gift for that. Meeting her really changed my life too. She makes everyone around her a little better, even though her life hasn't exactly been easy."

Billie nodded thoughtfully. She knew her meeting with Ellie had marked a turning point in her life, in its own way. Away from the whirlwind of her career, she had found in Ellie a friendship that connected her to something simpler, more authentic. Billie opened her mouth to continue, but at that moment, Ellie walked in, her hair still messy, a teasing smile on her lips.

Ellie: "What are you two plotting?"

Joan and Billie exchanged a look, refusing to say a word.

Joan: "It's a secret," he said, pretending to lock his lips.

Ellie frowned, amused but also a bit frustrated not knowing what they'd been saying behind her back.

Ellie: "I knew introducing you two was a bad idea. Come on, Billie, spill."

Billie, sipping her coffee: "Nope, top secret, sorry babe."

Ellie gave them a mock-exasperated look before heading to the kitchen to pour herself a cup of coffee.

Ellie: "I hate you both."

A short while later, Aubrey came down the stairs, dragging her feet and looking grumpy as usual in the morning. "Too early for conversation..." she muttered before collapsing into a chair, her eyes still half-closed.

Everyone burst into laughter, used to Aubrey's morning mood.

Meanwhile, Shark and Livai, already full of energy, raced around the apartment, eager to go out. Shark barked happily, and Livai followed his lead, spinning around Ellie in excitement.

Ellie: "Looks like it's time to take these two out."

Billie: "Yep, they look ready."

Billie, true to herself, put on her usual oversized outfit, her signature style, but this time added a pair of sunglasses and a hood, hoping to stay incognito.

Ellie: "Oh, really? All you're missing are the binoculars."

Joan: "Just don't walk past a school."

Billie shrugged, an amused smile on her lips. "Laugh all you want, Ellie, but you'll be glad not to get mobbed by fans."

They left the apartment with the dogs, who were tugging excitedly at their leashes, eager to explore the city parks. Ellie was happy to show Billie her favorite spots, the places she loved to walk, where she felt at home. After a few minutes of walking, they stopped in a peaceful park surrounded by trees and winding paths.

The dogs ran and played together, giving the girls a moment of calm. They sat on a bench, watching the scene.

Billie: "I really like it here, it's so peaceful."

Ellie smiled, proud to share this place with her friend. "I love this spot so much, I come here alone a lot with my headphones and some good music, it's like my little retreat when I'm not feeling great."

After a few moments of peaceful silence, Billie turned to Ellie, a more serious expression on her face, though her eyes sparkled with a childlike curiosity.

Billie: "Ellie, can I ask you something?"

Ellie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Of course, go ahead."

Billie took a deep breath, as if searching for the right words. "I wanted to ask you... why don't you ever talk about your parents?"

Ellie felt a slight twist in her stomach at the mention of her family. She had never brought up this topic with Billie, or with many people at all, really. It was a part of her life she often kept to herself, a wound she had never fully healed.