Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

35 -

The party was in full swing in the apartment. Ellie and Billie were sitting together on one corner of the couch, chatting casually, their voices blending with the noise of conversations and music. Despite the chaos around her, Ellie seemed fully focused on what Billie was saying. Their connection was undeniable, marked by exchanged smiles and meaningful glances. Every word Billie spoke seemed to capture Ellie's full attention, as if they were the only two people in the room.

Suddenly, Joan burst into their bubble with a mischievous grin on his face, "Come on, Billie! You're gonna get swallowed up by the couch, it's Beer Pong time, get over here."

Billie: "I'm coming, I'm coming!" she laughed softly, following Joan to the game table. Ellie, watching them leave, smiled as they walked away.

A few minutes later, Ellie joined Billie by the Beer Pong table. They decided to team up, and it quickly became clear that they were unbeatable. Their movements were synchronized, and their chemistry was something to behold. Every time they scored, they high-fived, laughing together, completely absorbed in each other. The other guests watched them with admiration, unable to ignore the obvious connection between them.

After a few wins, Ellie excused herself for a moment to grab some cups from the kitchen. Billie, left alone, stretched and grabbed her water bottle, catching her breath. That's when Chloé appeared, slowly walking toward her. She had a confident stride, but her gaze betrayed a certain tension. Billie, surprised by Chloé's presence, dropped her smile and watched her with curiosity.

Chloé: "So, you're the famous Billie Eilish."

She let the words hang in the air, as if her name was supposed to carry weight.

Billie: "In the flesh."

Chloé stepped closer, her eyes locked on Billie: "You know, Ellie and I go way back. I've seen how she can manipulate people, and I'm sure that if she's this close to you, it's only for the fame you bring her. She's not who you think she is."

Billie, surprised by the veiled attack, furrowed her brows slightly. Chloé's voice, soft at first, had turned sharp, as though she'd been waiting a long time to unload these accusations. But Billie, not one to get rattled easily, kept her cool.

Billie: "You're full of shit. I know Ellie is genuine, and you're not gonna make me believe otherwise."

Chloé, clearly frustrated by Billie's response, clenched her fists: "You don't know her like I do. You have no idea what she's capable of. She's using you, just like she used me, like she uses everyone around her."

Billie, still calm, locked eyes with Chloé. She could tell that Chloé's words weren't just driven by pure malice, but by pain she still carried. She sighed before responding.

Billie: "Look, I get that you're still hurting from all of this, but Ellie's not responsible for how you feel. If she's changed, it's not necessarily to hurt you."

Chloé, clearly at her breaking point, started raising her voice: "This is all your fault. We were about to get back together before you came into her life. You don't even know how to make her happy."

Billie tried to stay composed: "Chloé, there's no need to make a scene like this. I get that you're angry, but this isn't the time or place."

Chloé, who had seemed like she wanted to maintain some control, suddenly cracked. She broke down in tears, unable to hold back the pain she had been carrying for too long. Tears streamed down her face, and in her rush, she bumped into a guest who was dancing. The impact knocked over the drink they were holding, spilling a cascade of liquid on Billie.

Billie stepped back, surprised by the cold shower. Her t-shirt was soaked, and she couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Before she could react, Ellie reappeared, her brows furrowed as she took in the scene.