Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

39 -

Ellie walked Billie to her car, Livai trotting happily beside them. The atmosphere was gentle, tinged with the faint melancholy that comes when you know a parting, even a temporary one, is near. They would see each other again soon, but that didn't stop the ache that lingered between them. When they reached the car, they stopped, a heavier silence settling around them.

Ellie: "Safe travels, Bill, rest up before you get back to work."

Billie: "Yes, thanks, babe, I definitely will."

They hugged, and the embrace lasted a moment longer than necessary, as if neither of them really wanted to say goodbye.

Billie: "We'll see each other in less than two weeks."

Ellie stood still for a moment, watching the car drive away. A mix of nostalgia and anticipation rose inside her. She knew they would meet again soon, but something about this separation left her with a strange feeling. Livai rubbed against her legs, bringing Ellie back to reality. She took a deep breath, gathering herself. The thought of her upcoming departure for Melbourne filled her with both nerves and excitement. It would be her first trip outside the United States, and there was so much to prepare.

Back home, Ellie sat at her desk, determined to organize her trip. Passport, visa, bookings... everything seemed suddenly more complicated than she'd expected. She quickly realized she would need some help. She had been struggling with the different documents and travel requirements for a few minutes.

That's when she thought of Kate. She would also be joining them in Melbourne for the rest of the tour, and since she had traveled a lot, she was probably the best person to help. Ellie grabbed her phone and dialed her number.

Kate: "Hello?"

Ellie: "Hey, Kate, it's Ellie! How's it going, gorgeous?"

Kate: "Ellie! It's so good to hear from you! I'm good, just on vacation with my guy, soaking up some sun. How about you? Ready for the big Aussie adventure?"

Ellie: "That's actually why I'm calling. I'm getting all tangled up in the paperwork. Could you help me sort it all out?"

Kate: "Ah, the joys of international travel! Don't worry, I'll make you a little list of everything you need to do, so you can handle it all without stressing."

Ellie: "Thanks, you're saving my life! It's my first time leaving the U.S., and it's freaking me out because I'm the worst organizer in the world."

Kate: "Don't worry, we'll sort everything out together. I'm half-naked on a beach in Tulum, finishing up my tan, but I'll send it over to you."

Ellie: "Thanks, you're the best! How's Tulum?"

Kate: "It's gorgeous! Sun, beach, cocktails... what more could I ask for? But I keep thinking about Melbourne. It's going to be one hell of an adventure. I'm so happy we're doing it together!"

Ellie: "Same here, girl. We're gonna have a blast there. Oh, by the way, I didn't even tell you... Billie surprised me in Portland."

Kate: "What?! I didn't know anything about this! Was it planned?"

Ellie: "Nope, not at all. She showed up out of the blue, with her dog. We spent quite a bit of time together, it was actually pretty nice."

Kate: "That's awesome! You guys must've gotten pretty close, huh?"

Ellie: "Yeah, you could say that. We had some pretty cool moments... I guess."

Kate: "Pretty cool moments??? I feel like you've got some crazy stories to tell me!"

Ellie: "Don't worry, I'll tell you everything when we see each other."

Kate: "I can't wait! We're gonna have such a great time. I'm putting together that list, and you'll be ready to take on Australia with ease."

They talked a bit more, discussing their expectations for the trip and everything they would discover once they got there. Ellie finally hung up with a smile on her face, feeling lighter. With Billie and Kate by her side, this trip was going to be unforgettable.

As she thought back to Billie's surprise visit to Portland, Ellie realized just how much it had affected her. As the memories of the night came flooding back in vivid detail, the moments of flirtation, the intense glances, and the subtle touches made her smile. Although she had never imagined her relationship with Billie would take this turn, something had definitely shifted between them.

As she reflected on all of this, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them in Melbourne. Their dynamic had changed, and even though nothing concrete had happened yet, Ellie felt like things might evolve soon.

The day came to an end as Ellie finished finalizing the first steps of her trip preparations. She felt more ready than ever for this new adventure.