Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

40 -

Twelve days later, Ellie was finally ready for the big departure. Thanks to Kate's list, she had been able to organize everything on time and without a hitch. Every little detail of the trip had been carefully planned, and she felt both excited and calm about this new adventure. As she finished packing, she received a message from Billie:

Billie: "So, ready to join me in the land of spiders?"

Ellie: "Yeah, weirdly ready, can't wait to see the whole team again."

Billie: "The team? What about me, aren't you excited to see me?"

Ellie: "I figured that was obvious."

Billie: "I hope so, actually, I have something to tell you... I'm bringing Shark on the tour with me."

Bringing Shark on the tour? That made total sense, Billie was really attached to her dog. But what Ellie didn't understand yet was why Billie was telling her this so formally. She didn't have to wait long for the next part.

Billie: "And I was thinking... why not bring Livai with you?"

Ellie froze, her heart racing. She read and reread the message, both in disbelief and overflowing with joy. Bringing Livai on the tour? She hadn't even considered the idea, but it was totally perfect. Not having to leave her dog behind, taking him to Australia and then Europe... it was simply amazing.

Ellie: "Seriously? You're not messing with me??? I can really bring him?!"

Billie: "No joke, Livai will be treated like a prince (I can already hear you screaming behind your phone screen)."

Still in shock, Ellie jumped up with excitement, letting out a joyful scream that startled Livai. She grabbed her phone and quickly tapped out a reply. But her excitement was so overwhelming that she dropped her phone, and it bounced on the floor with a dull thud.

Ellie: "Joan! Aubrey!"

Joan and Aubrey were deep in conversation on the couch when Ellie burst in, looking ecstatic.

Joan: "Did you finally beat my Subway Surfers score??"

Ellie: "NO, you won't believe what Billie just told me!"

Aubrey: "Tell us."

Ellie: "She offered to let me bring Livai on the tour with us!"

Aubrey: "Are you kidding?! Oh my god, Ellie, that's incredible!"

Joan: "Wow, that's fucking amazing!"

Ellie sat down, still stunned by the news: "I know, I'm so happy. It's such a huge relief not to have to leave him here, I love you guys, but having him by my side, it's a dream come true."

Aubrey: "You, Billie, Livai, Shark... this is gonna be one hell of an adventure."

Ellie collapsed back on the couch, realizing the tour was going to be even more special than she'd imagined. Traveling with Billie, but also with their dogs, added a personal touch to what could have been just another professional tour. The more the days passed, the more Ellie felt this experience was going to change her. And she couldn't wait to see how.

Three days later...

The final days before departure flew by in a whirlwind. Between packing for herself and for Livai, Ellie couldn't stop thinking about this trip that would mark a turning point in her life. Nervousness mixed with excitement, and she was so absorbed in the preparations that suddenly, she realized something: she probably wouldn't be returning to Portland for a while.

After Australia, the tour would continue in Europe, with only a two-week break between the two parts. Ellie realized that going back to the U.S. during that time would be difficult and tiring. A new idea then started to form in her mind, one that could make the short break even more enjoyable.

Joan and Aubrey... why not invite them to join her somewhere in Europe during the break? They could meet up in London, Paris, or another European city, and spend some time together before the tour picked up again. It would be the perfect opportunity to reconnect and explore a new place together.

Ellie suddenly sat up straight on the couch, a new spark of excitement in her eyes.

Ellie: "Hey guys, I've got an idea. Why don't you come join me somewhere in Europe during my break? I probably won't have time to go back to Portland, but we could meet up in London or Paris?"

Joan and Aubrey exchanged a surprised look before grinning widely.

Aubrey: "Oh my god, that would be so awesome!"

Joan: "Yeah, totally down! I've always wanted to visit Europe."

Ellie smiled as she saw the enthusiasm from her friends. She loved the idea that, despite the tour taking her far from home for several months, she could still share precious moments with her roommates. They had never traveled together, and this was the perfect opportunity.

Aubrey: "I vote for Paris. The Eiffel Tower, croissants, hot guys..."

Joan: "London would be cool too. We could do both, since it's not too far apart."

Ellie: "I'm up for anything. As soon as I have a better idea of the schedule, I'll let you know. But it would be totally crazy!"

The idea of this shared adventure brought a new wave of excitement to Ellie, who was now as excited about Billie's tour as she was about this upcoming European getaway. She felt lucky to have friends so up for the adventure and so close to her.

The final days before departure passed quickly. Ellie finished her last preparations, packed her bags, and made sure Livai was ready for the long journey ahead. She felt perfectly organized and calm now, ready to face this new chapter of her life. It was all so crazy...

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. Ellie woke up early, her heart racing at the thought of everything that awaited her. Livai, as if sensing the big departure, followed her around the apartment, watching every move with curiosity. Ellie scooped him up in her arms, a wide smile on her face.

Ellie: "Ready for the adventure, my big guy?"

It was the beginning of a new chapter for her. Melbourne, Sydney, then Europe, with Billie, Livai, Kate... and the rest of the team. And after that, reunions with Joan and Aubrey in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Everything was finally in place. The future looked exciting.