𝐁eyond the Lens - b.e

57 -

Ellie woke up earlier than expected. Her flight to Paris was at 10 AM, but the hours leading up to it were always the most delicate, especially when traveling with Livai.

Her heart tightened at the thought of locking him up in a cage for more than eight hours, leaving him alone with just his stuffed toy. "Come on, Livai, you know everything is going to be okay, right?" she murmured as she gently stroked his head.

Once ready, Ellie put Livai on his leash and left the hotel room. The ride to the airport went smoothly, but she couldn't help but question how the trip to Paris would unfold. Was she really ready to see her friends again? Would she be able to enjoy her stay? As she moved forward, she felt a bit disconnected from the world around her, but she forced herself to stay positive.

Suddenly, she found herself in front of the airport doors, her heart racing. The atmosphere was filled with a familiar frenzy, mingled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and distant announcements. Families were rushing, couples of friends were laughing, and solo travelers seemed lost in their own bubbles.

She headed to the airline counter, where an agent greeted her with a professional smile. "Hello, how can I help you today?"

"Hi, I'd like to check the travel conditions for my dog," she began, nervousness creeping into her voice. The agent, amused, assured her that he would be in good hands, that he would have a great flight, and that she could let him go. "He'll be well taken care of, don't worry."

Ellie felt a bit lighter, but the separation was still tough. She placed Livai in the cage, giving him one last look filled with promises, "I'll be back soon, okay? Be good." Livai looked back at her with his big trusting eyes, and that gave her some comfort.

Once her faithful companion was secure, Ellie made her way to the boarding gate. She began to daydream, knowing she needed this trip, to reconnect with her friends, to breathe a little, and to try to forget the weight of the last few days. She wanted to believe that Paris would be an opportunity to recharge her spirit.

Boarding was quick, and soon she was settled on the plane, headphones on, music playing in the background. Lana Del Rey's voice enveloped her, the melancholic lyrics offering her momentary comfort. Ellie let herself drift, her head pressed against the window, admiring the clouds floating beneath her. A feeling of lightness washed over her, as if she was floating above her worries.

As she closed her eyes, a sweet melody seeped into her dreams. She thought she heard Billie's voice whispering comforting words, like a message guiding her through her thoughts. When she opened her eyes, she quickly realized that the voice wasn't in her head; her playlist had chosen one of Billie's songs. A smile lit up her face, and she couldn't help but laugh softly at the little coincidence.

The flight continued smoothly, and time passed more quickly than she had imagined. The landscapes below transformed slowly, from barren land to green fields, and soon she spotted the gray rooftops of Paris on the horizon. The City of Light welcomed her with a promise of renewal. Maybe this trip would help her find a bit of joy.

After landing, she rushed to pick up Livai. When she saw him, her heart filled with happiness. He looked just as relieved to see her. As she walked, she observed the Parisians around her, hurried, absorbed in their phones, dressed in black as if they all carried an invisible weight.

Suddenly, in the crowd, she spotted a familiar figure. It was Joan, standing there with a radiant smile. Ellie felt her heart warm.

Joan rushed toward her, followed by Aubrey, who was holding her arm. Livai, all excited, was the first to leap, running toward Aubrey, surprise lighting up her face.

"Ellie!" Joan cried as she hugged her, a warm embrace that eased her troubled mind.

"I'm so happy to see you!" she replied, smiling as she tried to suppress the worries that accompanied her. The reunion was simple but precious.

Aubrey bent down to cuddle Livai, her laughter ringing in the air. "I missed you too, buddy!"

"You know, he was really brave," Ellie said, trying to mask her anxiety with a lighthearted tone.

Questions about her trip came flooding in. "How was your flight?" Joan asked, still smiling.

"Pretty good, I slept most of the time," Ellie replied, smiling back. However, Aubrey's gaze seemed to sense that something was off.

They headed toward the airport exit, and during the taxi ride, the city unfolded before their eyes. Ellie sat between Joan and Aubrey, her heart racing a little faster. Everything seemed so beautiful and promising, but she couldn't shake the thoughts of what she had left behind: her father, Billie, everything she had been dealing with, everything she was trying to hide.

In the taxi, conversations flowed. Joan shared the latest news about their group of friends, anecdotes that made her smile, even though she felt a slight emptiness within. She wanted to laugh and have fun, but every burst of laughter felt a little out of sync. She felt like a spectator in her own life, but she did her best to blend into the atmosphere.

Aubrey, always attentive, had that scrutinizing look, searching for answers Ellie wasn't ready to provide. "It's really nice to see you again," she finally said, a note of hesitation in her voice. Ellie smiled back, but her eyes betrayed a hint of doubt.

"I'm glad to be here," she managed to say, her voice mingling with the ambient noise of the city. She focused on the passing lights and the taxi's music, hoping the dynamic of the trip would help her feel better.

When they arrived at the apartment they had rented for the stay, the excitement of the reunion was palpable. The space was warm, filled with laughter and light, but Ellie still felt a little lost. She sat on the couch, Livai at her feet, while her friends prepared a tasting of pastries bought from the bakery downstairs. Conversations floated around her, but she felt like a specter, watching life continue around her. Joan and Aubrey's laughter was contagious, but with each burst of joy, Ellie felt a dull ache. She knew she should talk about what was troubling her, but for now, she preferred not to spoil the atmosphere.

Finally, as the conversation intensified, Aubrey approached her, concern in her eyes. "Ellie, you know you can talk, right? If something's wrong..."

Ellie looked at Aubrey, tears in her eyes, ready to finally share the weight that had been crushing her for days...