𝐁eyond the Lens - b.e

65 -

After the concert, Ellie still felt adrenaline coursing through her veins, the memory of the lights, the crowd, and especially Billie etched in her mind. She had captured every moment with her camera, focused on the stage, but also on the unique bond between Billie and Finneas, more intense than ever.

A smile appeared on her lips as she put her camera away in her bag. She felt incredibly lucky to be there, to have a peaceful relationship with Billie again.

As she left the venue, she spotted Joan and Aubrey waiting for her near the exit. They had also attended the concert, and as soon as they saw her coming, they welcomed her with laughter and knowing looks. They were buzzing with excitement, each sharing how amazing the concert had been.

"It was fucking insane!" exclaimed Joan, his eyes shining with excitement. "I've never seen anything like it! Billie is a total beast on stage, I think I'm in love."

Aubrey nodded, his enthusiasm palpable.

"The power of her voice is insane! The way she interacted with the crowd, those camera looks... damn, it was wild!"

Joan, just as excited, chimed in, "And Finneas, his charisma with the electric guitar... I'm so gay for him."

Ellie smiled as she listened to them, recognizing that passion she had felt during her first concerts. For her, it was different, she had seen Billie countless times on stage, but for Joan and Aubrey, it was their first experience.

"I'm so glad you guys got to experience this too," Ellie said, fidgeting with her fingers. "You understand a little more why I'm in love with this job."

Joan, always full of energy, whispered to Aubrey, "This job?" before saying loudly, "You're so lucky!"

Ellie nodded, her mind drifting to the moments she had shared with Billie.

"Yes, it's really special, Billie is the artist of the century."

While they chatted, they walked through the illuminated streets of London, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Aubrey, still a bit in shock from the performance, added, "And that moment with the audience when she thanked Finneas on stage? I'm too sensitive"

Ellie nodded gently, thinking back to that beautiful connection between Billie and her brother. She couldn't wait to get home to look at all those photos on her computer.

As they continued talking, a slight smile appeared on Ellie's lips as she remembered her moment with Billie just before the concert. Even though a tension lingered, almost palpable, she preferred not to dwell on it for now. Billie was her friend, and nothing could change that. Not tonight, at least.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out, her heart racing a bit faster when she saw a notification from Billie. The message on the screen simply read, "I really needed to find you, I missed you so much."

A tender smile spread across Ellie's lips, and Joan, ever observant, immediately noticed the sparkle in her eyes.

"It looks like someone is getting sweet messages," he said, grinning. Ellie shrugged, trying to hide the emotion rising in her.

"Just a message from Billie," she replied, attempting to sound casual.

Joan, still curious, asked Ellie, "So everything's good between you two now?"

Ellie answered, "I think so, yeah..."

Her friends exchanged a knowing look, amused by her reaction. Ellie shook her head, a bit embarrassed, but deep down, she couldn't deny the warmth she felt. She chose to keep that moment to herself and preferred to wait until she was in the quiet of her room to respond. A moment later, they arrived at their place, and Ellie slipped into her room, her heart light, ready to let Billie's words resonate a little longer before replying.

Finally, Ellie opened the conversation with Billie, taking a deep breath before typing her message.

Ellie: "I missed you too, I feel so stupid. Sorry for worrying you, it really wasn't my intention, and I hope you know that..."

Barely had she sent the message when a reply came in quickly.

Billie: "You messed up a bit dude, but don't worry, we're turning the page. What matters is that you feel better, are you okay?"

Ellie: "Let's say I've moved on, I feel so much better, I can finally breathe, you know?"

Billie: "I get it. I've been there too. I hope you know I'm here for you, and seriously, don't try to run away from me again."

Ellie: "Haha, I promise I won't, if you don't either."

Billie: "I'm not going anywhere, not without you at least."

Those words touched Ellie more than she expected.

Ellie: "Are you trying to make me cry?"

Billie: "Maybe a little. Anyway, I wanted to invite you to something fun: a new event for the tour's merch release tomorrow night. Are you in?"

Ellie's heart raced at the invitation.

Ellie: "Absolutely! Can Joan and Aubrey come too?"

Billie: "You better bring them!"

Ellie: "Awesome! They're going to freak out."

Billie: "Say hi to them for me. I gotta go, my stupid brother wants me to destroy him in Mario Kart."

Ellie: "Tell Finneas I wish him a violent, crushing, bloody victory."

Billie: "It's so cruel."

Ellie dropped her phone, a smile on her lips. The excitement of the upcoming event and the warmth of Billie's words resonated within her. She went to tell her friends, who were watching a movie in the living room of their rented apartment.

Ellie : "Hey guys, I have good news: you, Billie, and me at an event party, are you interested?"

Joan jumped off the couch, his eyes wide, "WHAT???!!!"

Aubrey, still a bit reserved, looked up from the screen with an incredulous smile. "Wait, Billie herself is inviting us? That's huge!"

Ellie nodded, her heart racing with excitement. "Yes, she asked me to bring you guys, so get ready for tomorrow !"

Aubrey stood up, his face beaming. "We need to find some crazy outfits then!"

Joan, excited, added, "I'm gonna prepare a damn speech for the night, Hollywood isn't ready!"

Ellie: "We're in London, idiot."

Joan: "Don't crush my dreams, witch."

Ellie burst into laughter, realizing how much this invitation filled them with joy and anticipation. What lay ahead promised to be memorable, and she couldn't help but feel lucky to be surrounded by such enthusiastic friends.