Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

65 -

After the concert, Ellie still felt the 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, focusing not only on the stage but also on the unique connection between Billie and Finneas, more intense than ever.

A smile spread across her lips as she packed her camera into her bag. She felt incredibly lucky to be there, to have a more peaceful relationship with Billie.

Leaving the venue, she spotted Joan and Aubrey waiting by the exit. They had also attended the concert, and as soon as they saw her, they greeted her with laughter and knowing glances. They were buzzing, each of them sharing how amazing the concert had been.

Joan: "That was fucking insane! I've never seen anything like it! Billie is a beast on stage, I think I'm in love."

Aubrey nodded, his enthusiasm clear.

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

Joan: "And let's not forget Finneas and his electric guitar, ahh I think I'm in love with both of them."

Ellie smiled as she listened to them, recognizing that same passion that had once consumed her during her first concerts. For her, it was different, she'd seen Billie perform countless times, but for Joan and Aubrey, this was their first experience.

Ellie: "I'm so glad you guys got to experience this too, now you get why I'm so in love with this job."

Joan whispered to Aubrey: "The job?" before raising his voice again: "You're seriously lucky!"

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

Ellie: "Billie is the artist of the century."

As they kept talking, they walked through the brightly lit streets of London, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Aubrey seemed still in awe of the performance.

Aubrey: "And that moment with the crowd when she thanked Finneas on stage? I almost cried all my makeup off."

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

As they continued talking, a slight smile crept onto Ellie's lips when she thought back to her moment with Billie just before the concert. Though a tension still hung in the air, almost tangible, she preferred not to focus on it for now.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her heart racing a little faster when she saw a notification from Billie.

Billie: "I really needed to find you."

A tender smile appeared on Ellie's lips, and Joan, ever observant, immediately noticed the spark in her eyes.

Joan: "Looks like someone's getting cute messages,"

Ellie shrugged, trying to hide the emotion rising inside her.

Ellie: "Just a message from Billie."

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

Ellie: "I think so, yeah."

Her friends exchanged a knowing look, amused by her reaction. Ellie shook her head, a little embarrassed, but deep down, she couldn't deny the warmth she felt. She decided to keep the moment to herself and wait until she was in the calm of her room to respond.

A little while later, they arrived at their accommodation, and Ellie slipped away to her room, her heart light, ready to let Billie's words linger a little longer before replying.

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

No sooner had she sent the message than a reply came through quickly.

Billie: "Don't worry, we're turning the page. What matters is that you feel better, is that the case?"

Ellie: "Let's just say I've moved on, you know?"

Billie: "I get it. I've been there too. Just know I'm here for you, and damn it, don't try to avoid me again."

Ellie: "Haha, I promise, same goes for you."

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

Those words touched Ellie more than she'd imagined.

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 new merch tomorrow night. You in?"

Ellie's heart skipped a beat at the invitation.

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

Billie: "You better bring them."

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

Billie: "Give them my regards. I'll catch you later, my stupid brother wants me to destroy him at Mario Kart."

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

Billie: "Now that's just cruel."

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

Ellie: "Hey guys, I've got some good news: you, Billie, and me at an event, are you in?"

Joan jumped off the couch, eyes wide: "WHAT???"

Aubrey looked up from the screen with an incredulous smile. "Oh my god, is Billie inviting us?"

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

Aubrey got up, her face beaming. "Shit, we need to find some killer outfits then."

Joan: "I'm writing a fucking speech for the event, Hollywood's got nothing on us!"

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

Joan: "Don't crush my dreams."

Ellie burst out laughing, realizing how much joy and anticipation this invitation had sparked in them. What was ahead promised to be unforgettable, and she couldn't help but feel lucky to be surrounded by such enthusiastic friends.