Beyond the lens - Billie Eilish

66 -

The night had long since fallen, and the London streetlights cast their golden glow through the apartment windows. After a busy day, Ellie, Joan, and Aubrey had settled in the living room to watch the latest episode of House of the Dragon. The atmosphere was relaxed, with laughter filling the room, punctuated by chatter about the twists and turns of the show. The suspense was at its peak.

Joan: "Guys, Daemon is clearly the one who's meant for the throne," he said, pointing at the TV.

Aubrey: "He's charismatic, sure, but dude, he's irresponsible. Rhaenyra has the wisdom and vision of a real queen. From the start, she's the heir, no matter what."

Ellie, her eyes glued to the screen, couldn't help but laugh at their debates.

Ellie: "I just want Rhaenyra to end up in Alicent's bed."

Comments flew fast with every crucial scene, each person offering their detailed analysis. Joan reacted loudly to every plot twist, outraged by the conspiracies and betrayals. Aubrey, more measured, pointed out the strategic subtleties of the characters, while Ellie simply listened, enjoying the company of her friends who were as passionate as she was. Time passed like this.

When the credits finally rolled, Joan stretched and let out a satisfied sigh.

Joan: "Fuck, this show is amazing! There's no way I'm falling asleep after this."

Aubrey: "It's time to get going though. Big day tomorrow."

Ellie chuckled softly, and as silence fell over the living room, she got up, tired but with a smile on her face.

Ellie: "Goodnight, guys," she said, heading to her room, giving each of them an affectionate glance. "Get ready for the crazy night we have tomorrow!"

She winked at them before slipping into her room, already looking forward to the day ahead. She imagined the evening, the reunion with Billie, and finally, she felt happy, surrounded by her friends.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, bathing the kitchen in a soft light. Ellie found Joan and Aubrey already at the table, sipping coffee. Joan looked grumpy, his face still marked by the turmoil of sleep.

Joan: "It's official, I've got nothing to wear for tonight. Fuck, I dreamed I showed up dressed like Adam Sandler..."

Ellie and Aubrey burst into laughter.

Aubrey: "Don't worry, no one would've been shocked."

Joan: "There's no way I'm showing up in basic clothes in front of Billie and her crew. I've got to be perfect!"

Ellie, amused by her friend's exaggerated reaction, leaned toward him.

Ellie: "Then let's go shopping. We're in London, there's no shortage of stores, chill out, man."

After a quick breakfast, they decided to head out and explore the local shops. Kate joined them on the way, always full of energy and ready for a shopping spree. The morning passed like this, the four friends strolling from shop to shop, trying on different styles, exchanging advice and compliments.

Joan, who was usually so hard to please, finally found a rare gem: a three-piece suit in a classy gray, decorated with delicate gold and silver patterns. The details added a sophisticated, unique touch, and when he stepped out of the fitting room, the rest of the group was speechless.

Aubrey: "Wow, Joan, this... is incredible, you look hot."

Ellie nodded, her eyes sparkling.

Ellie: "You look way too good in that. You're this close to making me straight."

Joan smiled, clearly proud of himself, and spun around to enjoy the amazed looks from his friends.

Joan: "Not bad, huh? I knew I'd find the perfect outfit," he said with a falsely modest air. "I hope Billie falls for me."

Meanwhile, Aubrey, who wasn't big on shopping, quickly settled on an elegant emerald green dress. She let the others continue their exploration while she patiently waited in a corner of the store, on her phone.

Kate, always bold, picked a dress with asymmetrical cuts that perfectly accentuated her figure, adding a glamorous touch to their group. Ellie, for her part, went for a refined and original denim set. She felt both comfortable and stylish, and her friends pointed out that the outfit suited her perfectly.

Kate: "It's simple, but it works, you'll definitely turn heads too."

Ellie blushed a little at the compliment, but she felt good in the outfit, ready for the evening ahead.

Once their shopping was done, they returned to the apartment to get ready. Time seemed to fly by with all the fitting and last-minute adjustments. Ellie, focused on her hair, heard her phone vibrate. A message from Billie had just come through.

Billie: "So Ellie, tell me, are you ready for tonight? There will be a lot of people, like way more than for Vogue."

Ellie smiled as she read the words. The excitement slowly built inside her.

Ellie: "Shit, I'll prepare myself mentally, don't worry about me! Just warning you, Joan went all out just for you."

Billie: "I hope you did too."

A slight blush rose on Ellie's cheeks. The message was simple, but it hit her in an unexpected way.

Ellie: "I'll let you judge for yourself in a few hours ;)"

Once the exchange was over, she set her phone down, a smile on her lips and her heart beating a little faster. With the last preparations done, the friends exchanged eager and slightly nervous glances before heading toward the door.

It was time to take a taxi, off to the party...