Through the Noise

2 | The Diner

Welcome back! This chapter is a rollercoaster of vulnerability, passion, and a few surprises. Billie's lyrics make some sneaky cameos, woven into moments that might make you do a double take. Can you spot where they show up?

Enjoy!

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Billie's POV

Seven. That's how many times Lena has coded in the past five days. Each time, I feel like my heart is being ripped from my chest. I used to despise the number seven, tied to memories I tried so hard to forget. But now? Seven is everything.

October 7th—the day I first met her, when my life started to make sense. July—the seventh month, when we saw each other in Manchester, and I knew I'd never be the same. Seven is her, woven into my world.

I sit by her side, clutching her hand as if my grip can pull her back to me. Her face is so peaceful, but I know the battle she's fighting beneath the surface. "Don't you dare give up on me, Lena," I whisper, tears sliding down my cheeks.

Camila's POV

I heard about Lena's accident the moment it hit social media. It's everywhere—Twitter, tabloids, news outlets. The golden couple everyone obsesses over, fractured. I knew this was my chance.

Don't ask how I got Billie's number—it doesn't matter. What matters is the text I sent her: carefully worded, dripping with fake concern. "Hey, Billie. It's Camila. I heard about Lena's accident. I'm so sorry. If you need to talk, I'm here. Maybe we can meet?"

This is my shot. If I can get her to meet me, I can finally plant the seeds I've been waiting to sow. She has no idea what's coming.

Billie's POV

Lena's stillness feels suffocating. The silence is broken by my phone buzzing in my pocket. I glance at the screen. It's a number I don't recognize, but the message makes me freeze.

"Hey, Billie. It's Camila. I heard about Lena's accident. I'm so sorry. If you need to talk, I'm here. Maybe we can meet?"

I don't know how she got my number, but my mom encourages me to meet her. "Go for an hour," she says. "You need to breathe. I'll call you if there's any change."

Reluctantly, I agree. I don't trust Camila, though. Something about her feels...wrong. I'm definitely bringing my bodyguard with me and recording the conversation.

Camila's POV

The diner wasn't packed, which gave me more time to focus. Billie walked in, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on me. She looked hesitant, almost wary. I waved her over with what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

"Hey," I said as she slid into the booth. "Thanks for coming. I know this is... a lot."

Her arms crossed defensively, and her gaze was sharp. "What do you want, Camila?"

I leaned forward, trying to soften my tone. "Don't be afraid of me. I'm not the bad guy here. I'm just... I've been thinking about you." I shrugged, not realizing how that might come off. "You've been everywhere lately—on my screen, in magazines. It's like you're looking right at me sometimes."

Her expression didn't change, but I felt like I was getting through to her. "I mean, I get it. Lena's special to you. But I also think I could be what you need. Someone who understands the world you're in, you know?"

Billie flinched, her jaw tightening. "You think you know me?"

I smiled, oblivious to her tone. "Yeah. I've been here—around the clock, you could say. I've been waiting for a chance like this. And hey, don't get me wrong, I just want to talk. I'm not some crazy person. I'm not trying to freak you out or anything." I laughed nervously, unaware of how much worse I was making it.