Nightcall - Billie Eilish

39 -

i rubbed my hands together hard, trying to warm them up after their brutal meeting with the cold

my breath came out in small clouds in the freezing air

"fucking door..."

the key was stuck, i pulled, tried to turn it again and again

it finally gave in with a sharp snap and i almost fell backward, i shoved it into my pocket, pulled out my airpods and hit play on my playlist

traingazing by sam wills, honey mooncie

the day had been endless, the shop, just a few days before christmas, was packed nonstop

the boss refused to bring in extra help

so there were only two of us running around between the aisles, answering customers, restocking, prepping orders, ringing people up, everything

clearly a job meant for at least four people

all i wanted was to get home and die in my bed

i dragged my feet along the sidewalk, airpods still glued to my ears, letting the music carry me a little

then a hand on my shoulder made me flinch

too tired to react properly, i slowly turned around

hood up, oversized black hoodie, beanie slipping low over her eyes

"billie?" i whispered, surprised

"hey, dina, i hope i didn't scare you..."

i squinted and noticed a tall guy standing behind her, watching us

"that's yann, my bodyguard, don't worry, he's a teddy bear"

i looked back at her, she looked nervous, and cold

"what are you doing here?" i asked, my voice quieter than i expected

she answered softly, almost hesitant, little puffs of breath escaping with every word

"i wanted to see you"

my brows knit together, "so you followed me in the street?"

a nervous laugh slipped out of her, "no... i went by the shop but it was closed, so i figured i'd walk to your place, and then i recognized you from far away"

my chest tightened a bit, "so it's not a coincidence"

"no... not really"

"it's been a month, billie"

she looked down, cracking her fingers, i could see her hands shaking slightly

"i know... i was on tour and everything happened so fast and i... i couldn't find the right words, i needed to see you, in person"

i nodded slowly, then turned my back to her

i felt her disappointed sigh behind me

"i'm freezing... come on, we'll talk at my place"

the walk to my apartment was silent, her steps light, almost hesitant

yann followed at a distance

once inside, i dropped my keys in the little bowl, took off my jacket and my airpods, billie stayed near the door, like a vampire waiting to be invited in

"you can come in" my voice was softer than i meant it to be

she stepped forward, sat on the edge of the couch, hands clenched, every move looked calculated, like she was scared of me