a/n: I hate putting these at the beginning but I feel like this is something I need to address. I DO NOT tolerate being disrespected, NOR do I tolerate you guys disrespecting one another. Now, most of you I've had conversations with and I can easily tell when you're joking and when you're not. I had an incident come up that involved a blatant disrespect towards me, I will not be calling them out because I don't want any of you going after them. I will continue to show respect towards someone regardless of whether they deserve it or not. BUT, I swear if anything like that happens again, I will call the individual(s) out and I will discontinue this book. I don't like being harsh with you guys... because I love you bubbies 💕, but I need you to comment on this to ensure that each one of you hears me on this. Do I make myself clear?
Now, onto the chapter...
*Billie's POV*
I dropped all of my socials. I still check them, I just never update. Not since the apology. People keep asking me where I went and if I'm coming back. Some days, I miss performing. Other days, I'm glad I don't have the added stress of everything I used to have on my plate.
I grab my phone and check the news.
- LA Restaurant Week is Booming
- Deputy Under Investigation for Stealing from Evidence Locker
- Skid Row Cleanup a Success
- Local Artist Vanishes : Where Did H.E. Go?
- Auditions for Secret Film Taking Place at WarehouseLA
I toss my phone beside me, news seems dryyyyy.
Since my breakdown, I took up a volunteering gig at the local animal shelter. That's where I spend a good bit of my week. Speaking of, I should probably head out.
I pause as I grab my car keys off of the hook, my fingers brush against one key in particular making a thought cross my mind. I shake the thought from my head. No, I put that part of my life behind me. I'm not going back.
I make it to the shelter with a smile on my face, I love spending my day with rescues. Sometimes I think they show the most love. They've lived through a lot, and appreciate the love they're given. Maybe that's why I feel like I fit in so well here.
"Hey Gladys, any new ones today?" I ask as I step through the door.
"Oh we had a beautiful pit come in over the weekend! She's super sweet!"
Ooo I'm so excited to meet her. I head towards the kennels and spot the new addition, immediately showering the pup with love. She attacks my face with kisses, "Gladys was right about you. You're as sweet as a peach!"
I make the rounds filling up each pups food and water bowls and spending one on one time with each of them. Not gonna lie, I spent a little extra time with sweet peach. She's such a good listener, why would anyone surrender this sweet girl?
Once the day is over, I lock up the kennels and say goodnight to all my rescue fur babies. "Alright Gladys, I'm done for the night. See you tomorrow?"
"See you tomorrow Billie, thanks for helping out. Drive home safely." she replies and with that I head back home.
This is what most of my days look like lately, makes me seem pretty boring. Once I'm home, I hang my keys back up, my fingers brushing against the lone key once more. The thought again crosses my mind... this time I don't dismiss it.
I snatch the key, and make my way to the room I've avoided for ages... my heart races as I turn the key in the lock. Hearing every pin engage and the click of the mechanism as it unlocks. I let out a breath and open the door.
Everything is just as I left it... each instrument covered in fabric, protecting it from dust. I peel back the sheet on my piano, my fingers grazing the ebony and ivory keys.
I don't dare press any of them for the fear of becoming lost in who I used to be. Performing, the stage, the lights, the fans, and god the music... it was like a drug to me.
I put the sheet back over the piano and close the door locking it. I press my forehead to the door and take a deep breath before returning the key back to where it belongs.
I lay in bed that night tossing and turning. I can't get the feel of those keys against my fingers out of my head.
Fuck it.
I grab the key once again and go inside my studio, ripping the sheet off of my piano. My fingers take their place and press the keys with fierce determination. A melody soon fills the room and I'm lost in the music once again.
This is better than I remember it.
