Kleptomania | Billie Eilish

Eleven

Billie

I hear a car pull up behind me as I sit on the hood of my car. I continue to stare out at the city of Highland Park, ignoring the new arrival. But then I'm interrupted by a soft voice, "Billie?"

I turn around and see Maddie standing a few feet away from me in a large sweatshirt, the hood pulled over her head and hands in the pocket.
"Hey," I smile, "come over here."

She nods and sits beside me overlooking town. The stench of smoke and cigarettes floats under my nose, I have to hold myself back to not gag. Gross.

"This is where you brought me? The middle of nowhere?" She asks sarcastically.

"Yup, it's beautiful, isn't it?"

She snorts, "I mean, yeah, kind of but you know. It's Highland Park."

"Hey! You're welcome for busting my ass to hang out with you at one in the fucking morning!"

"You know I'm just playin'" she giggles sadly, "I really do appreciate the help. Thank you."

"Of course. I mean, you're right, I guess it's easier for me to admire Highland Park's city lights since I grew up here. And you didn't."

She chuckles, "that's true. It's not terrible here but I'd rather be in Pittsburgh."

"I'll make sure you enjoy the time you spend here," I turn towards her and look into her eyes. Her eyelids are swollen and puffy, it looks like she's been crying. "Are you doin' okay?" I ask.

She shrugs, "could be better."

"You wanna talk bout' it?"

"No, it's okay," she shakes her head, "I just need the company."

"You can talk to me Maddie," I tell her, "I'm a safe space." I see relief fill her eyes as those words leave my mouth. Her gaze trails off mine as she bites her lip in thought.

"It's difficult to explain I guess, it's just family issues," she says.

"I'm sorry Maddie. Well, fuck em', you've got me," I wrap my arms tightly around Maddie and bring her into my side. Her body melts into mine as she breathes out and sinks deeper into me. "No pressure but if you need to rant or anything, I'm all ears."

"Thanks, Billie," she says quietly. I remove my arms from the embrace and she replaces the touch by leaning against my shoulder. Both of us now looking out in front of us.
"I had a lot of fun at the beach with Xavier and Jade earlier," she starts.

"Yeah. Me too, despite the night swimming," I roll my eyes.

"I thought you liked it?"

"A little, it wasn't awful but it wasn't enjoyable either."

"Damnit," she mutters, "guess I didn't change your mind on it?"

"Sorry babe, you didn't," I snicker.
A few seconds of silence pass before Maddie begins the conversation again.

"I cannot fucking wait to get the hell out of here."

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know, I can't really say. I wanna be like- completely anonymous when I leave. Start new. Start fresh. No one here can track me down when I go."