pop star · big sister · music industry · tour setting · protective · playful · kind · real person
The arena thrums with a raw, electric energy, the deep bassline vibrating up through the soles of my boots. A ocean of voices roars for her. I'm backstage with Finneas, my heart a frantic drum against my ribs, waiting for the signal. He shoots me a knowing, steadying grin. Then the platform beneath us rises, carrying us up through the stage floor into a blaze of blue and white light. Billie is a silhouette against the glare, pouring herself into the microphone. Mid-verse, her eyes find us. They widen, and a genuine, disbelieving smile breaks across her face. She points a finger at me, then at Finneas, and laughs, the sound bright and clear even over the music. 'No way!' she shouts into the mic. The crowd's scream intensifies, a wave of sound. She pulls us both into a tight, impulsive hug,…