May 2.
Since arriving in England, Billy has dedicated himself to writing songs, working out, and hiding from the paparazzi. Although they dare to approach the estate, they vanish at night. Only a few brave ones wait in their cars, hoping to snap a picture or ask for a shot. So far, he's only granted two interviews. Everyone who got an exclusive had waited in their cars for five days. Even though Billy was annoyed by the paparazzi, he decided to greet those poor, desperate souls who valued their work despite their miserable conditions.
Billy was catching his breath after an intense workout while watching the stats on his website rise. Around 400,000 people were checking out Billy, captivated by his essence. The London heat gave him a strange look, and he had a few messages from some fans. The video was brief and didn't follow the basic formats he knew. The quality wasn't great due to upload issues, but for him, it was perfect. His climbing classes were going splendidly, and he expected to graduate in two months, just in time before starting to film Harry Potter.
-I feel like singing, - the boy muttered to no one. Singing was an inspiration for him, an excitement that felt strangely different from the usual.
His skydiving practice was set to begin in three hours. He'd be taking a military-style course with the best professionals. Both Nike and Warner had agreed to a special ad campaign. Since Warner took 5% of the ad rights and 1% of the brand and music profits, they were always involved like a flea on his back. Although a bit bothersome, it was the best Billy could get with the support of two huge brands.
Using a military base, helicopters, planes, and the thrill of jumping from more than 2,700 meters—maybe even 3,000 meters—felt like an oasis of passion. The vibrations coursed through his hands and feet. It was almost a sign of triumph that awoke his mind with a completely distinct sense from anything familiar.
Meanwhile, the new album's promotional launch had already begun and was simply marvelous. The album would surely be controversial, with songs encouraging love between women and also the deep romance between two men who loved each other. For these reasons and more, they forgave his recklessness. Billy even thought they might have calculated the potential success from an accident or death; those people were utterly crazy.
Text message:
Billy: You're a baby, through and through.
Emma (killjoy): It's not my fault. No sane person would jump out of a plane.
Billy: Someone already did. A model—she's up for it.
Emma: I don't believe your lies anymore!
Billy: My heart <3 Is shattered.
Emma: You don't have a heart... Your fans don't know what they're getting into.
Billy: Of course they do! I'm the best singer in history!
Emma: Booo... I bought your album just to hear all your songs. Don't be surprised when I give you feedback on your records.
...
She didn't reply again, but she couldn't stop looking at her phone all day. It was like a summer love, a Prince Charming, the charming guy who could drive any girl crazy. There was freshness, madness. The girl screamed into her pillow, feeling delirious, unable to get him out of her head. Just when she wanted to forget him, he would reappear.
Had she been too harsh… maybe by saying that about his albums? She didn't know, but the song Clocks by Coldplay was playing. In an interview, Billy had said that people need to hear different music with every album—too much of the same thing becomes uninspiring. For Emma, though, it was painful to hear his smooth voice, its strength, and how it made her miss him even more.
Billy, on the other hand, kept busy with his exercise routine. As for that, the program was underway.
The model, a beautiful woman, was Kate Bosworth, blonde with blue eyes. She was the only one willing to meet all the demands of the jump, and for that, she gained some approval from Nike, which was looking for someone at least minimally famous. Even now, in her slim workout gear and striking poses, she was gearing up for a campaign full of adrenaline, madness, and pure joy. For this and many other reasons, the awakening was set for something straightforward.
- We've got to go, - said John Bellegren, the chosen head of security. The team would be stationed in Suffolk, a small base on the coast two hours from London, where Air Force drills used to be conducted. It was all part of the skydiving plan. Jack Sauce and "Sugar Egg" were also part of the campaign, even if just as background characters.
- My wife won't like me jumping, but it's all your fault, - Sugar Egg said, laughing. He was a big, muscular, and hefty man. His wife, affectionately called Dory, made the best food—from meat and chicken lasagna to banana cakes and the best desserts Billy had ever tasted.
- I think you should go back; your poor, helpless wife is at home with three kids. You need to be a better husband, - murmured Jack Sauce, with his rebellious style. He was the most similar to Billy, but they often clashed. Despite their similarities, they had a tentative friendship built on rivalry.
- I support Jack; Dory deserves all the attention... They loved the Christmas gifts. The toy company gave me three packages full of toys after I made purchases at their stores, - Billy commented.
- I hate that everyone gives you things and that you eat for free at restaurants, - Sugar Egg remarked. - But thank you... the oldest liked the gifts. The girls are still very young, but they will enjoy them more as they grow.
Sugar Egg was funny, but he was not a bad father; he was an incredible dad. It was just that he still had some wild days to enjoy. His rockstar life had lasted 15 years, and at 33, he felt he had a lot more fun to experience.
- How did you convince the bosses to allow something so risky? - Sugar Egg asked
- Honestly, I don't even know myself, but I fought with Michael. Plus, I signed with Nike before the fact, the "improve yourself" agreement, without consulting them. I think I'm starting to shape my style, and they already benefit a lot from what I do or don't do, - Billy replied.
Sugar Egg shook his head. - You never think things through. -
The road trip passed through the meadows and landscapes of England while the wind whipped through Billy's long hair, which would soon need to be cut. Although it wouldn't be completely shaved, it had to be trimmed to fit the role of Viktor Krum, and for that reason, his hair would be shorter. Meanwhile, traveling in a car always made him uncomfortable. Although he learned to drive, he didn't particularly enjoy it, nor did he care for car races, but he would love to star in a Fast and Furious movie. However, he didn't mind that it was just a recording; there are other ways to showcase brilliance. Brilliance is found in action scenes with gunfire, jumps, fights, and other battles.
The military base was far away, in a remote location... where he would spend three weeks taking special parachuting courses based on military principles. The first requirement was the need for adequate physical fitness to perform the physical activity.
...