The Alchemists

Jean looked at Caspar and Finland and then turned to Katia. He was as surprised by their presence as they were by his. He thought that he should be the one surprised seeing them all in the same place.

"Do you still want to meet Billie?" Jean asked Finland. "She will be leaving soon."

Instantly, Katia and Finland's faces seemed to relax. Maybe Jean didn't hear Katia's words just now. They didn't need to worry about him.

"Hello, Jean. What are you doing here?" Katia asked in a friendly voice.

"Oh, I am helping Billie Yves's manager tonight. Are you invited by the host too?" asked Jean.

"Yes. We happen to be in the same circle of friends," Katia answered. "I'm also a fan of Billie's. I've watched her concerts three times."

"Do you want to come with us backstage to meet Billie?" Jean asked again.

"Uhm, no need. I'm not feeling well. Just convey my best wishes to her." Katia shook her head. She couldn't stand seeing Finland for much longer, let alone follow her backstage.

"Sorry, I want to meet Billie for a while," Finland kissed Caspar's cheek and excused herself from the others. "Nice to meet you."

Caspar held Finland's hand briefly and rubbed her cheeks before sending her away. "I'm waiting here."

"Okay, see you later."

The sight made Katia's heart ache and she had to hold on to Alexei so she would not shake.

"We came to say goodbye, but it turned out that the bride went off with another man." Alexei said sarcastically. "Then we'll excuse ourselves."

"Excuse me, too," Katia said in a weak voice. He took Alexei's hand and followed him to leave Caspar. Sophia followed them.

Caspar stood still in his place. He watched Katia's interaction with Alexei and tried to guess the relationship between them. Aldebar then approached Caspar and escorted him to his table to enjoy the food.

***

Jean held Finland's hand as they walked backstage to meet Billie Yves. When they arrived, Billie was enjoying a cocktail with her band and chatting softly.

"Billie, let me introduce to you my best friend." Jean approached Billie who immediately stood up to embrace Finland without putting down her glass.

"Hey... how are you? Jean has told me many stories about you." Billie seemed very friendly even though she was one of the most famous singers in the world. Finland could not believe she was standing in front of her idol! And her idol just embraced her! Her body was trembling.

"I... I am very happy to meet you. I always listen to your songs" Finland seemed a little embarrassed, "Umm… now that I have a job and am earning money, I always buy your music legally..."

Billie burst out laughing. "Thank you. I'm glad to hear that. Jean has several CDs with my autograph. I prepared them just for you."

Finland nodded happily. Jean handed her a paper bag containing all the CDs in question. Finland was really happy and it really showed on her face.

"We have to take a photo together," Jean said after. He took out his cellphone and asked one of the crew members to take photos of the three of them. Finland looked very happy. She did not expect that on the final day of 2019, she would meet and spend time with one of her idols.

Her love for Billie Yves grew when she was in middle school. At that time, Billie, who debuted at the age of 17, released songs that felt as if they were written specifically for her. All the lyrics hit the girl. Finland, who had no friends in school and no parents, always felt lonely. During her teenage years, Billie's songs were her only friends.

She didn't expect that 8 years later she would be able to see her concert at a private party like this. She was even talking to her like a friend. Suddenly, tears streamed down her cheeks. It shocked Jean and Billie.

"Why are you sad?" Jean asked quickly. He rubbed Finland's back trying to calm her down.

"These are not tears of sadness… These are tears of happiness," Finland said between her sobs, "I never expected that I would one day meet Billie..." She turned to Billie, "When I first heard your song titled 'You Are Enough' 8 years ago, I felt like you are the only friend who understands me. Your songs make me feel that I'm not alone... "

Billie smiled sadly. She embraced Finland again and said thank you.

"I'm happy to hear that my songs have become someone's friend. We have to meet again one day and chat longer. If you come to America, and I'm not on tour, please come to my studio or to my house. Jean knows my address."

Jean nodded. "We have to travel to LA sometime and play at Billie's place."

Finland nodded many times; she was deeply moved. "This is the best new year party in my life."

They talked for a few more minutes before finally Billie had to say goodbye. She and her crew had plans to celebrate the new year at a club in the city center. Jean, who was working on behalf of her manager, had to leave too.