Nowadays Every Night: Chapter 1

Julia felt like the biggest bundle of nerves ever as she drove. She knew deep down, that she'd have a LOT of explaining to do once she got there.

But she still thought she'd done the right thing, that by her leaving the way she did, she'd helped make things easier for the guys.

But she hated doing it all the same, especially abandoning Eric the way she'd done.

The conflict she'd felt in her heart was still there, the love she felt for both men.

She knew, though, she could only be with one of them, could choose only one.

John and Connie had helped set her straight, although neither knew the truth for her departure. The peacemaking attempt was what they knew, didn't need to know all her secrets, Julia decided.

She'd found out the truth for John's leaving, however; it was something to do with Graham drinking a lot, and not pulling his weight.

John'd told her he'd felt rotten the way things had gotten left, Connie nodding her head.

"Were they really upset after?" he'd asked.

"Aye, all of them felt horrible. Absolutely horrible."

"I wish I could take it back though," he'd said.

"And you thought you were being the good one, leaving like you did," said Connie.

"Yeah," said Julia. "Only I didn't say goodbye."

"Neither did I," said John.

"I was NICER when I did it."

A frown flashed on his face, then John said, "You're right."

The trio had spoken for the rest of the night, finally deciding on a plan of action.

"Say the Grail's ready to go?"

"Yeah, supposed to be, going up to Scotland for it."

"Should we all go up there together? One big surprise?"

"One after the other'd be better. Don't wanna give people a heart attack."

"And YOU, little missy, you need to set things straight with Eric first off."

"You're right. I should."

"Wait. Something's missing."

"What?"

"If you're engaged to 'im," said Connie. "Where's your ring?"

"I left it."

"Oh dear," said Connie. "This is gonna be complicated."

"But it'll be okay," John had said. "Everything's gonna be alright."

Those words seemed to echo in Julia's brain as she pulled in to the carpark.

The castle in question, one called Doune, was ENORMOUS. She'd never seen a real castle, only just in storybooks.

Julia could see Gilliam and TJ with members of the crew.

They must be really excited to get to direct this film. And probably nervous. I sure would be.

There's Graham, definitely perfect as the King.

There's John and Connie! Good!

Oh! There's Michael. Dear dear Meep.

She paused, watching him and the rest of the gang through her windscreen.

And there's Eric. As gorgeous as ever. I missed him so much!

I can't wait to get back with him and with all of them. I hope they'll let me back. Hope they're not cross.

She got out of her car, heading up, heart beating like a jackhammer. Julia wanted to seem nonchalant, so she was looking round the place, when she heard a voice.

"JULIE!"

She whirled round to see Gilliam, a huge smile on his face, his eyes bright. "HEY!" he exclaimed.

"Hey," she smiled.

"How are you?"

"Okay I suppose."

"Don't you ever leave us like that again," said another voice.

"Hey TJ."

Graham smiled down at her, and she grinned back.

"Hey Jules," said a bashful voice.

"Hey Meep," she smiled.

"Missed you a ton," said Mike.

And I you, all of you.

John just smiled as he appeared, winking his right eye at Julia as he passed, then clicking his eyes to the right. Julia caught the signal, as she was getting bearhugged by the other four men.

"Why'd you leave like that?" asked Graham.

"I thought I was helping."

"By leaving? No no no no, never, never, never, " he said. "We missed having you around."

"You did?"

"Golly yeah we did!" exclaimed Mike, hugging her hard.

Julia then felt another pair of arms slip round her, a very familiar pair of arms.

"I'm glad you're back the most," he whispered.

She turned round to look at Eric, those warm blue eyes of his.

"What happened Julie?" asked TJ.

"I, uh, I just got lost."

John winked at her again, from behind Graham. She felt both Eric's and Michael's arms get a little tighter round her, and she had to fight the urge to squeal, for the simple fact that she dearly still loved BOTH of them.

Too bad I can't have both.

"Well, we're all glad you're back," smiled Graham.

The grins on the faces of the other Pythons told the same story.

Eric kissed her on the side of the head, as Mike snuggled closer to her.