Nowadays Every Night: Chapter 3

The "horses" she later learned were her for Jonesy, Neil, a dear Scottish fellow, was Mike's, a young fellow named Charlie was Eric's, Gilliam was Graham's, and another fellow was John's, she couldn't figure out his name, he was stoically silent, would not speak to a soul.

The two that had names were Patsy, that was Gilliam's character, and old Stone-face, who was Concorde.

"What's in these packs Gillie?" she asked him.

"Nothing," he answered. "It's all for show."

"You're gonna have it lucky, Julie," said Neil in his curious brogue. "I get hit with a cow!"

"When?"

"Later they tell me," he said. "I'm still not looking forward to it."

"Its FAKE," protested Gilliam. "The real one just eats."

"Whatever," said Neil, shaking his head, and shuddering.

"Scaredy-cat!"

Neil smiled.

"Least you don't have to run behind Graham like I do. The man moves too fast!"

"Not my fault you're little!"

Julia shook her head, trying not to laugh.

"How are you and TJ gonna pull doubles then? Being bosses and actors too?"

"We're taking turns," answered Gilliam. "When we're both in the scene, there's a fellow over there with a red jacket, that's the assistant. He'll take care of the director stuff."

"He still has to do what you two tell him though, right?"

"Right," said Gilliam proudly.

"How're you doing then, Charlie?"

"Great!" said the young Irishman, a smile bright on his dirt smudged face. "You're Eric's bird, right?"

Julia looked at Gilliam, who winked.

"Told you you were missed. Been chatted about," he said.

"That's right, I am," she answered.

Charlie said nothing, just looked her up and down and grinned again.

Julia wasn't sure if she should bow or what, so she just smiled.

It was time to shoot the scene which was to lead into a performance inside the castle Doune itself.

"Can you dance, Julie?" asked Gilliam.

"Yeah."

"We'll need you again for the inside bit, you'll have to dance round with a helmet on your head."

"What'll you lot be doing?"

"SINGING!" bellowed John.

Eric and Michael happened to look back, and at that outburst, made subversive yuck faces.

As did Gilliam.

"He's awful!" whispered Julia.

Gilliam nodded.

"Eric, me, and Mike are around him, we'll drown him out."

"And me," said TJ, coming over to join them. "I had to sing for the loony on the show."

"Bet you did great though," said Julia.

He smiled.

"John's rotten," whispered Mike. "And he tells ME I'm the bad one."

"You've got a great voice, Meep!" protested Julia.

"Thanks," he said shyly. "So do you."

"Eh?"

"We..uh..found.." stammered Mike, catching the shush look from TJ, but ignoring it. "Found a uh, tape you did."

"I did?"

"Yeah," he nodded, face red.

Julia paused, thinking.

"Oh." she said remembering.

"You were great!" chirped Gilliam.

"Thanks," said Julia softly, remembering it was the catalyst behind the war 'tween her and Carol.

The end of the day's filming was fun, especially the inside bit, she danced round in her knight's costume, with the big clonky helmet on.

She could hear the lads singing the song, and hummed along under her breath.

Eric and Michael's voices were especially strong, TJ and Gilliam right behind.

"AND CUT!" yelled Mr. Red-Jacket.

"Good job, mate, " said the knight to her left.

"Aye, for a wee fellow you did well," said another.

They think I'm a bloke!

"Thanks...thanks," she answered in what she hoped was a butch enough voice, as she hopped down from the table.

The next scene was the lads back outdoors, Graham saying as the King; "Let's not go to Camelot, it is a silly place."

Afterward, Julia milled about the grounds, just off in another world.

She could hear Jonesy talking to someone, and then she heard Michael yell; "JULES! LOOK OUT!"

She felt something hit the side of her head, and then landed hard on the ground.