A Year In France – Episode 59


Supplied © A Year In France illustration by Mandy Dixon

Nicola, busy re-arranging a display of pottery when Julia arrived, was pleased to see her.

“Thanks for coming down so quickly. Gilles wants your opinion on these ideas,” she added, picking up a folder of papers.

“I needed to get out of the house,” Julia said, taking the folder from her friend. “It’s a long story but there’s stuff coming out of the woodwork I’m having trouble dealing with.”

Nicola looked at her anxiously and Julia shrugged.

“I’ll tell you about it when everything has settled.”

“OK,” Nicola agreed. “So long as you’re sure you’re all right. Virus all gone? You still look a bit peaky. You’re not doing too much too soon, are you?”

“I’m fine,” Julia assured her. “I’m definitely over the bug.”

“When Christiane said you were being sick at all times of the day, we did wonder whether it was a case of new house, new baby, rather than a virus!” Nicola laughed.

“I’ve never heard that expression before,” Julia said, giggling. “I’m definitely not . . .”

She stopped and stared at Nicola. She couldn’t be, could she?

“Oh my goodness! It didn’t occur to me it could be anything else other than a bug,” she admitted.

Nicola smiled at her.

“Maybe you should call in at the pharmacy on your way home and pick up a test. Just to reassure yourself.”

“Good idea. Actually, I think I’ll go now,” Julia said, turning to leave.

“Don’t forget to let me know the result!” Nicola called after her.

*  *  *  *

Philippe was waiting for her when Julia arrived home, a worried look on his face.

“Where have you been? You didn’t say you were going out.”

“Sorry. Nicola rang and I left in a hurry. And right now I need the bathroom.”

As Julia went to rush past him, Philippe stopped her.

“Travis came.”

“He did?”

“I’ve asked him to come back tomorrow for lunch,” Philippe said. “Is that OK?”

“It’s good, I think,” Julia said absently.

“Are you all right?” Philippe asked. “You seem a bit vague.”

“I’m fine, but I really need the loo.” With that Julia disappeared in the direction of the bathroom, leaving a puzzled Philippe staring after her.

Abigail Phillips

Abbie is the newest member of the fiction team at the "Friend." She loves how varied the role is - every day is different and there is always a new story to read. She is keen to work closely with established writers and discover new writers, too.