Chapter 29

I couldn’t help but feel nervous about singing in front of such a big audience, but on top of that, I was also tingling with excitement. I hadn’t done it in 3 years! Would I still be able to pull it off? I sat biting my lip, staring out the window, the whole plane ride to Los Angeles. There was a girl sitting next to me, of about 19, and she continually stared at me.
“You’re Paul McCartney’s girlfriend aren’t you?” She asked softly and I hesitantly turned around. She seemed nice enough.
“Yes, I am,” I said smiling. She held out her hand.
“I’m Carrie,” she said. I shook her hand.
“Olivia,” I said.
“So, what are you flying to Cali for?” she asked.
“I’m going to visit some old friends and join my band,”
“The Bleeding Hearts?”
“Yep, that’s right. You’ve heard of us?”
“Have I heard of you!? Oh yes, I’m a huge fan… but truthfully, I kinda stopped buying records since you quit,” she said.
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, I thought you were the heart and soul of the band. It’s not the same without you. That Melanie girl doesn’t do it nearly the same,”
“Thanks that actually makes me feel really good. I’ve always sort of doubted my popularity,” I admitted and she crossed her eyebrows.
“Why? You’re fabulous!”
“Thanks,” I said again.
“Why did you quit? I mean there wasn’t really an explanation, just, all of a sudden, Melanie,”
“Well, I’m living in England now, and Paul’s so busy….there wasn’t time for me to be in it,”
“That’s a shame. You were really good,” she paused, “You said you were coming back to do a concert?”
“Yeah, just this one. We thought it might be a nice change for the fans, like you,”
“Oh definitely! I was in Idaho visiting my parents, so I didn’t even hear that you were going to do this…I wish I could go.” She said bummed. She was such a nice girl and I felt bad.
“Well, I can get you a ticket if you’d like,” I told her. Her eyes lit up.
“Oh really?! You’d do that for me!”
“Sure,”
“Oh, thank you so much!” I nodded.
“No problem, you live in Los Angeles?” I asked her and she nodded.
“No, Malibu actually,”
“Great! That’s where I’m staying—if you just want to give me your number, I’ll get the ticket for you and give you a call to tell you where to pick it up,” I explained.
“Sure! You are so great!” she said smiling and writing down her number for me. I took it and put it in my purse, “So, where’s Paul?” she asked and I smiled.
“Beatles fan too?” I asked and she laughed.
“Oh very much!”
“He’s back home,” I said missing him already.
“Why didn’t he come?” she asked disappointed.
“Well, for starters, he’s pretty sick—has pneumonia. Plus, he’s busy with work,”
“Oh poor guy,” she said sadly, “Are they making a new album?” she asked switching to excitement. I smiled.
“Maybe,” I said laughing.
“Ah, not fair! You do to know!”
“I know, but I can’t tell you. You’ll just have to wait,”
“Alright, alright,” she laughed, “Is he coming down to see you at all?”
“Maybe,” I said again. I didn’t know her very well and didn’t want her spilling the beans to all her friends that Paul McCartney was coming to town. She rolled her eyes.
“Fine be that way,” she said smiling. I laughed.
“I’m sorry,”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. I totally understand. If he does come, you don’t want him to be attacked,” she smiled and I just smiled in return. Just minutes later the pilot came over the intercom informing us that we were landing.
“Wow, time went by fast,” I said.
“Yeah it did. You’re great to talk to, one of the ‘nice’ celebrities,” she said laughing. I smiled.
“Thanks,” I said and we didn’t speak until the plane landed and we were moving in the line out the door.
“Can I ask you for one more thing?” Carrie asked me. I turned around in line.
“Sure,”
“In case I don’t see you, may I have your autograph?” I smiled feeling back at home already.
“Of course you can,” I said setting down my bag and signing the piece of paper for her.
“Thank you so much for everything Olivia,” she said.
“No problem, and thank you Carrie,” I said and we departed. I smiled to myself as I walked out of the plane and looked around the airport. I breathed in deep…I was home.
“Olivia Newton get your ass over here!” I suddenly heard. I turned sharply to the voice and smiled right away. There stood Brittany, Micky, Emily and Peter.
“Hi you guys!” I said as I ran over to them and we all hugged, “I’ve missed you so much,” I said wiping my tears away.
“Oh stop it you old softy, you’re making me cry,” Brittany said with glossy eyes.
“I’m already crying,” Emily said through tears. I smiled.
“Oh Em,” I said hugging her.
“I’ve missed you Olivia,” she said looking up at me…she was still the same kid she was when I left years ago…. I smiled.
“I’ve missed you too—Peter, Micky,” I said holding my arms open as they embraced for a hug.
“How are you Olivia?” Micky asked.
“Good...” I nodded, “It’s good to be back,” I said looking around again.
“It definitely isn’t the same without you,” Peter said.
“And I thought you didn’t like me,” I said and he laughed.
“Oh, of course I like you,”
“Come on, let’s get you home,” Brittany said and we walked out to the car and drove to The Monkees and my old apartment building.
“Where’s everyone else?” I asked.
“Mike and Sara are on their way home from Texas,” Peter told me.
“And Davy’s at home,” Micky finished.
“Really? Why didn’t he come with you?” I asked. Brittany looked at me.
“He’s been really nervous about seeing you again…it has been over a year and a half,”
“I suppose, but he does have Vanessa,” I replied as Brittany parked the car and we all got out, “I wonder if I should check into a hotel now,”
“Don’t be stupid Olivia, you’ll stay with me…here,” she said as we walked into the building and upstairs.
“What do you mean here?”
“Well, I bought your apartment,” she said.
“You did?!” I asked surprised.
“Yeah, I’ve always thought it was a perfect little place, plus, I’d be close to Micky,” she said looking at Micky who smiled. We walked up to my old door and Brittany unlocked it. I walked in and looked around.
“Man, I haven’t been here in years,” I said.
“I thought it would be fun to stay here again,” she said and I nodded.
“Yeah,”
“Well, set down your bags and we’ll go get Davy,”
“Mike and Sara should be back by now too,” Peter said.
“Alright sounds good,” I said setting my bags down. I freshened up in the mirror, “Ready,”
“Okay, come on,” Brittany said and we all followed her out and to the Monkees apartment. As I walked in a flood of memories filled my soul and I was at the brink of tears again. I blinked them away and saw Davy sitting down on the couch. He looked up at us and then at me. He smiled faintly.
“Hey Olivia,” he said getting up and walking towards me. I smiled back.
“Hi Davy, how are you?” I asked as he hugged me. I closed my eyes for a split second.
“Good luv, yourself? You look good,”
“Good, thanks. You do too,” I said smiling, as Mike and Sara walked in.
“Olivia!” Sara shouted and ran over to me hugging me. I pulled my head back slightly shocked at her excitement. I always thought she didn’t really care for me.
“Hey, Sara—Nesmith,” I said smiling and she pulled back looking at me with a smile.
“I know, crazy huh?” I nodded.
“Congratulations, I wish I could’ve been there,” I said walking over and hugging Mike.
“Hey there shotgun,” he said returning the embrace.
“Oh, I know, I wished you were,” Sara replied to my comment.
“Come girls, let’s see the rings!” I said and they laughed as they both held out their left hands, “Wow, these are beautiful….”
“Thanks,” They said in unison.
“Is anyone hungry?” Peter asked.
“I am,” I said.
“Same here,” Davy replied with agreements from a few others.
“Alright, let’s go get something to eat,” he smiled,
“Like old times,” Brittany grinned.
“Like old times,” I repeated softly to myself and followed them out. We went to the same little diner we always used to go to and reminisced as well as shared our new stories. Afterwards we all just went for a stroll around town. Davy and I lagged behind.
“How have you been luv?” Davy asked looking over at me.
“Really good actually,” I smiled, “And you?”
“Pretty good,”
“I’ve missed you,” I said casually although I felt awkward. He smiled.
“I know, I’ve missed you too. It’s not the same around here without you living down the hall—seeing you everyday,” he said and tears came to my eyes again as I nodded.
“Yeah, I’m really quite alone back in England,” I confessed.
“What do you mean? You have Paul, and the others,”
“I know, but they’re moving apart slowly. They don’t hang out together like they used to—so I don’t really see much of anyone except for Paul, and he’s busy a lot of the time,” Davy half smiled.
“But you knew that was going to happen,” he reminded me.
“I know, and I’m fine with it, really. I love Paul with all my heart, but I just wished I had more friends up there, most of all, that you guys were closer. I really miss being around you all,”
“You’ll just have to come visit us more often than you have been,” Davy said, “I’m sure Paul can more than afford tickets for you,”
“Oh I know he can, but, it’s just been hard to get away lately,” I told him and he nodded.
“Where is Paul by the way?” he asked.
“At home,”
“Is he coming down?”
“Yeah, next week. He’s really sick right now and busy with their new album,”
“I see,” Davy smiled.
“Come on guys, you’re being pokey!” Peter yelled back at us. Davy and I laughed and ran up with the others. We headed back to the car and stayed up late talking some more. Brittany and I left at around 2am to head home for bed.
“Wow, what a night,” Brittany said after shutting the door. I collapsed on her chair.
“You’re telling me,” I said, “But it was really fab,”
“Oh yeah, for sure!” She said and paused, “Did you just say--fab?”
“Uh, yeah, probably,” I laughed and scratched my brow, “I think I’m beginning to pick up on some stuff…after all, I’ve been there three years,”
“Yeah, you’re accent has changed too, you’re somewhat leaning on the British side,” she told me, “I noticed that at the airport,”
“Really? No ones told me that,”
“Probably because you live in England so it sounds pretty normal,”
“Yeah, but Paul would’ve noticed you’d think,” Brittany shrugged.
“Maybe, maybe not, though. He’s been with you almost everyday, and it was probably a slow change, not that noticeable, except to us in America,” she finished and speaking of Paul I suddenly remembered I hadn’t called him.
“Shoot!” I said sitting straight up.
“What is it?”
“I was supposed to call Paul when I got into town,” I said closing my eyes and putting a hand up to my forehead.
“Uh oh,” she said, “What time is it there?” I looked up and figured out six hours ahead.
“About 8am,”
“Oh, he’s probably sleeping huh?”
“Yeah, but I think I should call him anyway. Knowing him, he’s probably out of sorts thinking I got nabbed or something,” I said, “Can I use your phone?”
“Of course,” she said making a face and laughing
“What?”
“You and your ‘English’ lingo,” she said and I laughed, “I’m gonna go shower, so you can have some privacy with your man,” she finished laughing some more. I smiled.
“Thanks Brit,” I said and she left the room. I moved over to the phone and dialed home. It rang quite a bit before Paul finally answered.
“Hello?” he answered softly.
“Hey sweetheart,” I replied.
“Olivia! Are you alright?” he asked sounding more awake. I smiled to myself.
“Yeah I’m fine; I just--forgot to call you,”
“Gee thanks,” he said laughing slightly, “Here I was worried about you, and you just forgot about me. Do you hear that Martha? She forgot about us already,” I heard him say away from the phone. I laughed.
“Hey, don’t make me feel worse than I already do. A lot just happened once everybody saw me,”
“Ah love, I know. How was your flight then?”
“Really good. I met a girl named Carrie. She’s a big fan of me, and you of course, so we talked,”
“Gear,” he said coughing.
“How was work? You feel any better?”
“Ah, a bit. Me fever’s gone down, but I’m still a bit sore in the throat—makes it difficult to sing,”
“I bet—I wish I were with you,” I told him.
“Me too,” he said pausing for a moment, “So how is the group?”
“Great, guess where I’m at?” I asked.
“Where?”
“In my old apartment,”
“Really? How’d you manage that one?”
“Brittany moved in once Mr. Blavit put it up for rent,”
“Well that works out nicely,” he said, “But I’ll have to stay in a hotel when I get there,”
“Why?” I asked and he laughed.
“Love, you lived there for more than three years, you should know it’s bloody cramped in there with more than 2 people.”
“Well, I’ll get into a hotel with you then when you get here,”
“You don’t have to you know, you can stay there if you’d like,”
“Are you kidding me Paul? I miss you already, there’s no way I’m having you sleeping in a hotel without me,” I said and he laughed.
“Good, that’s the way I wanted it anyway,” I rolled my eyes and laughed.
“Well, why didn’t you just say so?”
“I don’t know,” he said yawning.
“What time did you get to bed last night?”
“Uh, this morning you mean?”
“Oh a late one aye?”
“Oh yeah, fell asleep two hours ago,” he said and Brittany returned back into the room smiling at me.
“Oh, my poor baby,” I said and Paul laughed a little, Brittany rolling her eyes.
“I know, I need me girl back here with me,” he said.
“When are you coming down?”
“Err, what day is it today?” he asked.
“Thursday,” I told him.
“Uh, I’ll probably be in late Tuesday night or very early Wednesday morning,” he said.
“Oh so not quite a week then,”
“Nope, I got Brian to let me go a little earlier,”
“How’d you work that out?”
“Oh you know, I flashed him,” he laughed and I had to laugh.
“Nice Paul,” I said rolling my eyes.
“Ta, but really, I just asked him again and he gave into me,” he laughed again.
“Well, good, I can’t wait till you come down,”
“Me neither!” Brittany shouted and Paul chuckled on the other line.
“Was that Brittany?”
“Of course,” I said laughing.
“Tell her hi from me,”
“Paul says hi,” I said to Brittany.
“Hey Paulie, we miss you,” she said and Paul laughed.
“Man, I wish I was there with you instead of here,”
“Less than a week,” I said, “You should get back to bed. Especially if you aren’t feeling well,”
“Yeah, I’m pretty tired. Thanks for calling though love; I was worried about you,”
“I’m sorry; I’ll call you tomorrow night for sure,”
“Right, you’re gonna forget about me and Martha again—I don’t think she can take it once more,”
“Oh, tell her I’m sorry and that I promise,” I laughed. I heard Paul tell Martha what I had just said.
“Alright, she says,”
“Okay,” I said still laughing.
“I love you and I’ll talk to you tomorrow then,”
“I love you too Paul,” I said.
“Ta love,”
“Bye,” I said and hung up. I pouted at Brittany and she laughed crawling into bed.
“You’ll live without him for few more days,” she said and yawned. I nodded and went to put on my pjs. Brittany and I just slept in the same bed so I crawled in and within minutes I was fast asleep.

The next day we started off right away with rehearsals, and continued for the next two days. It was so fun singing with them again, and it felt just like old times. When I was in the studio with them I felt like I had never left. The first day we just pretty much messed around laughing and remembering old memories from rehearsals and concerts. However, towards the end of the second day we got down to business and started talking about what songs we were going to perform and all that good stuff. They bought me one of their new outfits so I was one of them again. We took a break from it all Monday, just hanging out and watching TV at the Monkees place. We were watching some movie, but as six o clock came around, Mike switched to the news. We sat and watched the boring man talk about events going on around the globe when something rather interesting came on.
“Hey, that’s Paul!” Emily shouted pointing to the TV.
“Yeah it is,” I said wondering what this was. The man said it was an recent exclusive interview with Beatle Paul McCartney after the break.
“Do you know what this is?” Brittany asked me during commercials. I shook my head.
“No, it said it was from yesterday. Paul didn’t say anything about it to me,”
“Well, he got rid of that nasty old mustache it looked like!” Brittany said laughing.
“Yeah, that was gross,” Emily whined. I laughed and noticed they were right. Paul must have shaved it off sometime after I left. The reporter came back on and introduced the interview. We all sat quiet and watched.

Reporter: "Paul, how often have you taken LSD?"
PAUL: (pause) "About four times."

“What?! Paul does LSD?!” Emily asked shocked.
“Shhh!” We all said turning to her. I really wanted to hear this,

Reporter: "And where did you get it from?"
PAUL: "Well, you know, if I was to say where I got it from, you know, I mean... it's illegal and everything... it's silly to say that, you know. So I'd rather not say that."
Reporter: "Don't you believe that this is a matter which you should have kept private?"
PAUL: "Mmm, but the thing is... I was asked a question by a newspaper, and the decision was whether to tell a lie or tell him the truth. I decided to tell him the truth... but I really didn't want to say anything, you know, because if I had my way I wouldn't have told anyone. I'm not trying to spread the word about this. But the man from the newspaper... is the man from the mass medium. I'll keep it a personal thing if he does too you know... if he keeps it quiet. But he wanted to spread it so it's his responsibility, you know, for spreading it not mine."
Reporter: "But you're a public figure and you said it in the first place and you must have known it would make the newspaper."
PAUL: "Yeah, but to say it is only to tell the truth. I'm telling the truth, you know. I don't know what everyone's so angry about."
Reporter: "Do you think that you have now encouraged your fans to take drugs?"
PAUL: "I don't think it'll make any difference. I don't think my fans are going to take drugs just because I did, you know. But the thing is-- that's not the point anyway. I was asked whether I had or not. And from then on, the whole bit about how far it's gonna go and how many people it's going to encourage is up to the newspapers, and up to you on television. I mean, YOU'RE spreading this now, at this moment. This is going into all the homes in Britain. And I'd rather it didn't. But you're asking me the question-- You want me to be honest-- I'll be honest."
Reporter: "But as a public figure, surely you've got the responsibility to..."
PAUL: "...No, it's you who've got the responsibility. You've got the responsibility not to spread this NOW. You know, I'm quite prepared to keep it as a very personal thing if you will too. If you'll shut up about it, I will."

The newscaster continued to talk and Mike shut the TV off.
“Wow, I didn’t know he was into acid,” Mike said and I shrugged.
“He’s only done it—four times,” I said pointing at the TV.
“Still, that’s not cool,”
“Did you know about him taking LSD?” Davy asked me.
“Yeah,”
“I’m surprised your okay with him doing this…it’s not like you,” Davy said looking into my eyes. I glanced away.
“I’m not okay with it. I already had a discussion with him about it. He knows I hate drugs and the fact that he does them. But he’s afraid of LSD, so he’s quitting,” I said.
“Well yeah! I’d be afraid too, the idiot! It’s acid for heaven’s sake!” Brittany said.
“Brittany….”
“Sorry, but jeez. Is pot not enough for them? Their brains are going to be fried in two years,”
“It’s mostly John anyway,” I said, trying to defend Paul, “And that’s just where they’re at right now…experimenting with new things,”
“I suppose,” Brittany agreed, “So when is he coming down?”
“Late tomorrow night or early Wednesday,”
“Oh, good, soon then,” she said. I nodded excited to see him again. And sure enough he arrived at Brittany’s door Tuesday night…..

“I’ll get it,” Brittany said walking to the door. I watched as she opened it.
“Hey luv,” Paul said to Brittany.
“Paul!” I shrieked and ran over to him jumping up and hugging him. He squeezed me tight and kissed me.
“Ah, you guys make me sick,” Brittany said rolling her eyes and smiling. Paul and I laughed.
“Come on in,” she said gesturing towards the chair. Paul sat down and pulled me onto him.
“So, how was your flight?” I asked him. He shrugged.
“I slept the whole time,” he said, “So same as always,”
“Ooo, someone sounds sick,” Brittany said as Paul spoke hoarsely. He smiled.
“Yeah, bit of laryngitis,” he said. I looked at him sadly.
“Are you ever going to be better?” I asked kissing him. He smiled.
“I am now, I can feel it,” he said and I laughed, “So how have you been Brittany?” he asked turning towards her.
“Pretty good,” she replied, “Thanks for shaving the mustache before coming here though,” I whipped my head back at Paul and remembered that he had shaved it. He smiled.
“Yeah! What made you decide that?”
“I don’t know, I was getting sick of it,” he shrugged, “Plus, I knew you preferred me without it,” he added rolling his eyes. I laughed.
“Yeah, I do,” I nodded and he chuckled, “See what my man does for me?” I said laughing and looking at Brittany. She giggled.
“You didn’t like it either?” Paul asked Brittany. She made a face and shook her head.
“No sir, it made you look too old. You’re only what?, 25,” she said and he smiled.
“Yeah, back to mop-top Paul,” he said moving his head like they used to, “Oooo!” He sang and laughed. I scuffed his long hair.
“I like mop-top Paul,”
“However, I kept me sideboards longer,” he said showing me. I nodded.
“Yeah, I noticed that too,” I said, “I like this hair cut. It suits you nicely,”
“Ta love,” he said and I nodded, “I don’t mean to be rude, but, have you got anything to eat? I’m starving,” Paul said.
“Oh, yeah of course, come on in here,” Brittany said motioning him towards the kitchen. I stood up and he kissed me again.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he whispered standing up.
“Oh boy, same here,” I said and he smiled, winking,
“Wait till we get back to the hotel room….”
“Paul? Are you coming in here?” Brittany asked. Paul looked away from me and headed towards the kitchen.
“Yeah, I’m coming,” he said and disappeared. As he sat and ate his sandwich, me on his knee, we all talked, Brittany mostly repeating everything she already told me.
“So where’s this ring from Mick?” he asked chewing. Brittany beamed.
“Right here,” he said holding out her hand to him. He took it in his and looked at it, turning it different ways in the light to see the sparkle. He swallowed.
“Very nice,” he told her and she smiled, “Very nice indeed,”
“Thanks,” she said and glanced over to me, “So, when are you going to ask Olivia here…It’s been over three years.” He laughed.
“Have you two been talking about this already?” Paul asked smiling, noticing the look from Brittany to me. I laughed.
“I don’t know what’s she’s talking about,” I said and he laughed again.
“Well, are ya?” Brittany asked. Paul turned and stared at me, then shriveled his nose.
“Nah, I was actually thinking of breaking up with her, you see---this week,” he said then leaned closer to Brittany and whispered, “She’s kinda on the weird side,” Brittany laughed and I shook my head glaring at him. He kissed me, “Oh love you know I’m kidding, I love ya, weirdness and all,” he beamed. I laughed and he finished his sandwich, never answering Brittany’s question. The next day we were starting our tour in Los Angeles to Paul and I left early for the hotel, to have enough time to be alone and to get enough sleep.

The tour started off shaky, because I was so filled with excitement and nervousness, but as the concerts went on I began to get back into the feel of things, enjoying everything. We did all my classics such as: Baby Love, You Can’t Hurry Love, Where Did Our Love Go, Love Child, I Hear A Symphony, and for the first time performed, Back In My Arms Again and Someday We’ll Be Together. Paul would stand off the side of the stage as I did for him and I’d look over at him every once and a while, a big grin on his face the whole time. The following Wednesday came too soon and Paul and I said our goodbyes getting back onto the plane, heading for home. I relaxed back in my seat and leaned my head on Paul’s shoulder. He leaned his head on mine.
“You did fantastic love,” he said. I lifted my head and smiled at him. He touched my face.
“You think so?”
“Oh definitely, it makes me sad, thinking that I took you away from it,” he said trying to smile.
“Sweetheart, we already talked about this. I don’t care—and you didn’t take me away from it. I chose what I wanted, and what I wanted was you. It’s fun and all, but I’d rather be with you than be in the band,”
“I love you,” he said smiling.
“I love you too,” I said kissing him and resting my head back on his shoulder.
“Maybe we should try singing together,” he suggested and I laughed. He looked down at me confused.
“Were you being serious?” I asked him. He raised his eyebrows.
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”
“I don’t know, cuz you’re, so talented, and I’m just-”
“-as talented if not more,” he finished for me, “I’m serious. I’m not saying I’m going to quit the band, but for fun, I’ll write some stuff and we’ll sing them together. It makes sense—we’re both musicians,” he said and I shrugged, “It’ll be fun,”
“I suppose you’re right,” I said.
“Of course I am,” he laughed and closed his eyes. One last time I leaned my head on his shoulders and fell asleep myself. We arrived back home in London, and things went back to normal.

Chapter 30!!