My Simself was the first to go see her, (bright and early the next morning), as Nicole's house set right behind mine and Brad's!
She did her best to explain why she chose to disappear and why she didn't let any of us, (or her family), know where she was, but there really wasn't any good reason for it.
Nicole was genuinely sorry and when you love a friend, you forgive them.
When she started telling me about all the positive changes she'd been making in her life that made it easier to forgive her. Finding out that she'd chosen the "high road" for herself was such a relief. Unfortunately a few of her friends and even some family members were fearing the worst when she vanished, assuming she had gone down a terrible road of self-destruction.
But she didn't and hearing all Nicole's good news made my day!
We parted even better friends than we were before.
But I made her promise that she would be sure to call EVERYONE that had been so worried about her. She needed to tell them about her new positive lifestyle - it wasn't the kind of information they should be finding out from me, they needed to hear it from Nicole herself.
And that's exactly what she did -
she called everyone in her family and all her friends.
It sure was good to know she was safe, sound and doing so well.
The saying, "What goes around, comes around" is one that most people toss out there in a negative way.
Truth is it can hold meaning for both negative and positive experiences in life - which Nicole learned just recently.
Her cover being blown by Tabitha and Journey ended up being the BEST thing that could have ever happened to her! And for her best friend Darren as took the pressure off him in being the only one who knew where she was and that she was ok.
Re-connecting with her brother, Nick, was very strained at first but after a few conversations they came to terms with things, deciding it was time for new start and to let the negative stuff go.
Ruby would have wanted that.
When it came to Dominic, (her and Darren's son), things were still rather delicate between them. She was only able to talk to him once and it was a very short call. He came up with an excuse to get off the phone with her and hasn't answered any of her calls to him since. But she's not going to give up!
Unfortunately she re-connected with everyone too late in order to celebrate with Danielle on her "Teening Up" birthday.
It took a lot of courage when she picked up the phone to call Danielle and her hands shook as she punched in the number. Joon answered. Of course Hunter stepped in, (rather sternly), when Nicole asked Joon if she could talk to Danielle. He was just being cautious and wanted Nicole to tell him herself about how she was doing before he would allow her to talk to their daughter.
At first Nicole was offended but it made sense.
Her actions in the past merited him stepping in. Being so attentive and protective was one of the things Nicole admired most about Hunter as a father.
They talked for quite awhile and she told Hunter everything. And just like everyone else he was pleased to find out she was doing so much better.
He handed the phone to Danielle and they ended up talking long into the night making plans to make up for the time they'd lost.
Funny how life is.
Just when everything shifts to the better side and everything starts coming up roses you get up one bright and sunny morning, look out the window and see,...
Augusta Maxwell pulling up to your house in a cab.
In case you forgot, Augusta Maxwell is the woman that Nicole had met while working as a Professional Party Guest. Nicole turned to her when she moved out of her mother's house and needed a place to live. Her and Augusta didn't like each other much, (at all), but by the time she called Augusta, she was downright desperate.
She owns the house Nicole and the kids live in.
She'd given Nicole absolutely NO warning that she was coming over.
And she didn't come alone, she had her spoiled rotten, overly-pampered, very annoying daughter, Godiva, with her.
Nicole greeted Augusta with a warm hug as her stomach twisted into tight knots.
An unexpected visit from Augusta could not mean anything good,...
Augusta wasted no time on formalities -
she barged right into the house and made herself quite at home on the couch in the living room ordering Nicole to come in and have a seat. Godiva followed her mother like some pish-posh poodle, plopping down down next to Augusta, grinning from ear to ear. Nicole's heart began to pound as she took a seat across from them. All she could think about was how grateful she was that the kids were in school
Her biggest fear is that Augusta was there to tell her she had to move out of the house, the house she'd totally fallen in love with from day one. She paid no rent so Augusta could snatch it away from her any time she felt like it. She started running options through her mind about where she might be able to move. Luckily she had a decent paying job so finding a new place wouldn't be all that tough.
But the thought of leaving this particular house made her want to break down in tears. She loved it that much, (and so did the kids).
As her mind wandered and worried, Augusta started chattering on about all the traveling that her and Godiva had just done. It struck Nicole as rather odd that after touring the globe and seeing so many wonderful places, (places that Nicole could only dream about seeing), all Augusta and Godiva did was complain about it all.
They had an awful time in Greece
because their hotel had such slow room service
Their visit to London was ruined because Godiva's
make up bag was misplaced for 4 hours
Augusta complained about Godiva drinking way too much champagne
on their flight to Paris and how embarrassed she was over her flirting
with the flight steward, especially when she flashed him her boobs!
And Godiva complained about how her mother was so awful and mean
for not letting her buy a mega-expensive tiara when they were in Paris.
Yep, mother and daughter were even complaining about each other.
Nicole didn't know what to say.
All she could do is sit there and listen to them gripe and moan
about a trip that would be a dream come true for her.
Then Augusta got right to the point.
It was quite simple really, she was there to leave Godiva with Nicole.
She felt it was time her daughter got a good, hard dose of the real world and to find out what it felt like to earn a living. She was cutting off Godiva financially, for her own good.
From that moment on, Godiva was on her own!
Needless to say Godiva pitched a huge fit when she heard that!
She had NO idea that's the reason they were there,..
Nicole was speechless.
Suddenly the whole idea of moving didn't look half bad.
And just as quick as she came, Augusta marched out of the house,
got into a cab that had just pulled up to the house and was gone!
Nicole didn't know how to react.
She was very relieved that Augusta's visit didn't mean she had to move out of her home but leaving Godiva behind to stay with her? That was just downright,...well,... awful!
She looked over to find Godiva lounging on the couch pouting.
"I don't care what that evil witch says", she told Nicole, "I am NOT getting a job! She can just go fuck herself!"
And then she ordered Nicole to go make her some lunch-
she was starving!
Well, Nicole wasn't about to let herself be turned into this little bitch-kitty's personal slave and she told Godiva right up that she would NOT wait on her and if she was hungry, then she best get off her uppity, spoiled rotten butt and make it herself!
"And another thing!", she added as Godiva sat there with her mouth dropped open like a dull-minded codfish, "If you think I'm going to pay your way you are seriously mistaken, you will not get one thin dime out of me, so get off your ass and get a JOB sweetheart!"
Godiva's response -
"Do you think I look better with bangs or should I let them grow out?"
Nicole was so NOT looking forward to her world with Godiva in it!
But she had to let her frustration go -
that night they were going to celebrate Ariel's birthday, it was time for her to Teen Up!
She'd invited Danielle to come over and join in the celebration but she couldn't make it because she was performing in her high school play that night.
There was just so much that Nicole didn't know about her daughter that she was really looking forward to finding out and being a part of!!
But before she could get going on all the things she had to do for Ariel's party Godiva demanded her attention from the spare bedroom. Nicole heaved a big sigh and went in to see what she wanted. Wearing the tackiest work-out clothes she'd ever seen, Godiva stood next to her treadmill pointing at it.
"Turn this thing on for me!", she ordered.
Nicole put her hands on her hips, refusing to take even one step towards the treadmill, (she didn't like being ordered around at all!)
Have you even BEEN on a treadmill before?", Nicole asked her.
"No!", Godiva spat at her, "What difference does that make? I know how to run and that's the same thing!"
Nicole ran that treadmill every morning and every night and she knew full well that running after a cab in high-heels and running a treadmill are two totally different things.
"So,..you,..uh,.. you wanna run on the treadmill do ya?", Nicole asked with an evil little grin.
"Ummmm,..yeah!, Godiva answered, rolling her eyes, "If I wanna be a movie star than I need to work out,... DUH!!!"
It was all Nicole could do to not burst out laughing.
"YOU,..wanna be a movie star?", she asked as her voice cracked and strained against an uncontrollable urge to giggle.
This was the most ridiculous thing she'd ever heard!
"Yes," Godiva answered flatly, "I applied online but I have to have some body points and I don't have any so turn this damn thing on RIGHT NOW!"
"Okay then,..", Nicole told her as Godiva stepped onto the treadmill looking like a princess waiting to be crowned. Nicole switched the treadmill on, turned the setting to fast, gave a wave and told her to "Have Fun!".
She turned heel and walked away but just had to turn back and get a look after hearing the first major thump and painful yelp.
It was a sight that Nicole would relish for a long, long time!!
Godiva didn't stay with the treadmill for too long but she gave it a good shot.
Nicole had a lot of fun watching her "run".
Eventually the fun and games had to end.
Godiva limped off, whining and crying that she needed to go soak in a hot bubble bath and Nicole had a lot to get ready for Ariel's birthday.
It wasn't a great big celebration but it was fun.
Ariel was super stoked about turning into a teenager!!
WHEEEEE!
Teen Ariel!
Just like all the girls -
Ariel was quick to get herself a makeover!!
So now Nicole had three teenage daughters and she was really looking forward to when Danielle could come over, which was going to happen on the next weekend.
Only a couple days to wait.
She got up the next morning to take her morning jog with Ally and loved that Ariel could join them as a full-fledged teenager!!
It was also Godiva's first day at work.
She was hired on in the lowest position there is in the Show Business biz. Guess when Nicole told her she didn't intend on giving her one thin dime she was smart enough to believe her.
Godiva truly believed that when she would come home from work that night she'd be, ....a movie star!
Nicole didn't know if she should do her happy dance that Godiva was about to get a harsh reality check she so richly deserved or if she should feel sorry for her.
Guess she felt a little bit of both.
That afternoon Ally came home with a friend that will probably end up her husband one day - Simon Ruggbyrne.
And for those that don't remember, Simon is Lily's half brother, (their dad is Bruno Ruggbyrne). Ironically, Simon is also half brother to Helen, Hunter's daughter that he had with Bruno's wife, Mamie.
Such a small, small, Sim world.
Ally and Simon have a 3 bolt attraction and are perfect for each other!
Ally got as many scolarships that she can and was leaving for college the next day. Simon is going to college soon too so I figure they'll share the same dorm house.
This was also special day for Nicole's adopted son, Alex -
it was his time to Teen Up!
They grow up so fast!!
TA DA!
Teen Alex!
He got a little make-over.
Alex is a Knowledge Sim and his LTW is to be a Game Designer
Ariel loves to cook and for Alex's special day she whipped up a gourmet dinner. I'm surprised her LTW isn't to be a Celebrity Chef.
Nicole was getting REAL excited about Danielle coming over to visit.
As a matter of fact, so was Ariel and Alex, (especially Ariel).
Ally was leaving for college that night so she wouldn't be there when Danielle came to visit but they did get a chance to talk on the phone. Ally promised she'd come back to the house to visit soon and they could meet face-to-face then.
It was the night before Danielle was going to visit and Nicole had put in extra hours at work. She arrived home totally exhausted and found THIS taking place on her living room couch.
Ever since finding out she was NOT going to be an instant famous movie star by taking on a job, Godiva was really depressed, (and extra annoying to be around). She'd worked 2 days and was ready to give it up. Guess she decided she needed to bring a friend over to cheer her up.
Nicole was NOT happy about it at all!
Not only was she upset because Godiva brought home some strange man to make out on the couch with the kids right there but she was also upset because she KNEW who, (and what), this Sim was,...and it wasn't good.
He's known as Johnny, "The Ape" and he works for crime boss, Victor Goth.
His main job for Victor is to do bad things to people who fail to pay their debts to Victor. And word around town is that Johnny,.. "The Ape", is responsible for a LOT of not-so-great things that have been happening, (like dead Sims being fished out of the river wearing cement shoes!)
Nicole had never met "The Ape" in person but everyone in the party circuit knew who he was, who he worked for and what he was capable of.
Godiva had invited a very dangerous Sim into her house and she did NOT like it one little bit!!
Worst part about it is,..
Godiva was totally sprung on Johnny
Nicole didn't want to make too big a scene.
She certainly didn't want "The Ape" mad at her! But she did confront them and tried to appeal to their common sense and decency that it wasn't a very good idea to make out like that in front of the kids.
Surprisingly enough it was Johnny that was the most gracious and apologetic about it all. Nicole asked them, (to please), find somewhere away from the kids to be so amorous and they agreed.
Last Nicole looked they were heading out to Johnny's car. "Good place for 'em!", she thought.
And then she headed off to talk a bit with Ariel and Alex about their day, then have a little dinner, take a long hot bubble bath and head to bed!
Danielle was due to visit the next day and she was like a kid the night before Christmas, she couldn't wait!
She was so tired going up the stairs she almost missed the last step and tumbled back down. All she could think about was falling into her big, warm, soft comfortable bed.
She opened her bedroom door and....
OMG!
There was Godiva and Johnny "The Ape" in HER bed and they were in their UNDERWEAR!!!
She wanted to chase them out of her room with a whip but once again, she didn't want to get on the bad side of "The Ape".
When they finally noticed her standing there they acted like everything was as cool as cucumbers.
Nicole couldn't stand it.
She told them to have a good night and left the room, relinquishing it to Godiva.
She'd take the guest room, (where Godiva WAS supposed to be staying).
After what she just saw she didn't ever want to sleep in that bed again!
The day finally arrived where Nicole would see Danielle.
She was so excited and very happy they'd made plans to get together early in the day.
Hunter came along and they arrived right on time!
Danielle was just as excited to be seeing Nicole and rushed ahead of her father.
Nicole's wanted to grab Danielle and hug her, (and never let her go), but she thought it best to go over and greet Hunter first.
Once she got with Danielle she didn't want to have to break away from all the catching up they had to do.
Hunter made a point of complimenting Nicole
on all her good choices and that meant a lot to her.
Then it was time for her to finally be with Danielle.
The two of them just stood there looking at each for a minute or two
But then they jumped in and hugged each other more than a few times!
There was so much that Nicole wanted to tell Danielle
but she figured it was best to just let Danielle do the talking.
There was no rush!
Didn't take long for Ariel to jump in -
she'd been just as excited about Danielle coming over as Nicole was!
The two sisters bonded instantly!!
Ariel had it all planned that she would serve a special chocolate cake for the occasion and while she went to do that Danielle and Nicole sat at the table and talked.
Danielle told Nicole all about her plans for college.
Danielle had a solid plan for her future
and that really impressed Nicole.
Danielle even asked Nicole for advice on things.
That really surprised Nicole. She'd felt like such a failure for so long, she really didn't think Danielle would value her input -
but she did and that really made Nicole happy!!
Hunter had left them alone for awhile but when he heard
there was chocolate cake being served -
he just had to join them at the table!!
It turned out to be an incredibly good visit!!
And that includes the cake that Ariel prepared for them
After cake, Ariel invited Danielle up to her room to show off her
bug collection and Nicole took on Hunter in a game of darts.
Everything turned out wonderful!
And Nicole discovered her feelings for Hunter went only as deep as friendship.
He had just married Joon and she was truly happy for him.
She felt bad that she missed the wedding but it was for the best.
She knew Joon was still a bit uncomfortable around her.
The best part is that she had her daughter back in her life
and she had Hunter's respect.
Now if she could find a way to get rid of Godiva
and her big Ape mob-thug boyfriend,
her life would be absolutely P-E-R-F-E-C-T!!!
