The Adventures of Miss Fiona Grey

This story is a part of the Round Robin challenge at Simssupernova. You can follow the story and comments here, but I will also publish my own posts here at my blog.

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10

Miss Fiona Grey - Chapter 10

Family ties
Fiona and Fabian both wanted a private ceremony.

So they decided to go to a Buddhist temple in the Himalayas. The scenery was spectacular.


They gave each other the wedding vows, and Fabian's vow ended with this:
- I see these vows not as promises but as privileges: I get to laugh with you and cry with you; run with you and walk with you; I get to share my nights and days, months and years with the one person that enriches my life the most.


After the ceremony they went to see the spectacular Terracotta Army and the Tomb of the First Emperor. They really felt the strong energy, and at the moment when Fiona was at the powder room, ...


An old lady jumped out of thin air.
- Fabian, I call on you!!
- OMG! You almost gave me a heart attack! How can I help you, I am Fabian, but who are you!?


- Oh I'm sorry, I didn't want to frighten you, I just had to make sure I had your attention. I want you to promise me that you take care of Fiona. YOU are her family now. That is a huge responsibility!
- That's an easy commitment to make, Fiona means everything to me. But who are you?
- I'm Fiona's aunt Angela, and she is my little diamond. I just wanted to make sure that she made the right choice this time. But I can feel that you have a good heart!


- Oh, it's so nice to meet you Mrs. Angela! I had no idea Fiona invited you!
- Well she didn't, but give her my love, I have to go now!
Fabian was quite confused, when Fiona came back.
- She just disappeared, I don't know what happened!, he said to Fiona.
- But Fabian, this can't be! My aunt Angela died in a fire six years ago!
- I swear to God! She was here!
- I think it was her spirit Fabian. I have seen her myself a couple of times, but I always thought I was hallucinating.


- My sweet auntie. I'm so grateful that you protect me and my family. I've missed you so much. I always thought we had time to visit you, and never imagined that you would leave us so quickly! It's good to know that you are around! Even if I am the only one who can see you!


But Fiona was wrong. Baby Francois could see and feel aunt Angela very well. In fact she kept him company many nights when he couldn't sleep, and he thought she was just like any other person in the family. As he grew up her visits became more seldom, but Francois now had a new "friend", the doll "Tante". Which is French for aunt of course, but nobody figured out the connection. - Francois has too much fantasy, that's what they always said.


As the time went by Fiona also saw auntie Angela a few times, or so she thought. It always lasted just for a second or two, and Angela never spoke directly to neither Fiona nor Fabian again.


And most of the time Fiona just felt that she was there.


All in all, life was smiling to Fiona. The children grew up. She and Fabian had their disagreements, but the love they shared was unquestionable. Professionally things also worked out well. She now owned and run the best restaurant in Hidden Springs; "Le Coq sans Tête". Her blog was also a big hit, and so were her TV-shows and books.


At the launch of her latest book "Fruity dishes to go nuts about" she was interviewed by Naima Dickens.


- Your restaurant have had fantastic reviews and a star in the Michelin Guide. At the same time you have said that you don't want to run the restaurant for more than five years ahead. Do you think that any of your children will take over the business when you retire?
- Not at all! Obviously you don't know my children very well! None of them have shown much interest in cooking, so that is highly unlikely!


- My oldest daughter Filipa has a great talent for sales, so she could have run the business as such, but she and the kitchen are not very good friends. She is thinking about starting a career in the Police, but she might change her mind. Maybe she will join the Military, I don't know. But no cooking, that I am sure of!


- My youngest daughter Nora has a strong will and could probably be a good manager if she was a bit more organized. She is very much into the anti-GM movement, and I support her by the way on that issue, so I guess one could call that food related. However, I think that demonstration in the street is closer to her heart than to demonstrate anything food-like in a restaurant kitchen!


- My oldest son Harry has the fantasy and creativeness necessary, and he started out playing on my pots and pans before he got his first drum set. As I'm sure you've noticed, he is pursuing a career in the music industry, and he seems to do very well, if I might say so. I could not imagine that he would want to give it up for anything.


- The only one who has showed and extraordinary interest in food, is my youngest son Francois. But he loves to eating it, not making it. I don't really know what he will do career wise, but I can never imagine it will be even remotely related to the restaurant business. And besides, none of my children live in Hidden Springs anymore, and I don't think a career here would suit any of them.
- I'm sure you must miss them terribly?


- Yes, I do. But they come home for the holidays and whenever they can in the summer, so I get to see them and spoil them every now and then! That is very important for a mother! And grandmother! No, I'm not one yet, but I'm hoping! There has been rumors... Well, for now it is a family secret!


- Anyway, the most important thing is that they all find their own paths in life, and fulfill their own destiny. I've had a fantastic life - at the restaurant and on a personal level. And I still have a fantastic life. But I will tell you something. Everybody thinks highly of my achievements at the restaurant, on TV and my books etc. The one thing I am really proud of is my family. That is what it is all about in the end. That is meaningful in my life. It's not always easy, and sometimes it is even painful and exhausting, but it is always worth it. Always.

Epilogue 
Fiona Grey, now Fiona Froyac, is still a mystery to me. I guess it's like that with all humans - and sims. We never really get to know them 100%. But what I do know is that Fiona loves her family and they love her. No matter which path they take in life, she will always be there for them. Just like auntie Angela was for her.

 Click here for the presentation of the potential heirs

Miss Fiona Grey - Chapter 9

Twists and turns
There were many reasons not to see Fabian again.

But Fiona just couldn't resist. And, as she has feared, it was wonderful to see him again.


Fiona put a lot of effort in showing that she wasn't interested in a romantic relationship. And Fabian took the message. Apart from a friendly hug, there where no physical contact between them.
- It was so lovely to see you again Fiona!
- Yeah, likewise! Let's do this again next time you are in town! Fiona could hear for herself how hollow it sounded.
In fact, they both knew they would not see each other again. It would simply be too difficult to be "just friends".


The coming weeks Fiona had a lot of doubts. She was torn. She wanted to call Fabian, but never did.
- I can not expose my kids for another boyfriend, it's not fair to them!, she thought to herself. Too many persons have come and gone in their life. I will forget him. I must.


She kept herself very busy with all kinds of diversions. However, she didn't smile quite as often as before. There were always a touch of sadness around her. When friends asked her she never admitted anything. - I'm just a little stressed at work at the moment, she might say. Or: "I'm just worried about the mortgage." Or "I'm just upset with Filipa after an argument this morning."
Many believed her. Stavroulla didn't. Not her daughters either.


The co-therapy with Niels turned out to be a great success. They cooperated so well with the kids, and there was a trust between them that they never shared the years they were married. At the same time they both knew they would never get back together. They had outgrown each other.
- I always felt that you held back when we were together, Niels admitted during one session. Emotionally you always pushed me away, you didn't really want me to come close to you, that's how I felt. I always knew you were going to leave me, and that fear, and frustration, was part of the problem for me. No excuse for what I did of course, but an explanation.


A couple of days later Fiona met Niels coincidently in town.
- You know, you were so right in what you said, she explained to Niels. I've done this in all my relationships. And I still do actually. I'm afraid to become close to someone! Because when I do, they will hurt me.
- Fiona you know that isn't true., Niels said. And you deserve to be loved. Believe me, I know! I really hope the best for you, and that you soon will find someone who appreciate you and love you for what you are.
- Actually, I think I did find someone, I just didn't see how special that was.


The following weeks Fiona had a lot of thoughts going through her heads, but at the same time she tried to focus on what was closest to her.
- I have such wonderful children! They are my little diamonds! They deserve to have a happy mother, don't you agree Stavroulla?
- Absolutely! Stavroulla answered, and the worst, or maybe it is the best, is that they always copy what you do and are, not what you say or pretend. So if you are happy, they will be happy too.


- I know! By the way, have you seen how Nora mimic everything Filipa does? It is so sweet! And Filipa is great big sister. She can drive me crazy sometimes, but I know she has a good heart. She is so observant and attentive that girl, it is spooky sometimes!


Fiona couldn't be more right. Filipa was very attentive indeed. She had figured out how her mother felt about Fabian. And when she met him in the park one afternoon she decided to confront him.
- Why don't you ask my mother out again? I think she would like going out with you. And I know for a fact that Nora and I wouldn't mind. You DO like her don't you? I can babysit Harry on Friday, there is a great film at the Ruby Movie Theatre that night. A romantic film. You should see it.
- You have it all figured out don't you? Fabian had to laugh. But he did call Fiona.


And Fiona did go out with him. And there where no holding back anymore. They were deeply in love with each other.


Fabian found it easy to build a good and sound relationship with Fiona's children as well. It was not difficult, they all loved Fabian's down to earth, no nonsense way of being. And they loved the effect he had on their mother.


Soon he became a common guest at the breakfast table whenever he was in town. And in April he moved in for good. Fiona and Fabian were now officially a couple.


Apart from that, two important things happened that year. Nora became a teenager. She was rebellious, grumpy and acting out.
- She is creative and headstrong. That will come in handy later in life. She wont have any problems saying No, that's for sure!


The other thing was that Fiona was pregnant. It was carefully planned, and a very wanted baby.
At the Christmas party Fiona announced it to everybody, including her two exes. Yes, they were both invited with their new spouses, and nobody had any problems at all.
- I know it's the talk of the town, she said to Stavroulla, but you know what? I don't care. If my children have a good relationship with both their parents, it can never be a bad thing. They deserve it. And we are all family in a way, and the rest is just practicalities and nobody else's business.


By next Christmas little Francois was born. He became the center of attention immediately, was spoiled rotten.


- Mon coeur... Fabian whispered to his little son. You are so perfect! My life is now perfect because of you! Well, there is just this small detail missing, but not for long I hope!


- My darling Fiona. Don't you think it is time? Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Officially I mean?
Fiona didn't have to think about it. And just four weeks after, they got married.


It became a very special wedding. Very, very special.

Miss Fiona Grey - Chapter 8

Amendment
Fiona chose to tell Fabian first. She had a small hope that he would understand.

And she was right. He DID understand. He didn't judge. He was friendly and polite. Too polite. Maybe he didn't care?
- Of course I care, he said, but you know my lifestyle isn't really compatible with kids and that sort of thing at the moment. I like you a lot, but I can't really see how we would go forward in our relationship. I have this project for UNICEF in Eritrea the next two years you know. And you have your kids. And then there is the thing with your ex-husband.
- What do you mean? I don't have anything with Niels?
- It seems very sensitive. Or infected? I don't know, it's not healthy, that's how I feel, tu comprends? But anyway, I am leaving next month, so I guess it doesn't really matter. But I hope we can be friends?


The next person she told about her pregnancy was Nora. She really couldn't care less.
- Okay, she said, but I don't want to share my room with the new baby!
- That's okay honey, the baby will sleep in my room, don't worry!


Filipa didn't take it quite so lightly.
- What! Pregnant??? But, but, but ... You are OLD! Gosh this is so embarrassing! Everybody is going to laugh at me!


Filipa was a teenager. No doubt about it. She went out at night. She had secrets. One of them was a quite romantic relationship with Sebastian, Stavroulla's son. Officially Stavroulla and Fiona knew nothing about it. Unofficially they thought it was kind of sweet.
- Maybe I will be Filipas Godmother AND mother in law Stavroulla joked
- Don't bet on it, Fiona said, when Sebastian realize how grumpy Filipa is in the morning he might have second thoughts!


Fionas pregnancy proceeded without any problems. And when little Harry was born he charmed everyone.


Even Filipa showed interest in the new man of the family!


Fiona had a much easier pregnancy and birth this time, and even after birth she felt a lot better than she had done with the girls. The midwife recommended postnatal yoga-classes, and Fiona just loved it. - Yoga really is my thing, she explained to Stavroulla. It's a physical and mental peacefulness that I never experienced before. And I am FINALLY loosing some weight! I don't know exactly how, because I'm not working out that hard, but something is working!
- It's probably the hormones, Stavroulla suggested. Giving birth, breastfeeding, and general happiness releases a cocktail of hormones, and it obviously does it for you!


Fiona was also promoted at work. It meant longer hours and more responsibility, and even though she loved her new position, she was concerned. Being a single mom and being absent almost every evening is not ideal. Christina, the babysitter, was okay, but she was not the parent! - I'm not sure if this will work out in the long term, Fiona thought, but what am I going to do? I have to make a living!


Every now and then she wrote letters to Fabian. Not love letters, but friendly letters. She missed him. And through the letters she slowly got to know him in a different way, even if he was thousands of kilometers away.


The summer turned out to be fantastic. The girls enjoyed all kinds of water sports - living next to a beach had it's advantages - and in the warm summer evenings Fiona worked in the garden, or just enjoyed watching the sunset from the terrace.


All in all she had become a much more content person. She was happy, and quite enjoyed her life without "excitements".


She even found a way to reduce her hours at work, by getting some revenue from her food blog. This gave her much more time with the kids, and the combination of her good computer skills and food knowledge turned out to be a great success.


In therapy Ingrid Bogen suggested to bring Niels into the sessions.
- I believe you are ready Fiona, she said. You need to forgive him. And yourself.
Fiona had her doubts, but she was willing to try.


In the beginning there were some harsh confrontations.
- What you did to me was, unforgivable! I don't know why I'm even talking to you again.
- You are not wrong, Niels said, but I was out of control! I don't understand how I could do what I did, but I am trying to figure things out. I've been in therapy too, you know.


- One of the things that explains it was my fathers bullying. What he did to my mom was ... unforgivable. I hate myself for becoming like him, but that's what happened. It doesn't take away my responsibility, but at least it explains some things.
Fiona could see that he was sincere, and that he had scars too. She actually felt a tiny bit sorry for him.


- I don't need to hate him anymore, she admitted to the psychologist.
- And how does that feel?
- It is a relief actually. I think I'm finally free...


The reduced tension between Fiona and Niels also had a great impact on Filipa and Nora. Even though they always had some contact with their father, they now enjoyed more frequent and relaxed visitations. They even had a few family dinners where Niels where invited, and quite often he was "babysitting" when Fiona had to work in the weekends. It truly was a win-win situation.


And just when Fiona thought her life couldn't become any better, she got a phone call. It was Fabian.


- Hello Fiona! I'm coming home to Hidden Springs next week.
- Oh God, Fiona thought. My life will become complicated again. I'm not sure if I want that.