Adventures in the Land Down Under (Read 11,050 times)

[André DiMera]

Chapter 3

LASSITER'S HOTEL
PAUL: Oh, good lord no. Nicole.
Nicole did a double take.
NICOLE: Oh god, it is you.
PAUL: Nicole, what are you doing out here?
NICOLE: Not that it's any of your business, Paul, but I'm here with my daughter. We're on a vacation.
PAUL: Actually, it is my business. I happen to be the mayor of Erinsborough.
NICOLE: Whoever elected you mayor made a poor, poor choice.
TERESE: Excuse me. You two know each other?
NICOLE: In more ways than one.
PAUL: Will you just get out of here? I don't need people like you in this town.
NICOLE: You'd ask a paying customer to go away? That doesn't look very good for the mayor.
PAUL: No, I wouldn't ask a paying customer to leave, as long as she's here legally this time.
NICOLE: Well, too bad you won't get the satisfaction of kicking me out again, because I brought my passport with me this time.
PAUL: This town isn't big enough for the two of us, and I am most certainly not going to be the one to leave.
NICOLE: Well, thankfully for you, we're just passing through. We'll be out of your hair, or what's left of it that's natural, in a few days. So, you'll just have to put up with us.
PAUL: Fine. Great. Stay, if you must.
Paul stormed off. Everyone took a deep breath.
TERESE: Well, I'm sorry about Paul...
NICOLE: Don't be. I've tackled much worse. So, how much per night?
TERESE: $127.98.
NICOLE: Okay. We'll be staying for two nights.
Nicole handed Terese her credit card, and ran it through. Terese handed it back to Nicole, as well as two keys.
TERESE: Right, there you are. Enjoy your stay. Welcome to Erinsborough.
NICOLE: It's good to be back.
TERESE: Oh, have you been here before?
NICOLE: Once. That was a long, long time ago.

HOTEL ROOM
Nicole and Mia brought their suitcases upstairs to their room.
MIA: What was that all about?
NICOLE: What?
MIA: That mayor guy, Paul? How do you two know each other?
NICOLE: Back when Quinn and I were together, we tried to make a run for it. We ended up coming here. It's changed a lot. The whole of the Lassiter's Complex is completely different, that's why I didn't recognize the town right away.
MIA: So, has this Paul guy always been the mayor?
NICOLE: No. he's always been a ruthless businessman, though. At least, as long as I've known him. He got me and Quinn deported back to America. Even called up my father and told him we were on our way home.
MIA: That sucks.
NICOLE: Yep. Paul Robinson is nothing but trouble. Enough about him, though. We're not just here to see the sights and get into fights with jerks from my past. We're also here to continue your training.
MIA: Well, I've been on the lookout the whole time we've been here.
NICOLE: And?
MIA: There was one person I saw. Muscular. Nice smile. Probably late twenties. I know, that's a little old, but hey, what can you do. Saw him as we drove into town.
NICOLE: Well, let's investigate, then.

[Kpatch]

Not only are the seasons upside-down, so are the characters. I like how you're using some of the same names. LOL at Mia thinking the waitress had an accent. Cute!

I am really enjoying this virtual visit to Australia. But I must admit I was hoping Mia would order a vegemite sandwich at Harold's.

[André DiMera]

It's actually just a very funny coincidence. All of the Erinsborough characters are from an Australian soap opera called "Neighbours". I never thought about how several of them have the same name as Days characters until now.

Oh, don't worry, Kpatch, Mia will get to try Vegemite at some point. Mia and some of her adventures in this story are somewhat inspired by my own adventures from March 2012. The Vegemite one is one that I'm looking forward to.

[fluffysmom]

I hope Paul quits harassing Nicole.

[André DiMera]

I'm going out of town early tomorrow morning and won't be back until Friday afternoon. Therefore, I thought I would post the chapter intended for tomorrow tonight. I'll post previews on Saturday.

Chapter 4

LASSITER'S HOTEL – RECEPTION AREA
Nicole and Mia walked down to reception and went to the main desk.
NICOLE: Terese?
TERESE: Yes? How can I help you?
NICOLE: Do you know if Lauren Carpenter still lives around here?
Terese thought for a moment.
TERESE: Lauren Carpenter? Do you mean Lauren Turner?
NICOLE: Blonde hair, down to the shoulders?
TERESE: Yep, that's Lauren. She lives at Number 32, Ramsay Street. She's at the end of the cul-de-sac nearest the complex.
NICOLE: Great, thanks.
TERESE: She might not be at home at the moment, though. I think she's got a shift at Harold's this afternoon.
NICOLE: Okay. We'll check there if she's not home. Thanks.
MIA: Thanks.
Nicole and Mai walked out.

RAMSAY STREET
Nicole and Mia walked up the cul-de-sac and towards a house.
MIA: So, who is this Lauren person?
NICOLE: She's one of the friends I made when Quinn and I hid out here. It was a long time ago, though.
They walked up to number 32 and Nicole knocked on the door. After a moment, Lauren opened the door.
LAUREN: G'day.
NICOLE: Hi, Lauren.
LAUREN: I'm sorry, do we know each other?
NICOLE: From a long time ago. We were teenagers back then, though. It's Nicole.
Lauren stared at Nicole for a moment. Then, she gasped.
LAUREN: Nicole Walker? Is it really you?
NICOLE: Yep, it's really me.
Lauren laughed and hugged Nicole.
LAUREN: Oh, darling, it's so good to see you! How are you?
NICOLE: I'm good, thanks. How are you?
LAUREN: Can't complain. And who's this.
MIA: I'm Mia.
NICOLE: She's my daughter.
LAUREN: Nice to meet you, Mia.
MIA: Thanks. It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Turner.
LAUREN: Please, call me Lauren.
MIA: Okay.
LAUREN: Well, come on in. Come in.
Lauren showed Nicole and Mia in.
LAUREN: You look like you're doing well, Nikki.
NICOLE: I am, thanks. So, your last name's Turner now? I thought Brad's last name was Willis.
LAUREN: Brad and I, we didn't quite work out.
NICOLE: Oh, I'm sorry.
LAUREN: No, it's fine. We're still good friends. He and his family live across the street and number 22. I was living in Queensland for a while and I met a police constable named Matt Turner. We had two sons and a daughter. Then, we moved back out here to be closer to my dad.
NICOLE: Oh, Lou! How is he?
LAUREN: He's fine. Same as always. What about you and that one boy, Quinn, was it?
NICOLE: We didn't really work out, either. Stuff happened.
LAUREN: Stuff has a way of happening.
NICOLE: Yeah. It's fine, though. The one good thing that came out of it was this one, over here.
Nicole pointed to Mia.
MIA: I'm just glad we found each other after so long.
LAUREN: How d'you mean?
MIA: Well, she had to give me up when I was a baby, and we only just recently reconnected.
LAUREN: That's interesting. I went through something similar recently. Found out Brad and I'd had a child years ago. Her name's Paige.
MIA: Paige? Mom, isn't that the name of the waitress over at that one place we ate lunch, Harold's?
LAUREN: That's her.
MIA: Cool!
NICOLE: Yeah. So, you said you had other kids. Where are they?

[fluffysmom]

I'm glad Nicole has been reunited with Lauren.

[André DiMera]

Previews

Next week...
MAN: G'day, sunshine.

Mia meets her new crush...
BRENNAN: Name's Mark. Call me Brennan.

Nicole meets her match...
NICOLE: You are a piece of work, you know that?

And they both meet new "Neighbours".
LAUREN: This is my youngest daughter.
MIA: Hey.

The Days of Our Lives/Neighbours crossover continues next week on ADVENTURES IN THE LAND DOWN UNDER!

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 5

TURNER HOUSE
LAUREN: Well, you've already met Paige, my oldest. Mason, my oldest son is in Darwin, working. Amber, my youngest daughter is planning her wedding, and Bailey, my youngest son, is in school right now.
MIA: Cool.
Lauren's phone buzzed. She looked at it.
LAUREN: Loves, I'm really sorry to cut this short, but I've gotta get to my shift at work.
NICOLE: No problem.
LAUREN: How long do you plan to be in town for?
NICOLE: A few days. Maybe a week.
LAUREN: Well, we'll get together for dinner one night. You can meet Matt and the kids.
NICOLE: That would be great.
Lauren and Nicole hug.
LAUREN: It is so good to see you, Nikki.
NICOLE: It's good to see you, too. Before we go, do you know if there's anywhere close by that we can get our car looked at? I think the dealership gave us a clunker.
LAUREN: There's a garage down the street, Fitzgerald Motors. It's part of the Lassiter's Complex. It's not too far from here.
NICOLE: Thanks.
MIA: See you later.
Nicole and Mia left.

FITZGERALD MOTORS
Nicole and Mia pulled into the parking lot of Fitzgerald Motors. A man in his early 30s was inside the store and walked out when he saw them. He put his shirt on. This is Mark Brennan.
MIA: Mom, that's him!
NICOLE: That's who?
MIA: Him! The guy I was telling you about! The guy I saw going for a run as we came into town!
NICOLE: I thought you said he was late 20s? This guy's at least 30.
MIA: Close enough.
NICOLE: Well, he's definitely cute.
MIA: Yeah, I just wish he'd kept his shirt off. Mmm!
NICOLE: He's coming this way.
Nicole and Mia got out of the car. Brennan walked over.
BRENNAN: All right, mates?
NICOLE: Hi. We're not from around here, as you can probably tell from the accents. And, it seems that the car dealership we rented this thing from gave us a clunker. Could you take a look at it, please?
BRENNAN: Sure. What seems to be the problem?
NICOLE: It's just really jerky. It rides rough.
MIA: And there's a weird flashing light on the dashboard.
BRENNAN: Right. I'll take a look.
NICOLE: Great. Thanks. I'm Nicole, by the way, and this is my daughter, Mia.
BRENNAN: Name's Mark. Mark Brennan. Call me Brennan, though. Everyone does.
Nicole and Brennan shook hands.
NICOLE: Nice to meet you.
BRENNAN: You too, Nicole. Mia.
MIA: Hi.
Mia and Brennan shook hands. Mia batted her eyes at Brennan.

[fluffysmom]

I wonder if Brennan will be interested in Mia.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 6

FITZGERALD MOTORS
Brennan was working on Nicole's car. Mia was watching and talking with him. Nicole was outside.
MIA: You know, I thought I saw a flashing light earlier when we were on our way here.
BRENNAN: That was just the check engine light. Changed the oil and it's all good.
MIA: That's cool. I don't really know much about cars. How long have you been a mechanic?
BRENNAN: Professionally? Oh, about four years now. But, I've been fixing cars all my life, just for fun.
MIA: That's cool.
BRENNAN: So, where in the States are you from?
MIA: Illinois. An hour or so north of Chicago.
BRENNAN: Very nice.
MIA: Yeah. It's a nice place. Have you ever been to the states?
BRENNAN: Can't say that I have, no. Wanna go someday, though.
MIA: You should.
BRENNAN: I will. Someday.
MIA: So, what are you doing tonight?
BRENNAN: Dunno, really. Probably gonna stop over at the Waterhole, that's the pub that's connected to Lassiter's. Pick up my girlfriend, Naomi, have dinner, come home and relax. Stuff like that.
MIA: Gotcha.
There was a long silence.
MIA: Well, I'm gonna go see how my mom's doing.
BRENNAN: All right. Shouldn't be too much longer. Just tightening a few bolts.
Mia walked outside.
NICOLE: How's it going?
MIA: Not great. He's got a girlfriend.
NICOLE: Ouch.
MIA: Yeah. So, that's not gonna happen.
NICOLE: Why not?
MIA: Did you not hear what I said? He has a girlfriend.
NICOLE: Which is exactly why I'm training you. First you get to know him. Then, you get to know the girlfriend. Then, you find the girlfriend's weakness. Then, you set the trap. Subtlely convince the guy that you're better for him than the girlfriend. When the girlfriend leaves him, he comes to you.
MIA: Wow! You've really got this whole thing planned out.
NICOLE: That's why I'm the master. So, what do you know about the girlfriend?
MIA: Not much. Other than that he's taking her to dinner at some place called the Waterhole.
NICOLE: Lucky for us, that's connected to our hotel. Perfect.
A few minutes later, Brennan walked out.
BRENNAN: Car's all good. Needed an oil change and a few nuts and bolts tightened.
NICOLE: Thank you so much.
BRENNAN: No trouble.
NICOLE: How much?
BRENNAN: $58.70.
Nicole handed Brennan some money. Brennan handed her some change.
BRENNAN: Thanks, mates.
NICOLE: Thank you.
BRENNAN: Anything else I can help you with.
NICOLE: Nope. I think we're good. I hope we see much more of you later.
BRENNAN: You will, if you stay in town long enough.
NICOLE: Well, thanks again. Bye.
MIA: Bye, Brennan.
BRENNAN: Bye.
Nicole and Mia got in the car.
NICOLE: Next stop: the Waterhole.

[heroicmuse]

I know it's not supposed to be funny, but Nicole training Mia in the art of stealing men cracked me up. Good chapter!

[fluffysmom]

I wonder if Mia will succeed.

[Kpatch]

Mar 10, 2015 9:52:31 GMT -5 heroicmuse said:

I know it's not supposed to be funny, but Nicole training Mia in the art of stealing men cracked me up. Good chapter!

Same here. We don't even know if this guy Brennan is worth the effort. I guess that doesn't matter. What matters is the training that Mia is getting from an expert.

[André DiMera]

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I just realized that I never posted a chapter, yesterday. I'm very sorry about that. I had a pretty busy day yesterday. To make up for it, I will be posting a Saturday chapter this week.

Chapter 7

WATERHOLE
Nicole and Mia walked in. They saw Paul sitting at the counter.
MIA: Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I think maybe we should go.
NICOLE: No, let's stay. This should be fun.
The two walked up to the bar. The barmaid, an older woman named Sheila, walked over.
SHEILA: All right, loves? What can I get you?
NICOLE: Gin and tonic, please.
MIA: I'll just have a Coke.
SHEILA: Coming right up.
Sheila went to go prepare the drinks. Paul looked over when he heard the voice.
PAUL: Oh for the love of...will you get out of here?
NICOLE: No. Why should I?
PAUL: Nicole, I really don't need this right now. Why don't you just scoot off back to wherever you came from?
NICOLE: You are a piece of work, you know that?
PAUL: I could say the same thing about you.
NICOLE: Well, go ahead and say whatever you want. Be careful, though. Say too much, I just might start talking, too.
PAUL: What do you mean?
Sheila set the drinks down in front of Nicole and Mia.
NICOLE: Oh, nothing. It's just that I'm sure the people of Erinsborough would love to know a few secrets about their dear old mayor.
PAUL: You come into my town and threaten me?
Paul chuckled.
PAUL: I hope you enjoy what little time you have near, Nicole. Just be sure you watch yourself.
NICOLE: Oh, I will. I'm very good at that.
Paul got up and left. Nicole turned to Sheila.
NICOLE: Sorry about that. How much for the drinks?
SHEILA: On the house. Anyone who can give ol' Money Bags a run for it is a friend of mine.
NICOLE: Thank you.
MIA: Thanks.
Nicole and Mia turned to survey the crowd.
MIA: Do you see him anywhere?
NICOLE: Not yet. It's still early, though. And we did leave the body shop before him.
MIA: Yeah, I guess.
Nicole's phone rang.
NICOLE: I'll be back in a minute.
Nicole went into another room to answer her phone. A minute later, Brennan entered. He walked up to the bar. Sheila walked over.
SHEILA: All right, love?
BRENNAN: How're you goin', Sheila? I'll just have my usual, thanks.
Sheila set down a glass of beer in front of Brennan. Mia casually moved closer.
MIA: Brennan? Is that you?
Brennan looked over.
BRENNAN: Oh, Mia. Hey. How're you goin'?
MIA: Good. How are you?
BRENNAN: All right, thanks.
MIA: Where's your girlfriend? I thought you were picking her up and coming here?
BRENNAN: Oh, she had to work late. Said we'd meet here when she gets off.
MIA: Cool.
BRENNAN: So, how're you liking your first couple weeks in Australia?
MIA: They're cool. I'm still trying to figure stuff out down here, like how to drive. I have a lisence, but it's kinda confusing driving on the other side of the road.
BRENNAN: Just takes a bit of practice, that's all. If you want, you can use the car park outside the garage to test it out.
MIA: Yeah, that'd be good. Do you think maybe you could show me where the right dials and switches are? I'm getting kinda lost looking at them.
BRENNAN: Yeah, sure. You free tomorrow?
MIA: Sure.
BRENNAN: Cool. Come about 1:30.
MIA: Cool. Thanks.