[ Prologue ]

Meet Aiyana, Carli and Faith. Three beautiful women who have been friends for years.

Aiyana has beautiful dark skin, thick black hair, is bubbly and bright and lives for the moment. She's feisty if you're on her bad side, but a sweetheart if you're her friend. She also has a fear of committment and doesn't stay with one guy for longer than about a month.

Carli is modern and fresh with sleek dark blonde hair and little make-up. She has been with her steady boyfriend David for three years now. She is incredibly smart, loves green and has a strong personality and tons of willpower. But she isn't always 100% sure of herself and sometimes gives too much.

Faith loves her friends and her career as a paramedic, but hasn't been with a guy for about a year. She's petite, a brunette and a neat dresser. She's unsure of herself and self-conscious, but she puts on a brave face. She sometimes takes things too seriously, but has incredible willpower and a desire to achieve.

Ladylike is a series following the highs, the lows, the tears, the smiles and the love that these three young women have for each other. Laugh with them as they make idiots of themselves, cry with them when their hearts are broken and be right there for them when they need you the most.

Coming Soon! Don't miss it!

Extract:

“How was Brent?” Carli asked slowly. Silence followed Carli’s question as Aiyana was intently scanning the menu. Realizing she had been asked a question that she missed she quickly raised her head and looked blankly at her friends.
“Sorry… what?”
Silence.
“Oh… uh… Brent? Was that what you asked me?” Carli nodded and Faith rested her arms on the table. Aiyana looked back onto her menu and mumbled something neither Carli nor Faith could understand.
“Louder Aiyana.” Faith demanded with a smile.
“I dumped him okay?” Aiyana said defensively as she slammed her menu down.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18...ngsoon_big.jpg

Great start. I love your stories!

Awesome start! I can't wait for more!

That was a great teaser! Now don't keep us waiting. I really look forward to your stories.

Wow! I Like it! These three characters sound a lot like my friends and I lol, im the self-cpnsious one of course, its weird lol, it sounds like an interesting story, cant wait for the next update!

Episode One - "Fear of the Unknown"

“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” – H. P. Lovecraft.

Carli looked at her watch and then across the table at her pretty brunette friend Faith. They exchanged knowing glances – Aiyana was late for the millionth time. Aiyana was the kind for woman who arrived fashionably late – for every occasion.
“I don’t understand why she’s so late all the time!” Faith said with a laugh. “It’s not like it takes her years to get ready! She wakes up and she’s stunning!” Both women laughed. It was true; all three of them were naturally beautiful women who didn’t need to put oodles of effort into their appearance.

“Maybe we should just order for her? She orders the same thing every time.” Carli said as she scanned the menu with a perfectly manicured finger. The three women had been best friends for years and they knew each other inside and out. Just as Carli was about to signal the waiter over the front door of the tiny café burst open and a bubbly and loud woman with dark skin and big hair flew through and plopped down in her seat.
“Let me guess, bad hair day?” Faith said with a giggle. Aiyana looked down at her hands and back up at her friends. She shrugged with a half smile. Carli slowly folded and placed down her menu – she knew something was up with her friend.

“How was Brent?” Carli asked slowly. Silence followed Carli’s question as Aiyana was intently scanning the menu. Realizing she had been asked a question that she missed she quickly raised her head and looked blankly at her friends.
“Sorry… what?”
Silence.
“Oh… uh… Brent? Was that what you asked me?” Carli nodded and Faith rested her arms on the table. Aiyana looked back onto her menu and mumbled something neither Carli nor Faith could understand.
“Louder Aiyana.” Faith demanded with a smile.
“I dumped him okay?” Aiyana said defensively as she slammed her menu down. She rested her head in her hands for a brief moment before lifting her head high with a wide smile. Carli leaned forward and rested her hand gently on Aiyana’s for just a second. Aiyana smiled and was inwardly thankful for the loving gesture.
“But why?” Faith asked. Aiyana shrugged and her friends could tell she was upset, but was trying hard not to show it. The trouble was the three women had been friends for years and knew when something was wrong without anyone even having to say anything.
“He just got too… mushy, lovey dovey… he just got too serious. I mean, we’ve been together for what, two months? And there he is saying he loves me!!” Aiyana’s voice was raised nearly to a shout now. She had chunks of the table cloth in her clenched fists and she was breathing heavily. Carli knew exactly what she was trying to say.
“It’s okay sweetheart…” Faith was cut off by Aiyana’s cry.
“No it’s not! Life is not meant to be serious! Who loves someone after two months? Not me. Not me at all. I’m through with him. Over. Finito.” And with that Aiyana stood up and marched into the bathroom, tears evident in her eyes.

Letting out a breath Faith turned to Carli.
“She has a huge fear of commitment.” Carli said without hesitation. “She has never committed to anything for more than two months. To Aiyana, two months is forever.” Faith was puzzled.
“But you guys have been friends for…” She trailed off.
“Ten years.” Carli finished for her as she nodded. “Friends are different.” Carli quietly explained to Faith that Aiyana had been ‘in love’ when she was a teenager after more than three months, but had her heart broken by her then-boyfriend. Since then, Aiyana never committed herself to a ‘real’ relationship for more than two months. It was her way of trying to protect herself. Faith sat there in awe. Faith and Aiyana had been friends for seven years, but this she never knew about her friend.
“The only thing that strikes me as strange this time,” Carli started. “Is that she seems unusually upset? Maybe he really got to her?”

Before the two could get into a completely involved conversation Aiyana came back to the table looking refreshed.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” She said firmly as she sat down. The conversation over their usual Sunday lunch at the Pink Flamingo Café turned to Faith and what was going on in her life.
“There’s nothing better than the feeling you get from saving someone’s life.” She smiled. Faith was a paramedic – and loved it.
“God, you say that all the time!” Aiyana scoffed. Faith laughed and threw some crumbs at her friend, glad she was finally laughing again.
“I don’t save lives, but I sure save people from embarrassment!” Aiyana laughed her loud bubbly laugh and her friends joined in. Aiyana was an interior decorator and had exquisite, fresh and modern taste.
“Anyway, enough about stupid jobs; how’s David?” Faith turned her attention to Carli and her long term boyfriend. Aiyana shuffled uncomfortably in her seat and Faith kicked herself inwardly for saying such a thoughtless thing at the wrong time.

Carli smiled weakly and nodded. “We’re good.”
“Just good? Girl you been with that man nearly three years! If you just good, I say you come experience the single life!” Aiyana said with such attitude that Faith cracked up laughing. Carli managed to muster up only a half smile.
“Uh oh.” Aiyana noticed something was wrong with her friend. “What’s going on girl? I was only kidding!”
“I know,” Carli reassured them. “I just… I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I do love him…”
“Then what’s the problem girl?” Aiyana asked.
I just don’t know if I’m still in love with him, Carli thought.

--------

Let me know what you think. I know the episode's are longer than my usual style, but I like trying new things. =D

I love it! And I can't wait to read more. I'll be checking everyday to see if there is an update.

Aw thanks crookedwings =D Im glad atleast someone likes it haha *blush* I hope other people like it too...

I'm in the midst of writing episode 5, so I will get round to posting episode 2 either hopefully today or tomoro. We shall see though, as life (and exams) beckon. eeK! Lol

No worries! I am in the throes of exam time myself, ick!
And I'm glad the episodes are longer.

Nice start . I'll be reading! Is this series also going to go for longer than your usual stories?

I love it! Can't wait for more. I have a question... Do you remember where you downloaded Faith's outfit, the blue sweater one? I used to have it but lost all my downloads and would love to have it back. Its cool if you don't remember though.

eclectictsunami - I feel your pain! LOL And these are my first exams (stupid school system lol) So Im FREAKIN out lol x(

amy_55555 - Yes, this series is going to be longer. This is the first series (I'm contemplating whether to go for a second one or not, depends on the feedback I get) and this series has roughly ten episodes. They are longer, because the storyline is more complicated. I like to change my style and not be boring and repetative, so I really wanted to make this different from my short stories. I just hope everyone stays interested LOL Get ready for drama!

niclak - I'm sorry I don't remember where I downloaded it from! I have a nagging feeling it *might* be from Mia TS2, but I'm not sure. I have over 600 downloads lol!! But good luck finding it, and if I happen to first I will PM you.

Thanks for your comments Makes my day! xD

I'm loving this so far. They seem like a great trio of Sims to be working with.

Sue

I understand you too when it comes to exams. At the begininng when I had started my website with Sims stories, I used to update quite often, but then when I started Uni, i had to put things on hold for two years, cos I could not even find the time to play the game.

I have to put an update to my story too soon, but this week I have two work-related exams, so I don't think i will be able to.

And it's great that you are writing a series this time. Your stories are always great, so it's cool that you're doing a bigger project.

Awww shucks!! You guys are sooo nice =D I luff it hehe Well progress is being made, its the Queens weekend here in Australia, and I have two weeks of exams (but only 3 actual exams) so episode 6 is done with the writing, and episode 7 I can see in my mind (gawd that sounds crazy like LOL) so I think tomorrow I'm gonna post episode 2 and do the photos for eps 3 & 4.

Glad you all understand that life beckons haha and most of all glad you support me and my stories

Hey, toxic kizz? You're an aussie like me? I never noticed XD

Ahh Queens birthday weekend. 3 days of nooooo schooooool Although my dad likes to take the time to do ALL THE CLEANING THERE EVER WAS... borderline obsessive compulsive *sigh*... well no, he just likes everything to be the same. every day. eek.

so an update soon? Yay!

Originally Posted by toxic kizz

niclak - I'm sorry I don't remember where I downloaded it from! I have a nagging feeling it *might* be from Mia TS2, but I'm not sure. I have over 600 downloads lol!! But good luck finding it, and if I happen to first I will PM you.

I looked at Mia's site but didn't see it. Thanks though! I will eventually find it!

Episode 2 - "Second Guessing"

“Loved isn’t a word. There’s no past tense of love. If you love someone you’ll always love them no matter what.” – Unknown.

Carli shut the door and clicked the lock, throwing her keys on the dining table. She sighed – it was the fourth night this week she had come home to an empty apartment. She kicked off her shoes and pressed the button on the answering machine. She plopped down in the comfy couch and listened to her two messages.
“Hey girl, it’s Aiy here! Just checking in. Don’t worry you little chicken, everything’s gonna be fine! Catcha later!” Carli smiled, her best friend always managed to turn her day from bad to good.
“Hey beautiful, it’s the love of your life here.” Carli closed her eyes. Just letting you know I’ll be late tonight, so you don’t have to wait up for me. Love you babe. She knew exactly what he was going to say.
“Just letting you know I’ll be late tonight, so you don’t have to wait up for me. Love you babe.” His voice relayed exactly what she thought he would say. Sighing, she changed out of her work clothes and started preparing dinner.

Sitting in front of the TV Carli tried to stop her eyelids from shutting slowly, but she knew she was fighting a losing battle. She got up, brushed her teeth and crawled into bed. As she was drifting off to sleep she heard David shuffling around in their apartment. He came into their bedroom, kissed her cheek and starting whispering things to her as he was getting changed. Carli didn’t hear most of what he was saying; she just drifted off into a deep sleep, feeling completely unsatisfied.

--

Aiyana was trying to read the latest edition of ‘Coloration’ – the monthly interior decorators magazine – but her mind kept wandering elsewhere. She was trying to picture brown walls and white photo frames, but all she could see was Brent’s face smiling at her. Giving up, she closed her eyes and sat back, remembering the last time she had seen him.

“I know we haven’t been together long babe, but you know I’m crazy about you.” Brent said softly.
“I know you’re crazy, that’s for sure!” Aiyana laughed. She felt his hand reach over to hers and he lifted it up gently and kissed it tenderly. Aiyana felt shivers go down her spine, she felt like that every time they kissed. She just sat there smiling at him.
“Ever moment I spend with you is like a moment in heaven. You’re so beautiful Aiyana; I’m the luckiest man in the world.” Aiyana smiled.
“Yes you are.” Aiyana tried to steer the conversation away from such serious things, she was up for all things fun and rarely ever got serious or upset. ‘Life is meant to be lived’ was her favourite saying.

“I know we joke around a lot babe, but I’m being serious right now.” Brent stared deeply into her eyes and Aiyana started to panic. She could tell where this was going and she did not like it one bit.
“I know Brent, but why so serious? Come on, let’s have some fun!” Aiyana stood up and tried to pull Brent up to dance. He twirled her round and just watched her in amazement. He was mesmerized by her smile; he was paralyzed by her touch. Everything she did sent shivers down his spine and he thought about her all the time. Taking a deep breath he braced himself for such an important moment. He pulled her in close to him wrapping his arms around her curvy waist. She just smiled at him and kissed his lips tenderly, then looked up at him with her big brown eyes.

“I love you.” He said. Aiyana froze, and slowly the huge smile that was spread across her beautiful face faded. Brent waited for a response; a kiss, a hug, a smile, anything to let him know she felt the same. But Aiyana just tried to release herself from his grip. She stood there in front of him and adjusted her hair, avoiding eye contact with him.
“Aiyana?” He leaned forward. She smiled awkwardly at him. “I know you feel the same way… please tell me you feel the same way…” he trailed off. Aiyana half-smiled but quickly shook her head. Something was wrong and Brent could tell; he could see tears brimming up in her eyes.
“I can’t…” she whispered. “Life is meant to be lived…” Brent nodded.
“And I want to live it with you babe!” Again Aiyana shook her head. She turned back to the table and grabbed her purse. She was shaking as she flicked through the notes in her purse and threw down enough money to cover her share of the meal. Then, without looking at Brent, she quickly walked to the door. Brent chased after her and grabbed her hand.
“Aiyana, wait!” He said breathlessly. “What’s wrong?” She slowly turned to him and let a single tear slip down her cheek.
“I’m sorry Brent. I don’t feel the same way.” Her heart broke as she spoke those words. Quickly she turned and ran out of the restaurant.

Aiyana raised her hand and wiped her eyes. She laughed at herself for being so stupid and letting something like this upset her. She crawled into her bed and wrapped the sheets around her, knowing she probably wouldn’t sleep very much again.
“I don’t love him,” she whispered to herself. “Life is meant to be lived.”

--

Carli sat frustrated in her dining room chair. She had gotten her nails done, her hair done, her eyebrows, and she had gotten a full body wax. She went out a bought a new dress and a new pair of heels. She had even cooked a beautiful dinner and set the atmosphere with beautiful rose-scented candles. She had set the table with their finest cutlery and plates, and had a CD of all their favourite love songs playing softly in the background. It was the night of their third anniversary.

And Carli had been waiting for David for two hours.

She checked her watch again. 8.05PM. Great, she muttered. He was supposed to be home no later than six tonight! Carli was fed up with this. David was always home late, and even when he was there, it was as if she wasn’t. She didn’t know what had gotten into her lately. She felt like something was missing from her life, and she kicked herself for thinking that. She had a fantastic job – she was the Chief Financial Adviser at Brown Accountancy & Finance – she had two beautiful best friends, she had a boyfriend who loved her, she had a supportive family and a nice apartment.

So why do I feel like something’s missing? She kept asking herself.

Before she could get carried away with her thoughts the front door opened and David burst through.
“I’m sorry I’m late beautiful!” He shouted as he walked through their apartment into the dining room. He stopped in his tracks and looked around at the romantic scene before him. Carli looked at him carefully and noticed he was trying to think of something to do or say. They stood there in perfect silence for at least two minutes.
“You forgot didn’t you?” She cried as she stood up. David put his hand up to his forehead and shook his head. He mumbled a string of swear words in frustration.
“I’m so sorry babe…”
“You know what? Don’t bother! Just forget it. I only went to this trouble for someone I loved, someone who would remember our freaking third anniversary.” She walked into their bedroom and started to change into her silk pajamas. David followed her, clearly hurt by what she said.
“S-s-someone you… loved?” He asked slowly. Carli said nothing as she struggled with the zip at the back of her brand new dress.
“I wouldn’t be doing that if I were you.” He said and Carli turned.
“Oh and why not? So you can admire all the trouble I went to when it was all for nothing?” She spat the words in frustration. He took a step towards her.
“I really appreciate everything you did for me, and I cannot wait to slip you out of that dress tonight,” he added with a smile. “But right now I’m taking you to your surprise party.”

Carli froze. She cringed as she realized she had just said something so horrible to her boyfriend and had probably ruined his night.
“I’m sorry…” she whispered. He gently kissed her lips and led her to his car where they drove in silence to David’s brother’s nightclub.

All night Carli and David tried to enjoy their third anniversary – speeches all around, hugs, kisses and many laughs – but they both couldn’t shrug the feeling that something was wrong between them, and more than anything they just wanted to sort it out. They both tried to put their heart into the festivities, but they just couldn’t.

When Carli ran up to Faith and hugged her Faith felt her skin tingle. She stroked her friends’ perfect dark blonde hair and was amazed at how beautiful she was. Faith wasn’t having such a great night, but this perfect moment had just turned her mood around.
“Thanks so much for this Faith! I love you hun!” She said with a big smile. Faith returned the smile.
“I’m just glad I could help!” They hugged again and Faith watched her friend walk off back to her boyfriend.
I love you too Carli, she thought. But you’ll never know how much.

-----

Hope you all like it! The cover/title is in attachments.

This is really good and I can't wait for the next episode.

Good luck with your exams!

Oh my gosh! I can't wait for more! It is so good so far!!!

I had a sneak preview of those two episodes, so I'm really looking forward to what comes next!

This is soooo good.
Aww, I feel really sorry for all three of them!

Great writing - and can't wait for more as usual. Hurry up with the next episode.

Originally Posted by crookedwings

Great writing - and can't wait for more as usual. Hurry up with the next episode.

Haha ease up tiger!! I'm taking this in a good natured way Lol Give me a day or two

Episode 3 – More than Friends

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18...e_ep3title.jpg

“Everybody has a weakness. You just happen to be mine.” – Unknown.

Faith looked at the photo of herself, Aiyana and Carli. She couldn’t take her eyes off Carli; she always looked so beautiful. Of course, so did Aiyana, but for some reason Faith couldn’t shake this nagging feeling. She couldn’t get Carli out of her head. It was driving her insane. But her thoughts were interrupted by the sharp shrill of her telephone ringing.

“Hey girl, how you doin?” It was Aiyana. Faith smiled.
“I’m okay, how about you?”
“Just okay girl? What’s up?” Faith explained to her friend that she was just having a few bad days, but she’d be fine in no time.
“Well girl, I’m sick of everyone being down in the dumps and in ****ty moods. We gotta get you and Carli out!” Faith laughed. Aiyana would use any excuse to go out and party.
“Now I don’t wanna hear ANY excuses okay girl? Get ready, I’ll pick you up in half an hour.” Faith smiled as she put the phone down and hurried into her bathroom to shower and dress.

As the three girls walked into the club it seemed as if everyone stopped for a moment to stare at them. Faith had to admit, Aiyana and Carli – especially Carli – looked absolutely stunning. She wasn’t so sure of herself though. Despite her suggesting name, Faith was insecure and unsure of herself. They walked over to the bar to order a drink each and Aiyana was the first one on the dance floor. Faith smiled as she noticed a few guys moving closer to where she was.
“She certainly can draw a crowd can’t she?” Carli laughed as they both sipped their drinks and watched Aiyana.
“She can. Then again, so can you.” Faith made direct eye contact with Carli, but she didn’t get the meaning behind Faith’s words. Carli just laughed.
“You look great tonight Faith. I’m glad you could come out.” Faith beamed. “I know you have a few confidence issues love, but honestly, you look great. All we gotta do tonight is find you a man!” Faith laughed, but her heart wasn’t really in it. Carli clearly wasn’t getting the signals Faith was trying to send. She’d just have to try harder.

The two girls began talking about life and their careers, but Faith couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that she was being watched. She kept an eye out for Aiyana on the dance floor, and as she was looking for her Faith’s eyes caught sight of the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. She froze. Kicking herself mentally she flashed him her biggest smile and turned back to Carli when she saw him walking over.

“Hi there beautiful. I’m Mike.” Faith introduced herself and Carli, and was surprised at how comfortable she felt around Mike. They clicked, they had so much in common, and all feelings for Carli were forgotten as they moved onto the dance floor.

--

Aiyana was having the time of her life. At least, she thought she was. She was trying so hard to forget about Brent, but no matter how many cute guys smiled at her, or how much she tried to get into the music, she couldn’t get him out of her mind. She was tired and needed refreshment, so she walked over to the bar and joined Carli. They laughed and joked and noticed that Faith was dancing with someone, but Aiyana couldn’t see who.
“He said his name was Mike. He was cute. Nice brown hair and a sweet smile.” Carli smiled. Aiyana felt proud. She and Carli had been trying to get Faith with a guy ever since last year – she hadn’t been on a date for at least a year – and it was finally happening for her. Aiyana took a breather by the bar for almost a half hour, and when Faith finally came off from the dance floor and dragged Carli to the bathroom Aiyana’s mind wandered back to Brent – again. It was only until a mysterious stranger with brown hair pulled her onto the dance floor that she felt like her old self again.

“You’re beautiful.” He said. Aiyana laughed.
“That’s coming on a bit strong for someone who you only just met.” He smiled.
“My name’s Matt.” They shook hands and laughed, and like Faith, Aiyana was surprised at how quickly she forgot about Brent and was focused on Matt. It was like he had this presence, and some sort of power over her. She was captivated by him, and knew it would take a while to get him out of her mind.

--

As the three women climbed into Aiyana’s car in the early hours of the morning Aiyana noticed how happy Faith seemed. She was the only one who had to go to work in a few hours, but that didn’t seem to faze her. She’ll probably be buzzing for days now that she’s got some sort of romance in her life, Aiyana thought with a smile.
“Have fun little Faithy?” Aiyana joked, calling Faith her most hated nickname. Faith just laughed and winked.
“You know it!”
As Faith and Aiyana talked about the guys they had met and danced with, Carli was happy for them, she just wasn’t happy in general. Her friends had noticed that she had been acting a bit strange lately, almost distant and dazed, and that her heart really wasn’t in whatever she was doing. Aiyana looked at her friend through the rear-vision mirror and noticed that when she smiled she looked different. Her eyes didn’t sparkle like they usually did, and the little creases around her eyes that were there from laughing so much didn’t show. As Aiyana pulled into Carli and David’s apartment she turned around and faced her friend.
“Girl, you aren’t leaving this car until you tell us what’s up.” She demanded firmly. Carli just shrugged and smiled faintly.
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired.” She undid her seatbelt and started to open the door.
“Tired my ***! Girl, Ima call you up tomorrow and you gonna tell me what’s wrong.”
Carli just continued to get out of the car as if she didn’t hear what Aiyana had said.
“Bye guys, thanks for an awesome night.” She turned and disappeared inside. As Aiyana turned the key in the ignition she stared icily out the front window.
“That girl…” she simply said with a shake of her head. Aiyana and Faith both knew something was wrong, and they were determined to get to the bottom of it.