Recap
Helen is surprised that Nikki is going out - she's got a surprise for her.
Nikki's mother Laura arrives.
No.26
Laura goes over and kisses Nikki who seems to be in shock.
NIKKI: Hello, mother.
LAURA: Oh, it's great to see you, Nicole.
NIKKI: Nikki. I prefer Nikki.
While Laura greets Jim and Helen, Nikki sinks down on the sofa. Shane brings in Laura's luggage from the limo.
No.24
Madge comments how nice it is to have a quiet even at home, and then shouts it because Danny has his walkman on! Max is still sulking and not speaking to them. Madge and Danny purposely try to rile Max up by talking about the engagement party.
Shane comes in and tells them that Laura has arrived. Madge is pleased and says she'll pop in tomorrow. Danny sighs and says they won't get to the concert now.
No.26
Laura gives Nikki a dress as a present which she is rather unenthusiastic about. Jim and Helen go to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and comment to each other than Nikki doesn't look pleased to see Laura.
Laura tells Nikki that the local barman asked her to marry him(!) even though he was a good prospect(!) Nikki thinks working in a pub is bad enough. Nikki tells Laura that she *was* going to go out, so Laura tells her to go - she'll be there when she gets back.
No.24
Madge, Shane and Danny are still talking about the engagement party when Nikki arrives. Shane offers to give her and Danny a lift to the concert in a limo - they're already quite late.
No.26
Laura isn't surprised that she's like a stranger to Nikki - she *has* been at boarding school for six years and she stayed at a friend's place last Christmas. Laura says they just need some time together to catch up and Helen says she can stay as long as she likes. Laura thanks Helen for being such a good sister.
No.24
Danny and Nikki are back from the concert, having had a great time. Nikki tells Danni that she has nothing to say to her mother, but Danny points out that Nikki isn't used to Laura - she hasn't seen her for a while. Nikki thinks it's more than that though.
Danny puts a record on and Max comes out and wordlessly looks at his watch. Danny turns the records off and tells Nikki he'll walk her home.
No.26
Laura is still up when Nikki and Danny arrive. Laura hugs Danny - she hasn't seen him for years. Nikki rolls her eyes.
When Danny has gone, Laura suggests that Nikki tries on the dress she gave her, but she goes off to bed leaving Laura looking dejected.
No.26, the following morning
Jim and Shane come in from playing tennis. Helen is making pancakes and Nikki comes out of her room too. Helen wonders why Laura isn't up yet. Nikki decides to go for a walk, much to Helen's displeasure.
No.24
Danny thinks that they should at least wish Max a happy birthday, but Madge points out that it was Max who started with the silent treatment! Max comes out of his room whistling "happy birthday" and Madge tells him to stop because she's got a headache(!) He storms off to work.
DANNY: I think we're really upsetting him.
MADGE: It'll do him good!
Ramsay Street
Nikki is crying a bit when Max comes along. He sympathises with her and says that none of his own family have wished him a happy birthday. Nikki points out that Max did do a terrible thing in pretending to be ill. Max admits that she's right, but says he can't apologise to his family because he's not speaking to them(!) They also talk about Laura and Max encourages Nikki to give Laura a chance.
NIKKI:(kissing him on the cheek) Thanks, Mr Ramsay. Happy Birthday.
No.26
Laura has finally got up. Jim asks her what the problem is with Nikki, but she is evasive. Helen tells Laura that Nikki has been boasting about how well-off her family are at school. Laura thinks that's only natural in a school of rich kids. Laura is hoping to take Nikki into town today.
Jim tells Laura about Max's ill-health scam and she laughs. She's really enjoying being back in Ramsay Street.
No.24
Max and Nikki come in through the back door. Madge is cleaning up the breakfast and says that no, Maria hasn't rung. Max isn't very chuffed and says he's had enough.
There's a knock at the door and Max goes to answer it, hoping it's someone to wish him a happy birthday! But when he opens the door, a gorilla and a chicken jump on him. It turns out to be Shane and Danny. They all hug him and stay singing "Happy Birthday". Max looks chuffed.
(Later)
Madge and the boys are giving Max presents - and while he's opening them, Maria rings to wish him a happy birthday! Max is chuffed. He tells her he's having a great birthday.
No.24
Nikki tells Helen and Jim that the Ramsays are a great family - she hardly remembers her own father. Laura comes out dressed in sports gear and says she's going for a jog - then later, she and Nikki can go into town. Nikki says she doesn't feel like it, in fact, she's going to play tennis. She runs off.
LAURA: I suppose there's no use in pretending. I don't think my daughter wants to know me anymore.