Jessica sat at her desk at work, looking for the right phone number of the fabric company that was going to supply the silk and various trimmings for Grace Fowler's Summer collection. The office was based in New York City, and the last number she dialed gave her a message that the phone number was no longer active.
Where is that stupid number,? Jessica said in annoyance, leafing through the papers in her drawer. Between this and Liz's number, she didn't know which was harder to track down. She couldn't even remember the last time she heard her sister's voice. The last time she called, someone told her that Elizabeth wasn't there, but they were surely going to give her the message.
Of course, Liz's return call never came. The next time Jessica dialed the number, she had gotten the same annoying message that she just got minutes ago while trying to call the fabric company. That the phone number was out of service. She had asked her mother for Elizabeth's new number, but Alice Wakefield told her that she didn't have it. The shifty look in her mother's pretty blue eyes told Jessica that Alice was probably lying.
Too bad I don't live in New York, Jessica said aloud, thinking of her sister. Then I would track Liz down as well as this stupid company!
A wave of depression hit her suddenly as she looked at the calender over her head and realized that it had been almost a year since she last saw her sister.
I wonder what she's doing, if she even thinks of me…. Does she even miss me at all? It's like she's given up on us, Jessica mused sadly.
I don't get paid enough to do this, Jessica sighed to herself, turning back to her work. She still hadn't gotten Roger to give her a loan. In fact, the last time she spoke to him, which was at Lila's New Year's party, he pretty much told her that there was no way he'd ever consider giving her a loan. He didn't exactly come out with those very words, but his meaning was clear.
She had been chatting with him, trying her hardest to flirt with him without being too obvious, all to the annoyance of his blonde companion. Jessica didn't know who she was, but she could sure stand to lose a few pounds!
Jessica's only solace that night was the fact that Roger was ignoring Lila too. After greeting her, introducing her to his buxom friend, and thanking her for inviting him to her party, Roger barely gave Lila a second glance that night. Her friend was insistent that she didn't give a damn who Roger Barrett showed up to her party with, but it was clearly apparent that Lila was more annoyed with the situation than she was letting on.
So you and Todd Wilkins are married? Roger had said. I never thought I would see that happen. I always thought he'd marry your sister.
You know Jessica, he told her pointedly, loyalty is very important to me. People who stick by their friends, people with integrity, who are honest, those are the values I respect in business alliances.
In other words, Jessica thought with disappointment, I'm a back stabber who stole Liz's boyfriend.
Why don't you say how you really feel Roger, Jessica eyed him angrily as she walked off to find Todd.
Not that he was much comfort anyway…..
Todd had been moody that night, he clearly didn't want to be at the Fowler's party. Right before they left, his mother had called, asking him what time they would be coming over. Jessica stood in the bedroom putting on her sandals when she heard him on the phone, explaining to his mother that they wouldn't be seeing her that night.
I'm sorry Mom, Todd had said. We'll stop by tomorrow, I promise.
We'll see about that,! Jessica thought to herself, as they walked out the door. Todd will just have to go by himself! I'm not going over there!
Their stroke of midnight kiss was lackluster if anything. Jessica almost felt like she was kissing a brick wall.
The next day arrived and when she informed him that she was going to her own parents' house instead of the Wilkins', Todd didn't even flinch! He seemed to be distracted, more so than usual. She had started sleeping with him again, and she thought that would be good enough to bring him out of the cloud of glumness that he had been under.
Sometimes when they were in bed together, he would play with her hair, but only when her back was facing him. He would caress her when she was half awake, or when he thought she was sleeping. They weren't even married for a full year yet! If this was an indication of how things were going to be, then why did they even bother getting married at all? It didn't help that Ken and Amy had announced their engagement, and her friend kept flashing her diamond ring for everyone to see.
Seeing the two of them all over each other reminded Jessica about the lack of passion in her own marriage. She had looked around that night, and was quite pleased with the looks of appreciation that she received while wearing her smoking hot gold dress. There were so many amazing guys at Lila's party. Men with power, men with money, men who would sell their right arm for five minutes with Jessica Wakefield.
Dammit,! Jessica swore as she caught her finger on a raised staple. She sighed as she looked in the drawer again…. This was going to be a long day!…..
Lila got out of her Mercedes in front of the Juicy Lucy, just in time to catch Caroline Pierce with her freckled hand on the arm of Dr Ray Spencer, Sweet Valley's new plastic surgeon. Lila rolled her eyes at Caroline's attempt at flirting.
She had to admit that the doctor was cute, more than cute in fact, she smiled to herself.
I thought she had a boyfriend? Lila thought, looking at Caroline.
She knew Caroline was dating Flynn Chambers, the son of the owner of the company that published Sweet Valley's trashiest tabloid, "The Back Valley." Lila knew that the source of a good portion of the gossip in that magazine was motormouth Caroline herself! The Chambers lived up on Valley Crest Drive, and Lila often saw Caroline there, decked out in a swimsuit at the pool.
Doesn't that girl know that redheads shouldn't lay in the sun,? Lila thought meanly.
Lila took off her sunglasses and examined the doctor. He looked older, perhaps in his mid to late thirties. He had dark brown hair, and sharp hazel eyes.
Definitely worth a second look, Lila grinned as she walked into her small bar.
To her surprise, Roger Barrett was sitting there in one of the booths, with that blonde girl on his left. The smile on her face dropped immediately at the sight of the two of them.
I thought she left here last month! Lila scathed. What's she doing back here in Sweet Valley? The nerve of him, to show up at my place of business with his bimbo!
I have a good mind to give him a complimentary arsenic smoothie! And one for her too!
She plastered a smile on her face and walked towards the table, tempted to dump Roger's drink over his head.
Hi, Roger, she said through her teeth. Shirley, she nodded to his companion.
It's Sheila, the girl said.
Oh that's right, Lila said, in the nicest voice she could muster. An awkward silence enveloped the three and Lila's mind went blank.
Well, enjoy your drinks! she said, as she turned around and walked into her office.
Lila didn't want to admit it, but she was jealous.
Jealous of his chubby chick, who is no where near as pretty as me, monopolizing Roger's time! And he even had the audacity to bring her to my New Year's party and kiss her in front of me!
But then again, he kissed me too! Lila thought, as she twirled her long hair. And what a kiss it was!
She turned on her security monitor, just in time to see Roger give the girl an affectionate squeeze.
It's almost like he knows I'm watching in here! Her face soured again when she saw her employee walk towards their table with a tray of samples in her hand.
He's playing hot and cold with me. Well! I'll show him. The jerk!
But, he's been so nice with you, these past few weeks, she reminded herself...
It all started when Lila followed her mother again to the same hotel on the bad side of town. The first thing she noticed, besides her mother's car, was the blue van, the same one that was always parked outside of her bar. The door to room 405 opened, and this time, Lila got a good look at her mother's lover. To her utmost disgust, it was him! It was the same creepy dark haired man that had been stalking her for months!
Her beautician had an emergency that day, and had to cancel her appointment, so Lila had returned home from the spa, only to hear her mother making plans to meet him at the Valley Inn. Lila got into her car, determined to confront her mother this time. She drove to the hotel just in time to see them emerging from his room. She got out of her vehicle and slammed the door. The noise alerted them to her presence, and Grace's face turned to shock on seeing her daughter coming up the stairs.
What going on here? Lila demanded, looking at the two culprits.
Lila? What are you doing here? I……. Grace said, her face stark white.
I can't believe this! Lila cried. This is the man you're cheating with?
Lila! It's not what you think, Grace pleaded.
Oh? So what is it then? Maybe I should call Dad and ask him what he thinks?
No Lila, wait, her mother cried, grabbing on to her arm as Lila turned and walked down the stairs.
Let me go Mom, Lila said, pushing her mother's arm off.
If you want to cheat, if you want to cheat on Daddy with this, this disgusting bum, I'm not going to let you get away with it! I saw you! I saw you Grace! Before New Year's! I followed you!
I know what's going on! How can you lower yourself, sleeping with a man like that? He's a weirdo, he's been stalking me for months! And you're here today, doing it again? Don't you have any shame? And don't try to lie your way out of this! This time, I've caught you red handed!
You can't call your father Lila, Grace cried, fear apparent in her grey eyes.
Why not? This has been going on for months! Daddy needs to know!
No Lila, Grace begged. Let's go home, I'll explain it all. It's not what it looks like!
No! Lila crossed her arms stubbornly.
Well let's get in the car then, Grace pulled Lila towards her green vehicle. I don't need an audience.
Fine, Lila said angrily, as she and her mother entered her Range Rover.
They looked up the stairs to see the man closing the door to room 405.
I'm not having an affair Lila, Grace began, her voice trembling. I'm not cheating on your father.
The man, the man who's in that room, the one I've been meeting, he's your father. He's your biological father. I've been helping him, helping him pay his bill here. And other things.
What? Lila was stunned. What do you mean he's my father?
No! Lila stared at her mother horrified, without giving her a chance to explain herself. A sick feeling filled her stomach as she looked at Grace in disbelief. You're lying! He can't be! Who is he? Tell me the truth!
It is the truth.
I don't believe you! The blood rushed through her temples. She felt like she had been slapped. You've been cheating on Dad for months! And now you're making this up. How could you?
She shook her head, her face enraged.
You're not my mother! You never even cared about me! You dumped me as a baby and then you went off to live the high life in Paris. I hate you!
She opened the door and slammed it roughly. Lila got into her own car, gave her mother one last look and started driving. This had to be the worst day of her life. She had always imagined her father was a movie star, perhaps a distinguished older gentleman, or even a married man who Grace had an illicit affair with when she was younger. Perhaps he was even royalty, a nobleman somewhere.
But this! The fact that it was a possibility that she came from this disgusting low class sleaze was too much! Lila drove aimlessly, until she saw a familiar sign on the road. Miller's Point was a mere five minutes away from the opulent estates on Valley Crest Drive. In fact, there was one time when George wanted to buy the entire hill for himself, and build an even bigger Fowler Crest up there. All of George's attempts however, were made in vain. The land was protected by the Valley Parks and Recreational Services, which meant it was open to the public and would never be for sale.
It was the highest point in all of Sweet Valley and provided spectacular views of the town and ocean below. Lila turned into the exit and started climbing up the hill.
She stopped the car, turned off the engine and stared down at the valley below. She didn't even know why she came up here. This is the same place where she experienced one of the worst times in her life, when John Pfeifer had tried to rape her. And here she was, sitting in almost the same spot, this time with another serious problem to deal with. She burst into tears, thinking of the heinous words that came out of her mother, just minutes ago, in that horrible parking lot. She was so distraught, that she didn't even notice the black Mercedes parked a few lanes away from her.
Lila. What's the matter,? a male voice came from outside the car. Lila looked up startled to see Roger, knocking on her window; his face was pure concern.
Go away! Lila cried. She looked in the direction he had come from, only to see that girl, the same one he brought to her party, sitting in the passenger seat staring stonily at them.
Go back to your girlfriend,! she yelled.
The tears pooled in her eyes and streamed downwards, leaving a trail of makeup on her cheeks. Roger walked back to his car, said something to his companion, who rolled her eyes and got into the driver's seat. She saw the black car take off and drove down the road. Roger shrugged his shoulders and walk back to her vehicle. To her surprise, he went on the passenger side, opened the door and came inside.
I didn't invite you, she wailed in humiliation. She put her face in her hands and sobbed into the steering wheel.
Tell me what's wrong. Are you hurt?
No…My mother….. She….. She… My father….
Shhhh, Roger said, patting her shoulder gently. Is anything wrong with them? They're not hurt are they? What about your little brother? There's nothing wrong with him is there?
N…N…. Nooo.. My mother, she hiccuped, she told me who my father is.
But…. Roger stared at her in confusion. What? I mean, isn't it….. What are you talking about?
What I just said. She told me who my real father is…
You mean your father isn't George Fowler?
No! Lila exclaimed, trying to get in control of herself. He's not my real father.
And you're just finding this out? He handed Lila a tissue from the dispenser on the dashboard and watched as she dabbed her eyes.
No. I already knew he wasn't my father. I've known since I was a teenager.
You already knew? So what's wrong then?
She told me who my real father is, Lila repeated. It's this guy, he drives a blue van. He's always parked outside my bar. She told me that was him. That he's my father.
Another onslaught of tears followed her admission.
Oh. Roger's face was stunned. I had no idea.
He's disgusting! Lila moaned. She gave Roger a look that was both threatening and anguished at the same time.
You can't tell anyone! I'll die if anyone finds out! I'll be humiliated! My father is the town bum. He smokes and spits everywhere, I've seen him chewing tobacco and spitting it out. It's horrible!
She looked at Roger like a mad woman, her eyes red and her face streaked with the black of her eyeliner. Swear to me Roger! Swear you won't say a word!
OK, I swear, he promised sincerely.
I'm going home and I'll never talk to her again! She lied to me all my life. I hate her!
You don't mean that, Roger stated with sympathy.
Yes I do! Lila insisted. She let me think my real father was someone, I don't know... someone special.
But how can you be sure he's your father?
I don't want to believe her, but I know, she's telling me the truth!
I know she isn't lying. I got a good look at him for the first time today, and I do have his features. He has dark hair and eyes like mine. But that's not it. I always used to see him with sunglasses over his eyes, so I never got a good idea of what he looked like. But now I have, and it's not only his coloring...
She started sobbing again. And to think, I used to watch movies when I was younger, hoping to see my face in one of my favorite actors. Now I feel like a fool! She wiped her face. You won't tell anyone will you? Lila said more quietly.
No… He handed her another tissue. Lila pulled down the flap on the sunshade above her head and looked in the mirror.
Oh my God! Lila moaned.
What,? Roger said, his eyes worried.
I look terrible! She started crying again. I look like a mess! You let me go on and on looking like this! You probably think I'm getting my just desserts….. I was horrible to you in high school when you were a janitor and had a crush on me, and look at me now!
She wiped her eyes, and her runny nose, trying to regain some dignity. And here I look like a clown caught in a rain storm.
I don't think that Lila, Roger said quietly. I still think you're very pretty.
You do? Lila asked, her lips trembling.
Of course.
Really? Lila straightened up, smiling slightly through her tears.
And, well, Roger continued, no one deserves to have the rug pulled out from under them, not like you did today. I remember when it happened to me. His grey eyes grew serious.
Yeah, well, Lila said, her voice clearer. Yours worked out for the better. You found out your father was a millionaire and a Patman. I found out that my father is a…. I don't even know what to call him, she said, as another tear poured down her cheek. I don't even know what his name is! He lives in a hotel, at the Valley Inn!
He does? Roger raised his brows. That's actually my old neighborhood. My mother, stepfather and I used to live in an apartment just three blocks from there. It doesn't have to be that bad, Roger said, placing a tender hand on hers. He opened a container of baby wipes that was on the seat and handed her one. They sat for a while, looking at the vista below them, as Lila's sniffles diminished.
Out of the blue, Roger started laughing.
What? What's so funny? Lila asked, laughing despite herself, as she wiped the makeup off her face. Roger handed her another wipe and she looked in the mirror, trying to make herself presentable again.
When I was in high school, if anyone told me I would be sitting in Lila Fowler's car up at Miller's Point I would have recommended that they go to the asylum in a straight jacket. Roger shook his head. And here we are...
Although this car is a lot bigger than the lime green Triumph that you used to drive. They're not the circumstances I used to imagine, but never say never right?
Oh? Lila giggled, and just what did you imagine,? she continued, her brown eyes brightened, amused at his revelation.
Never mind, Roger turned his head, his ears turning pink. The awkward smile, the look of shyness that Lila always used to see, she caught a glimpse of it, right at that moment.
See? I knew I could get you to smile again, Roger said kindly. Shall we go home now? Or do you want to stay up here longer? Or do you want to wait until the sun goes down, like the teenagers?
Lila laughed out loudly. Who would have thought that Roger would be able to cheer her up like this?
We can go home now, she sighed, wanting to stay up there longer, not wanting to face the music.
Do you want me to drive? Roger offered.
Let you drive my car? Lila's nose went up at it's usual position in the air.
Never,! she said, as she put the Mercedes in gear. I'll drop you off first….
And then? Roger looked at her curiously as she started driving down the hill. She took a turn and they reached Valley Crest Drive where they moved upwards again.
Are you going to be alright?
Lila nodded. I will be. I just won't talk to my mother. Not tonight anyway. I have my own wing at Fowler Crest. I never have to see her if I don't want to.
Yes, everybody knows, Princess, how you have your own wing.
Lila looked at him again, ready to pounce, but the humor in his eyes told her he was just teasing. She stared closely at him and realized she had never seen his eyes so up close, she had never noticed the tiny ring of amber around the pupil. She passed Fowler Crest and saw her mother's green vehicle in the driveway.
She's home, Lila said, her heart racing. They moved further up the hill and stopped in front of the gates of the Patman mansion.
Are you sure you'll be OK? Roger said. Lila nodded, suddenly not wanting him to leave.
Well…. thanks for…. cheering me up, Lila stated slowly, peering at him.
There was something there, he had shown it to her just minutes ago, when he brought up his youthful fantasies, and she wanted to see it again. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his. He returned her kiss, slowly at first, but then with more enthusiasm that surprised both of them. Lila broke away, and almost giggled when she saw the tips of his ears getting pink again .
See you later, OK,? Roger had said, as he got out of the car. He put his hand on hers. Call me if you need to….. to talk.
OK, Lila said softly. Bye Bugs…. I mean Roger, she smiled. She watched him climb up the side wall and over the fence of the property…..
The phone rang in the office, breaking Lila out of her reverie. It was one of her suppliers, offering a deal on pineapple chunks. She spoke to them on the phone, all the while staring at her screen. Eventually Roger and Sheila?…..or was it Shirley?….. got up from their booth and left the small space.
So he's playing hard to get huh,? Lila seethed to herself, watching them walk out the door. She twirled a lock of brown hair around her finger. Roger Patman needs to be taught a lesson!…..