Jessica got off the freeway and drove towards Calico Drive. She told her mother she'd be coming over for dinner, but she decided to go there earlier than planned. Jessica missed living in her parents' home. Sometimes she wished she could go upstairs to her old room and walk through the door that connected the bathroom to Elizabeth's room.
She sighed, thinking of old times when Elizabeth was right next to her. Her twin was always there, just a few feet away, always on hand, always willing to listen, to share, to give advice, to be her sister. She looked at the sky above her, it was perfectly blue, with hardly a cloud in sight. It was mid October, Halloween was soon approaching, and she was contemplating what kind of costume she'd be buying for Jake. It was hard to believe he was already a year old.
She was looking forward to the holidays, hoping that they'd perk up her spirits. The latter part of the year was always her favorite... sitting and eating with her family at Thanksgiving….. sharing presents at Christmas….. ringing in the new year. It was a magical time, full of happiness and fond memories of her sister and brother, playing with new toys, wearing new clothes, buying gifts for their parents, the parties, festive dances, everything that she had always cherished.
Maybe Liz will come home this year,! she thought suddenly. They would sit and talk, and Liz would forgive her.
Yes,! ….. it has to work!
They would be best friends again, Liz would leave New York and come home. Or maybe Jessica could go over there to visit? Her plan was perfect. She'd introduce Liz to Jake. No one was able to resist a cute baby, especially Elizabeth. Liz loved children. And Jake, except for his brown hair, looked nothing like Todd.
He looks just like me, she thought, just like Liz!
Jake is innocent, she'll never be able to turn him away!
She smiled dreamily, remembering herself, Steven and Elizabeth sitting around the Christmas tree, opening all the shiny wrapped boxes while their parents watched. She was going to do it! She would go to New York, enjoy the city, shop till she dropped, and she and Liz would come home together. She couldn't wait to tell her parents.
How happy they will be when they know Liz is coming home. I'm going to make things right,! she mused excitedly.
Her eyes shone with happiness as she envisaged about how life would be from now on with Elizabeth back where she belonged. She turned the car onto Calico Drive, making her way down the road to her old home. She turned into the driveway and parked behind her mother's new Mercedes.
Mom?, Jessica called out, sauntering into the kitchen. She walked to the corridor after seeing the kitchen empty. Alice Wakefield was seated on the living room floor, using a lint brush on a pair of tan slacks.
Hey Mom!, Jessica said, ready to pounce on her mother with her wonderful new plan.
Oh Jess,! you startled me. I didn't even hear you come in. I didn't expect you this early, Alice said, standing up to give her daughter a hug.
What's all this?, Jessica asked, looking at the suitcases laid out in the den. Are you going somewhere?
Ummm. Well yes. Your father and I, we've been packing. I'll be gone for a while, a month, maybe six weeks, perhaps longer, she said, averting her eyes. Your father's coming back earlier than me though.
Jessica knew that look. It was the one her mother gave whenever she wanted to avoid a topic.
For that long? Why so long? she prodded, examining the contents of her parents' wardrobe strewn over the couch and floor. Heavy coats? Warm sweaters? Boots? You're not going to Alaska are you? Jessica joked.
The look on Alice Wakefield's face however, was anything but amused.
Jessica's expression hardened.
You're going to see Liz aren't you?
Alice glanced at her, a look of remorse on her lovely face. Her blue eyes grew deeper.
Why don't you just say it Mom? You're flying out to see her.
Actually Jess, I meant to tell you….. Alice look away guiltily. Your sister she's... well…she's getting married.
Jessica felt as if she had been punched in the gut.
Liz is getting married? she asked, her mouth suddenly dry. I didn't know it was that serious with Nicholas.
Well, it is, her mother answered. The Morrows have chartered a private jet, Alice continued, folding a sweater and avoiding Jessica's accusing gaze. We're taking a sort of wedding vacation, the four of us are flying out together to help them with the preparation. Grandma and grandpa will be flying over from Michigan.
Oh, how nice, Jessica said blandly, obviously trying to contain herself.
Yes, Alice admitted. I'll be there for quite a while. We won't be here for Thanksgiving or for Christmas. Cara, Steve and the kids will be flying out there two weeks from now, a couple of days before the wedding. But your father and I, we'll be there a week before, to help your sister out with everything.
Your brother and Cara are staying less than a week. I'll be away much longer, but your father…he'll be here flying back here between holidays. Steve and Cara will be flying back east to meet us just for Christmas and Thanksgiving. We thought it would be fun. Your father and I are looking forward to a New York City Christmas... I'm sorry Jess, Alice shrugged.
Jessica narrowed her eyes accusingly. How long have you known about this trip?
It's been in the making for a while now. We just weren't sure of the date.
It's not too late, Jessica thought to herself as she watched her mother folding some thick knee high socks.
So what if I have to alter my plan a little bit? I'll still be with Elizabeth. What better way to prepare for the holidays by shopping with my sister on fifth avenue? I'll just get on the plane and go with them. Yes, it's brilliant,! she bubbled inwardly.
Maybe…Maybe I can fly out with you? Jessica asked hopefully.
Alice looked up from the duffle bag that she was trying to zip close.
There was that uneasy look again.
I don't think so Jessica, she said shaking her blonde head.
Alice looked distinctly uncomfortable while observing Jessica's reaction from the corner of her eye. Jessica's face was a cross between utter fury and devastation. She could see that her daughter was doing everything to control her emotions, but the storminess in her aqua eyes indicated that she was anything but pleased from hearing this news.
Why so long? Jessica asked, her voice shaky.
Well…..Nicholas and Liz, eventually, they might be moving into a new house. An old house actually. It's Nicholas' aunt's house in Connecticut. It's a fixer upper that needs delicate work. It's almost a century old, and Liz enlisted my help to get it in ship shape while they're on their honeymoon. So you see, it's not all fun and play. I'll be pretty busy while I'm there, restoring the house. I'm really looking forward to this project. And your father. He'll be returning here periodically, but we really want to take this time to spend on the east coast, going to places we've always wanted to go to.
So when is the blessed event,? Jessica asked sarcastically.
November third. They're actually getting married in Connecticut, on a little island in the Long Island Sound. They wanted to get married while the leaves are still on the trees, for a real New England foliage wedding. And it's not so cold in November.
Sounds just wonderful Mom. Just great. I hope she has the time of her life, Jessica muttered bitterly.
I know this is hard for you Jess, but we love you. We have you here and Steve here. But we see Liz so little that...
It's fine, I don't care, Jessica gave her mother an icy look.
You don't mean that, Alice said, her eyes filled with concern.
Jessica folded her arms. Yes I do. Tell her hi for me. Tell her I am so damn happy for her, I can't stop smiling! Tell her I hope she's having a nice life with her brand new rich husband and her brand new old house that you're going to fix for her! Tell her Merry Christmas, Happy Thanksgiving, Happy New Year, better yet, while you're there, tell her happy birthday, because for the past two Junes she damn sure never called me up and wished me a happy one! She never talks to me! I'm the one who has to call her, and she's always busy. Or she lets the machine pick up. And now when I call, I don't even get her, so she must have a new number!
Alice shrugged. I'm sorry Jess. But she's an adult. I cannot put her in the corner for a time out and make her talk to you again. Look, Elizabeth is the most forgiving person I know, give it time.
Time? Mom, it's almost been two years, two years since I've seen her face to face. How much time does she need?
I know it's hard Jessica, Alice said, putting a concerned hand on her daughter's shoulder. But you made your choice. And you won't be alone for the holidays. You have Todd, Jake, Todd's parents. They're your family too.
Jessica shrugged her mother's hand off. Yeah right. I have Todd, I guess that's supposed to be my consolation prize, is it Mom?
Well, you are married to him. He is your husband. He's the man you chose to spend the rest of your life with. We were here for your wedding, your father walked you down the aisle, you had all our love and support that day. You got what you wanted didn't you? And now it's your sister's turn.
Jessica scoffed. Some family. We always spend the holidays together. Now all of you are leaving me out!
Well, Jess, I don't know what to say. You had to have known that your sister would be hurt by this, this sneaking around behind her back with Todd. I am not going to say I told you so.
Save it Mom, Jessica grimaced. You obviously don't care about me, not you, not Dad, not Steve and not Cara!
Jessica, you know that's not true, Alice said sympathetically.
But it is! You're siding with her again, just like you always have!
Don't try to be the victim here Jessica, Alice said sternly. You cannot guilt trip me into changing my mind and not going to stay with your sister during her wedding! I don't want to choose sides, but I miss my daughter, I miss my child, and I want to be with her on her wedding day…..I want to be with her on her journey into her new life. Your father feels the same way. We are very sorry it has to be this way. We never thought that the two of you would both get married without the other there. How do you think it makes us feel, to see our two girls torn apart like that?
But then again, Alice shook her head.
I never thought you would ever marry your sister's boyfriend. Alice sighed, letting out her breath. Life is full of surprises Jess. Some very nice and some not so nice. Some can be very painful and the impact of them never goes away.
Jessica put her hands on her hips. So you're saying it's all my fault? Elizabeth is the one who's being selfish! I didn't come here for a lecture Mom!
I know Jess. What's done is done and there is no turning back, she frowned. Your dad and I...we'll be leaving five days from now. When I come back, I can spend some time with you and Jake. And your father, Cara and Steve will be here most of the time I'm gone. You ought to bring him by more often. We'll make plans, do something special. Todd too, he's always welcome.
Sure Mom, Jessica said as she grabbed her keys and walked out the door.
Wait, Jess, aren't you staying for dinner,? Alice asked.
I suddenly lost my appetite, Jessica responded as she slammed the door and went out to her vehicle.
Well, we'll call you, Alice called out weakly. She opened the door to see her daughter back the car out to the road. Jessica gave her mother an unenthusiastic wave as she put the car in gear and drove off. She pressed down hard on the gas, and sped off, and onto the the freeway leading to Valley Crest Drive.
I don't need them, she thought aloud. Let Liz have her wedding without me! I don't care!...
