This scene mostly takes place at Jessica's pool, see profile for visual. I also added Enid's house
Pilar, could you bring them inside please? Jessica requested, looking at the three sleeping toddlers on the shaded chaise next to her. I don't want them to wake up too soon. They'll sleep better in the house.
Yes Lena, Lila motioned to the nanny, as she glanced at her brother, whose thumb was planted firmly in his mouth. We'll go home in about an hour. After my back matches my front, she added, turning over in the sun.
Yes Miss Lila, Lena nodded, as she got up to help Pilar move the children.
Lila had brought Georgie over to Jessica's for a play date with Jake, and Cara had brought her two children over. The three little boys soon figured out that it was more fun to fight with each other than play, and after a series of hair pulling, attempted biting, toy throwing, and much ado about nothing, they had tired themselves out, and were all fast asleep in front of Jessica's circular pool.
So what was I saying? Oh yeah...then we drove south to see the other big rocks, Lila continued. It's gorgeous up there. It's so romantic. Especially in the early morning when the fog surrounds the rock.
What's so gorgeous about some big old rock? Jessica stretched lazily, then started brushing out her hair.
Wait, what rocks? Cara asked as she approached the edge of the pool. She got out of the water, and wrapped a towel around her still soft midsection. She then walked over to the bassinet that was covered with an umbrella, and looked in at four week old Karen. Cara smiled as the baby, deep in sleep, kicked her little legs while dreaming.
Cara, why don't you send her in with Pilar,? Jessica suggested. She'll watch her for you.
She's alright here, it's not too hot, Cara replied. If I move her she might wake up.
Now what were you saying?
Haystack rock. Cannon Beach, Lila continued, as Cara gave her a confused look.
Where? Cara asked.
You know Cara, the giant rock in Oregon. They have two of them. One in Cannon Beach, and another one south of there at Cape Kiwanda. And then they have the ones at Rockaway beach too. It's called Twin Rocks. We went to see all three of them.
Since when are you into nature? Jessica asked, rolling her eyes.
Well Jess, I've always appreciated the simpler things in life, Lila smirked. I mean, fishing and hiking in Big Bear was so much fun. I thought it would be gross, but Roger showed me how to hold the worm.
Oh I bet he did,! Cara said giggling, as she raised her dark brows suggestively.
Very funny Cara, Lila grinned, as Jessica and Amy joined in the laughter.
A lady never tells, Lila continued, her eyes twinkling.
Really Li? You've been telling us all about it from the time it first happened! Jessica groaned, flipping her hair. And again and again and again. We know all about your nature courses with Roger Patman.
Lila twirled her hair and studied the ends. Well, I like nature. What can be more satisfying, by enjoying the natural, simple things in life.
You Lila? Enjoying simpler things? Amy snorted, sipping her pineapple juice.
Of course I do, Lila declared. The hotel we stayed at, it wasn't even one star, it was more like a guest house. But we weren't exactly focusing on the accommodations, if you know what I mean. It was more about the ambiance, she giggled coyly.
Jessica blew her hair out of her eye. Lila was getting on her last nerves. Ever since she started dating Roger, you couldn't get her to shut up about him.
It didn't help that she had seen Roger running up the hill the other day, looking very enticing in his no brand cheap running shorts, his deep brown hair sticking to his forehead, his grey eyes determined.
If I wasn't with Todd…...
Cara blotted her hair with a towel. You know... Cannon Beach sounds like something Steve and I would like. Maybe we'll go someday, when the children are older. I thought Oregon was all about pine trees and logging and not much else?
Yeah Li, there's no Rodeo Drive in Oregon, Amy teased. What ever did you do? Besides your...what was it?...natural simple thing that you were doing?
I enjoyed the scenery, Lila smiled, putting on some lip balm. The Oregon coast is the most gorgeous thing in the world!
Cara raised her dark brow. Nicer than California?
Lila considered her question. Maybe not nicer, but close. And Roger, he knows all the best places…..and we didn't even have to pay a lot. Vacations on the cheap….. who would have thought?…...
Amy shot an amused glance at Cara. Such a novel concept, she said, shaking her head. You ought to write a book Li. Budget Travel for the Little People, by Lila Fowler.
That's actually a good idea Amy! Roger is teaching me how to find pleasure without glamour! And speaking of pleasure. Hmmmm! She giggled again.
Jessica exhaled loudly as Lila started gushing again. It was either about their trip to a cabin in Big Bear, or their road trip to Oregon, or their frequent bedside romps in the Fowler's pool house, since the Patman's pool house was currently occupied by Hank Patman. Either way, Jessica was ready to glue her friend's lips, just so she wouldn't hear her talk.
You've really lost the weight Cara, Amy remarked, as she picked up a copy of Ingenue magazine.
You think so? Cara replied. I need to do some crunches, to tone myself up.
Crunches? Why don't you just go to doctor Ray, have him work his magic on you,? Lila grinned. That sounds much easier to me than grunting and sweating on the gym floor. Maybe Enid Rollins can get you a discount.
I can't afford plastic surgery, Cara said, squeezing her still wet hair. Besides, Steve says he doesn't mind if I don't have rock hard abs. Not that I ever did anyway. Although I think my butt has gotten bigger. Maybe Enid can ask about a discount for getting rid of that.
Speaking of which, can you believe that girl is living over here? Dr Ray is very attractive. I can't imagine what he sees in her! Jessica said suddenly.
Which girl? Amy asked looking up from her magazine.
Enid Rollins, that's who. She moved in with doctor Ray. I can't stand her,! Jessica seethed.
Me neither, Amy agreed. I remember when she stole Liz from me! I'll never forget that. What Elizabeth ever saw in Miss Dullsville is beyond me!
Tell me about it, Jessica rolled her eyes. You and me both.
Come on you two, Cara said. Enid is a nice girl.
Right, Jessica scoffed.
Whoever thought that Enid would be your next door neighbor Jess,? Lila laughed.
She's three houses away, not next door! There's the house over there, Jessica motioned to the left, pointing at the red tiled Spanish style villa in the distance. I've seen her out by the pool a few times when I've been out here. It makes me want to come right back in! Part of the appeal of this house is the amazing views from all angles, Jessica said, admiring the valley, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean below them. And that should not include Enid Rollins! I'd pack up and move if she was right next door to us!
If you think living near Enid is bad, then you haven't experienced proximity to Caroline Pierce, Lila commented. Her boyfriend lives a few houses away from Fowler Crest. Sometimes I have the displeasure of seeing her leaving for work in the morning.
Well, I'd really love to move into a house like this, Amy remarked, as she showed them a picture of a mansion in Malibu.
I wish Ken and I could go somewhere, she told them, changing the subject as she flipped the page and spotted an article on Caribbean cruises. But we're saving up, trying to get our own place.
I can't believe Ken is working at Sweet Valley High. Four years of that place was quite enough for me, Lila huffed.
Well, it's a job, Amy said. I'm proud of my husband, she continued, referring to Ken's job as assistant football coach. He's so good with the kids.
I can't imagine dealing with bratty teenagers, Jessica yawned, as she turned over and pulled out her manicure kit.
Speaking of jobs, when do you start work? Amy said, looking at Cara.
After Karen is three months, I'll try to get something permanent, Cara said, pointing her chin at the baby.
Will you be working at Fowler Memorial? Lila asked.
I hope eventually, but not yet. I'll be doing evenings at the volunteer clinic first, to gain experience. It makes it a lot easier to get a real job. My mom promised to watch the children for me, in case there's no one home to stay with them. We're so lucky, all the grandparents are willing to help us.
How is your mom anyway? I haven't seen her in such a long time, Amy queried.
She found an apartment, very close to where she and I used to live. She's still getting used to being back here. I know she misses London as much as I do. Not just London, it's everything. We both miss everything. We used to go on trips, all over the country. To me, Cara looked pensive, the British Isles are one of the most spectacular places on earth.
There's something so special about the landscape, the cute lambs in the meadows, the black and white cows, the lakes, the ancient sites and ruins….. Cara smiled dreamily.
Even their potato chips are different from ours. And to think, I didn't want to be there when we first went. I hated it when we first moved. Steven and I really want to take the children there when they get older. She got up and looked in at her still sleeping infant. I'm so tired, with the baby and Nathan, I already need a vacation, and I haven't even started working yet, she complained.
Amy twirled her blonde hair. Didn't you tell me you, Steven and the kids are going to New York next month? You told me on the first?
Ummm, Cara shot Amy a pointed look and glanced at Jessica, while Amy shifted her eyes guiltily.
What? Jessica said in annoyance, looking at her friends. It's not a secret. I know Liz is getting married next month, she stated, an irritated expression on her face.
I heard about it, Lila admitted,looking away. I know Liz and Nicholas have been living together.
Imagine that, Amy grinned knowingly. Virginal Elizabeth Wakefield, living it up with a man! And not just any man, she giggled. Nicholas sure is sexy. Although... I always got the feeling that he couldn't stand me.
Well, I wonder why? Jessica said. You did break his sister's heart. You and Bruce. And then look what happened.
That wasn't my fault! Amy said in defense, shooting a dirty look at Jessica. It's not like I handed her the cocaine that killed her!
Play nice you two,! Lila scolded them. You'll wake the baby!
No one's saying you killed her, Jessica shrugged as she flipped over to bronze her front again.
Lila pondered the situation. So Liz and Nicholas huh? I remember hearing about it from Nicholas' mother. I was surprised you never said anything Jess.
That's because Liz has shut me out and doesn't tell me a damn thing,! Jessica thought to herself, embarrassed that Lila knew more about her sister than she did.
You know he always liked her, Lila remarked, trying to assuage the tension. From day one he was all over her. Or, she laughed, he tried anyway. Knowing Liz, she probably went to the library first, to find a book on the topic of shacking up, before she moved in with him.
She didn't move in with him, Cara corrected. He moved in with her. The apartment belongs to Elizabeth. She owns the apartment next door too. They're almost on the highest floor, at the penthouse level.
Where exactly does she live? Lila asked, her curiosity stirred on hearing the word penthouse.
In Queens, Cara told her. It's a really nice place. The building is not even a year old. And it's really close to Manhattan. She only has to go one stop on the train to get to Grand Central Station.
The train? Ewww! And Queens? Lila wrinkled her nose in distaste. The only places that are worth living in New York City are on Park Avenue, or somewhere near Central Park. And the subways there are horrible! I'd die if I had to take public transportation!
Well, Liz and Nicholas love living there. They have million dollar views in a place that cost much less than a million, from what Liz told me. And, Nicholas has a home in Greenwich. It's the most gorgeous Victorian era house. It's high up on a slope, and they have the prettiest views of the water, and Long Island in the distance. They took us there while we visited, Cara went on, forgetting Jessica was listening. We had a great time. We went sailing, and all around the town, and then they took us to the back country to see all the mansions.
Connecticut is beautiful. Some parts of it remind me of England. Greenwich is out of this world rich.
Oh I know, Lila nodded. Definitely my kind of town. Daddy took me there a couple of times when I was younger. He knows some people there. Western Connecticut isn't called the Gold Coast for no reason.
Amy placed her sunglasses over her eyes. I remember when Liz and I were kids and we'd talk about our weddings. You'd think they'd want to come home to Sweet Valley to get married, with all their friends and family.
Jessica glared at Amy. Rub it in why don't you! You obviously know I'm not invited, Jessica said, bitterly looking at her friends.
I know. I'm sorry Jess, Amy said, but maybe Liz will come around soon. I know Liz as well as you Jess. She used to be my best friend. She's the most patient, forgiving person on the planet. I mean, she has Nicholas Morrow now for god's sake, Amy scoffed,….. why should she even care about….. ummm, what I mean is…..well…
Jessica shot her another look.
Why would she care about Todd you mean? In other words Liz has a prize and I have her leftovers?
I didn't say that Jess!
Yeah, but you were thinking it!
Well, you have to admit that Nicholas is pretty hot, Amy elaborated. And if you love Todd as much as you claim, it shouldn't matter that Nicholas is well...it shouldn't matter how attractive he is,! she said pointedly.
Jessica rolled her eyes. Really Amy, you really know how to put your foot in your mouth!
Cut it out you guys, Lila said, trying to prevent a full blown argument.
She put her straw to her lips and took a long sip.
Nicholas Morrow is the total package. Fabulously rich, he's gorgeous, and he's pretty smart too. But I don't want him. Not when I have Roger. You know, he says he wants to take me to Lake Tahoe next month, she said dreamily, as she started again with the story of their trip to Big Bear.
Jessica rolled over again, rubbing more lotion on her thighs while tuning out Lila's voice. She was still smarting over Amy's words.
It's true though, she thought to herself.
My sister has gotten her hands on an solid gold plate of caviar while I am stuck with her stale sardines in a can! Everyone is going to look at us and compare me to her! They're going to see me with Todd and think that I'm the one who lost out. He's a good player, but he's only starting his third season, and isn't ranked that high. He doesn't even make that much money! One hundred and seventy thousand a year is nothing! I bet Nicholas makes more than that!
She sighed loudly, a frown on her face as she took a sip of iced tea that Marta had just brought out. Suddenly she felt like she hated Todd. Hated being married to him. Hated his corny jokes, hated the way he combed his hair.
Hated laying there while he got on top of her, with her just wishing for it to be over!
Ugghhhhhhh! Everything that was so cute about Todd was now grating on her nerves!
What did I ever see in him? He's not even that good looking. I've dated far better looking guys than that! Nicholas looks like an Adonis, he's rolling in money, and Liz gets to hold him every night and wake up with him every morning. Todd was dull when he was with Liz and he's even duller now! Why couldn't I get a guy like Nicholas,? she thought moodily. Why does Liz always have to win? Why does she always get everything?...
