On that brilliant Halloween morning, Jessica laid in her bed, stubbornly giving into the sunlight that lay light kisses on her eyelids. She grabbed hold of the mirror that she kept on her bedside table, examined herself in it, and was immediately unhappy with the exhausted look in her eyes. She hadn't slept a wink that night, her mind would not relax, would not relent from haunting her…..would not restrain its piercing thoughts of the fact that her sister was getting married…..that her whole family would be across the country without her, that she was being deliberately excluded from the people she loved most.

Why shouldn't I be there? Jessica thought suddenly. Why shouldn't I spend time with Mom and Dad if I want to? They're my parents too! I have the right to be with them whenever I want! She has no right to keep me away from my family!

Her anger begin to grow, and it fueled the concept that was beginning to form in her head.

I don't care what she says. I'm going over there! I'll find out exactly where the wedding is, and I'll fly over there! And I'll show up right on time and she'll have to talk to me. She won't make a scene by trying to reject me in front of everyone. The wedding is on the third, I'll go to New York tomorrow. Yes, that's what I'll do! I'll go shopping, I'll buy a fabulous dress in Manhattan, and show up at the ceremony! Steve and Cara are leaving tomorrow morning. I'll just travel overnight. I'll take an evening flight, arrive in New York in the early morning, then I'll have the whole day to shop for something spectacular to wear!

Yes,! she said out loud, that's what I'll do!

She thought back to the time after Regina Morrow had died, and she had come up with a plan to start a fund for a scholarship in Regina's memory. Nicholas had come over to the Wakefield's house one early morning to talk to Elizabeth, who was still getting ready upstairs. While waiting for her sister to come downstairs, Jessica had sat him at the table with a cup of coffee, and told him all about her heartfelt, generous gesture in honor of Regina.

Nicholas had been touched, and very appreciative. He was so handsome, his green eyes were filled with torment that day, and for several months afterwards. He had held her hand and thanked her, his eyes full of gratitude. Jessica remembered the thrill of his hand on her own.

And then…. then Elizabeth walked into the kitchen. Nicholas then immediately focused on Elizabeth, and Jessica's presence was quickly forgotten. They acted like they were the only two people in the room, the only two people in the world, and hadn't even noticed when she had walked out!

Well, they're going to notice me at their wedding, I'll make sure of that! She has no right to dismiss me like I'm nothing. Like I haven't been her best friend from the day Mom's egg split and we became two instead of one!

Jessica got out of her bed, and, with her determination as a source of energy, went into the bathroom to get ready for the day. It was well after eleven, and Todd was already in Los Angeles with the rest of the Clippers, preparing for a trip to Texas, which would last for four days.

He's not coming home tonight or tomorrow night, Jessica thought. And not the night after that. I don't have to explain myself to him. He won't even be here!

I won't tell him where I'm going. And if he asks, I'll tell him….I'll tell him I had to go to New York for work. Of course he'll believe me. I won't tell him about Liz's wedding.

The two of them never spoke about Elizabeth. It had become almost taboo in their household to mention her sister's name. It was almost like they pretended that she didn't exist. But her sister was always on her mind. Thoughts of her were never far away.

He won't understand. He won't understand that I have to be with Liz! A loud cry came from the living room downstairs, and Jessica remembered her one year old son.

What am I going to do with him? I can't take both him and Pilar with me. She'll have to stay here for the next few nights. I'll pay her extra. And then I'll go!

Jessica went right into action, and she pulled out her designer luggage from her dressing room. She started packing in her usual manner, by haphazardly throwing everything in the suitcase without folding them first. A smile lit up her features as she thought of the days ahead. I might as well take plenty of clothes, just in case I stay a while.

New York City, here I come!…


So what time's your flight tomorrow? Jessica asked Cara later that day, as her sister in law put some disposable razors in a small cosmetic bag. She had gone to her old home to spend time with Cara before she headed east.

We're leaving in the morning at nine, Cara replied. Nicholas' parents were nice enough to let us use the same jet and pilot that they always use to fly over. The pilot is a personal friend of theirs, and he takes them on several of their trips. It makes it a lot easier, flying with Karen. I was worried, thinking about how it would be for the other passengers, with two small children for six whole hours. Now I don't have to think about it. Hopefully they'll sleep for most of it. I've never been in a private plane before, Cara said, trying not to sound too enthusiastic, considering the fact that Jessica was trying her best to not look miserable.

So you're flying into JFK,? Jessica queried, as Cara put Steven's sweater in the bag.

No, we're actually going straight to Westchester County airport, Cara replied. Elizabeth told us it's really close to the house we'll be staying at for the night. It's pretty close to Greenwich.

Jessica twirled her golden strands as if she didn't have a care in the world. Sounds just great Cara. I hope you have a wonderful time.

Cara gazed at Jessica with sympathy, knowing that deep down, she was hurting inside. She shook her dark head. The whole thing is just so unbelievable to me. I mean, who would ever think that you wouldn't be at Liz's wedding and she wouldn't be at yours? I could never even imagine, that anyone else besides you would ever stand in as Elizabeth's maid or matron of honor.

Like Enid will be, she added silently.

She didn't want to mention it, but Enid Rollins, her baby and her boyfriend were going to be joining Cara and Steven on the plane. Cara didn't dare mention it. She knew that Elizabeth's best friend had always been a thorn in Jessica's side.

I'm sorry Jess, Cara shrugged. I really wish you could be there.

Oh I'll be there alright, Jessica thought to herself. You'll see!

Jessica watched as Cara packed a small hat for Nathan, and smoothed over his little black tuxedo. She moved to the bed, and picked up Karen's dainty pale yellow dress, and folded it neatly, trying not to wrinkle the delicate fabric.

I'm over it, Jessica said. She's the one who's being a total witch to me, not the other way around. I've tried reaching out to her. So where are they getting married anyway? Mom told me on an island somewhere?

Yes, Cara confirmed, as she opened Steven's sock drawer. It's called Tavern Island. Liz and Nicholas are keeping it small and simple.

How are they going to do that? I mean, how is everyone going to get all the way to the island?

I don't have all the details, but your mom said the island is really close to the mainland. It shouldn't take long to actually get there. The ceremony will start at two, and then they'll have the reception going into the evening. And then they'll be going off on their honeymoon.

I see. Sounds fantastic, Jessica muttered, forcing a smile and making a mental note….

Tavern Island, somewhere on Long Island Sound, starts at two.

Cara had given her all the information she needed….


The next day, after she was sure that Cara, Steven and their two children had long left for their flight, Jessica walked into her parents' home on Calico Drive. She went into her father's study and pulled out his old heavy atlas from the bookshelf. She flipped through the pages till she found several maps of Connecticut. She paid close attention to the coastline, and noted the small islands in the Long Island Sound.

There's so many of them. How am I going to find it?

After about five minutes of poring through the large sheets of paper, she spotted the name that Cara had given her.

A ha! she thought, with a smile bigger than Columbus' when he first spotted San Salvador after a couple of miserable months at sea.

There it is! Jessica grinned with satisfaction. Tavern Island! So it's off the coast of Norwalk? It doesn't look too far from Manhattan…

And the island…. It looks really close to…..Jessica picked up a magnifying glass from her father's desk and read the tiny print….Wilson Point?

I wonder how long it will take me to get there? It can't be more than two hours away. I'll just have to take a taxi from New York and have them drive me. And then I'll figure out how to get to the island from there…..Yes!... that's what I'll do...…

She wrote down the information, and put the magnifying glass back in it's place. A pile of post it notes caught her attention, and as she leafed through, she noticed that Nicholas' name was written in her father's hand on one of them.

"Nicholas' Connecticut house - 203 555 3245"

That must be the phone number there. I'll write it down. Just in case…Thanks Daddy!

OK Jess, now what? She drummed her fingers on the desk. I need to go home and finish packing. Oops, I almost forgot!

She flipped through the yellow pages, found the airline, called the number and booked a first class ticket to JFK airport, leaving at seven that evening.

I might as well go to New York in style. Cara and Steve aren't the only ones who get to fly in comfort! Speaking of which…

She dialed 411 and requested the number for the Plaza hotel. She wrote the digits, dialed, and made reservations for a room.

We only have suites available on such short notice, the stuffy voice of the receptionist informed her.

Just give me something nice, Jessica demanded. Something facing Central Park.

Elizabeth and her rich soon to be husband are not the only ones who get to live it up. I deserve a nice treat,! she mused, ignoring the balances on her credit cards.

The Plaza it is!

Jessica dialed her job, and in her raspiest, most pathetic, sympathy inducing voice, explained that she had the flu, and would be out for the rest of the week. She realized how lucky she was that she worked for Grace Fowler. Another employer wouldn't be so patient with her frequent absences from work.

She got up and left the house, and drove towards Valley Crest drive, where she finished her packing, gave Marta and Pilar instructions on what do do while she was gone, and eagerly awaited the time for her to leave for the airport...


Elizabeth looked at the dessert menus laid out in front of her. They were sent over by the chefs who worked on the yacht where she was going to have her sunset cruise. The fact that there was even a yacht and cruise involved, was just another thing that Elizabeth couldn't wrap her head around. It was November first, a cool Thursday night, and pumpkins, witches, ghouls, and giant spiders still dotted the colorful Autumn landscape.

With the preoccupation of running all over the place in preparation for her wedding, it had taken a considerable effort to finish her latest work related task, which was an elite Halloween party at the Montauk Club in Brooklyn. It was her last assignment for a while, because after the wedding, she and Nicholas were going on a two week honeymoon to the South Pacific islands and then on to New Zealand.

Her coworkers had thrown her a small pre wedding party at Cityscoop's office, and tears had come to her eyes as she basked in their heartfelt appreciation and friendship. She had left the office that day with more than an armload full of presents, including racy lingerie that she didn't know if she would dare wear, and a string of gift certificates from numerous stores around the city.

Elizabeth put down the menu, and turned to the catalog page filled with floral arrangements. But, try as she did, she couldn't concentrate on the exquisite bouquets. Or on the main courses that were going to be served at brunch the morning after the wedding. She was more concerned with how perplexed she was at the whole occasion! Her wedding was in two days! She was petrified!

On the first night they met seven years ago, Nicholas had confessed to her that when he was younger, he used to bite his fingernails. Elizabeth looked down at her slender hands, nervous enough to be tempted to do the same. She closed her eyes, thinking of her fiancee. Although they were, at the moment, less than ten miles away from each other, she hadn't seen Nicholas for five days. She longed to be with him, for him to hold her in his arms and tell her everything would be alright. She played with the engagement ring on her finger, smiling at the green diamonds that matched his eyes.

Whose bright idea was it for us to separate ourselves for a week before the wedding anyway,? she thought.

His aunt Mrs Eleanor Dumfries, that's who!

It makes the wedding night all the more special Elizabeth, her future great aunt in law said, winking at her, making Elizabeth blush. I may be old, but I was once young and a new bride, she continued, raising her grey eyebrows sternly. Elizabeth had to admit to herself, that the separation was for the best. The day her parents arrived, Nicholas had gone to Greenwich with his own parents, and had been there ever since.

She knew that her father would have felt uncomfortable at seeing Nicholas going into her bedroom on the nights while he and her mother were staying at her apartment. Her father was very aware that they lived together, but knowing about it and seeing it were two different things.

Five days earlier, a group had flown in from California, on the private jet the Morrows had chartered. Elizabeth's mother, father, Skye and Kurt Morrow were supposed to have flown together from Sweet Valley to JFK. But the travel plans hadn't gone as expected. One of the passengers was noticeably absent from the luxurious Bombardier Learjet en route to New York. Skye Morrow had taken it upon herself to travel east a week before everyone else arrived. Elizabeth's mother was not pleased at this new wrench in the itinerary. Alice couldn't believe that Skye had managed to trick her like that.

Imagine her surprise when she arrived at Sweet Valley airport to be told by an embarrassed Kurt Morrow that Skye was already on the east coast! And had conspired with Elizabeth to keep her presence a secret from her own mother! She'd spent the whole flight calculating how long she'd need to wring Skye's elegant swan like neck!

The nerve of that woman, trying to take over the planning of my daughter's entire wedding,! she thought.

From the time Alice arrived, she and Skye were having a polite impasse, a cold war of sorts, where they were both trying desperately to grin and bear each other. Elizabeth fingered the delicate silk fabric of the dress she planned on changing into after saying her vows. It was a sleeveless pale ivory frock that would be perfect for her reception. The dress was another jewel in Skye's supreme wedding planner crown that she kept shoving in Alice's face at every possible moment. Skye had taken Elizabeth to Barney's as soon as she arrived in New York and the two of them spent hours just choosing the dress.

I had to decide on something, Elizabeth explained soon after her mother arrived and expressed disappointment at not helping her with the shopping. I didn't think we'd have the time to go all over the city to look. You know how tiring it is, walking up and down and going through all the shops. So I already chose something.

I see, Alice said, eyeing Skye's smug grin.

We still have to finalize the other dress though, the one I'll be wearing at the actual ceremony, and I really want your help with it, Elizabeth had said, trying to appease her mother. Elizabeth gave Alice a big hug. The dresses are at Mrs Wexford's house, and we'll go over there to choose one. I'm so happy you're here with me Mom, you're so much better with telling me what looks good on me than I am, she flattered.

Well, I'm not a designer for nothing, Alice said, her ego soothed. But aren't you taking a risk though Elizabeth? I mean, choosing the dress the day before the wedding?

Well, I actually had a preview of them when we had a Victorian fashion show months ago, Elizabeth told her mother.

So I have an idea what they all look like. They're all beautiful. There are several of them that I can fit into.

Mrs Abigail Wexford, who loved the excitement of the preparation for the upcoming nuptials, wanted to do her part, and had generously offered to let Elizabeth's friends and family stay at her large home for the night. Tomorrow, the bridal party would be moving to the house on the island where the wedding was being held. Elizabeth had arrived at Abigail's mansion that morning with Skye and her mother. Earlier that evening, Enid, her almost one year old daughter Alex, Cara and her new niece Karen had all arrived from Weshchester airport to stay with her before the big day.

Elizabeth's father, Steven, little Nathan, and Enid's boyfriend Ray were all staying with Nicholas and his father in Belle Haven.

From the time they arrived, guests and well wishers were in and out of the doorway of Abigail's large house, and the huge onslaught of hugs, kisses, congratulations, best wishes, secret stashes of money placed in Elizabeth's pockets, and pinches on her cheeks as if she was still five years old had left her completely exasperated with the whole affair. She couldn't keep up with half of the people who Skye had invited! Nicholas' grandparents were due to fly over from Boston tomorrow. And Elizabeth's grandparents were to fly in from Michigan. Skye and Alice were completely enamored with the whole wedding, and between the two of them filling her head with their contrasting opinions, Elizabeth wanted to hide in the closet and never come out again. When Skye arrived a fortnight ago, she clearly had every intention of planning the whole thing herself…

Mom? Nicholas had said, as he opened the door to their apartment and saw his mother standing there.

I decided to come early, she said, kissing him on the cheek. Your doorman recognized me and let me come up. You and Liz are both so busy and I figured you need a little help. Elizabeth's parents and your father are coming at the end of next week.

Elizabeth and Nicholas had agreed that they wanted to get married and have their reception on Tavern Island, a small landmass off the coast of Norwalk in Connecticut. The drive to the dock where they would board the small ferry was only fifteen miles away from Belle Haven.

Within five minutes of Skye's being there, the Polar Star, a Lurssen yacht, which happened to be almost two hundred and fifty feet long, was added to the equation. When Elizabeth discussed her concerns about the exorbitant price of having the reception on a luxury boat, Skye told them that she already paid for the whole thing, and the boat was not an extravagance, because it was one of the smaller vessels made by the German manufacturers.

Extravagance would be three hundred feet Elizabeth, Skye had said. We're keeping it small, just like you want.

Elizabeth just stared at Skye dumbfounded, as she walked away to use the phone. She was bewildered by the change in plans.

Exactly who was getting married here?

Nicholas' mother could probably drive all the saints to drink! And Nicholas!

Of course he was not helping any. He wouldn't stand up to his mother, and he didn't dare tell her no when she started talking about the elaborate chocolate fountain she wanted, and changing their wedding registry from Macy's to Saks.

My mother is going to kill me,! Elizabeth told him as they lay in bed the morning after his mother arrived.

What am I going to say when she finds out your Mom was here the whole time? And that she practically chose my reception dress herself? You're going to have to put your foot down Nicholas, she demanded, as he yawned and pulled the blanket over him. Five thousand dollars for the cake?

And we are not spending fifty thousand on the champagne. I don't care where in France it comes from and what vintage it is! With the price she willing to pay, you'd think that Dom Pérignon himself was resurrected from his crypt to pour it for us and serve it to our guests! And that's another thing! She's sent out all these invitations in the mail yesterday. She must have come from California with them, because I don't know how she could have gotten it done on such short notice.

I keep hearing her on the phone, with a list in her hand, confirming all these people who I've never even heard of! Elizabeth shook her head. At this point, I'd be more than happy to drink ginger ale at our reception! Nicholas, are you even listening to me,? she said with exasperation, as she poked him and grabbed the covers away. My mother wanted to help with choosing my bouquet and my dress! She's not going to be happy when she hears about this!

Weddings are all about women, Nicholas moaned, unfazed at the sudden exponential growth of the guest list and budget. He stretched lazily. You're going to look beautiful, even if you wear a burlap sack and a bouquet of weeds. All I have to do is show up in a suit. No one's going to be paying attention to me. All eyes will be on you. And rightly so my sweet, he grinned, grabbing a lock of her hair. Nicholas yawned again, reached over and swatted Elizabeth's backside, then winked at her.

You three can figure it out, he said as he got up. Keep me out of it.

Coward! Elizabeth yelled at him as he walked toward into the bathroom laughing at her frustration. She threw her pillow at him and he ducked and started laughing. She chased him into the bathtub, fully intending to give him a piece of her mind when he pulled her under the water for a session of unbridled coitus that made all her frustrations with him melt down the drain….

Elizabeth smiled blissfully at the memory. The sight of his naked wet body sent a wave of heat all over her. She was interrupted as little Karen started crying, and Elizabeth left the room to help her tired sister in law. Enid had already gone to sleep, and Elizabeth missed the opportunity to talk to her best friend. Within half an hour, the baby had settled, and they both went to bed, with Elizabeth still preoccupied about what would come tomorrow…..