Hi Enid.

Oh hi Liz. How are you?

Great, Elizabeth said. And you?

Exhausted, Enid moaned.

I hope it's not a bad time.

Not at all Liz. What's up?

I'm flying out to Sweet Valley on the evening of twenty sixth. I haven't told my parents that I'm coming yet. I want to go home, but I was just wondering if it's OK to stay at your house, in case I need a back up plan.

A back up plan? Enid asked.

Well, Steven is back from London and is living with my parents. I know they're remodeling the house, so things might be a little messy.

Remodeling?

Yes, Cara will be moving permanently to Sweet Valley in a few months. But she's at my house now, with my nephew. They flew over from London, just to spend Christmas. And they're building on the house so they'll have more privacy. I'll be leaving Sweet Valley on the thirtieth. So... is it OK?

Sure Liz. No problem. Just tell me when to meet you at the airport.

Thanks Enid.

Of course you can stay with me Liz. That is, if you don't mind a tiny pink bundle, screaming her little head off. And as for messes. Well, she makes one every half hour and she can't even walk yet.

Elizabeth laughed. I don't mind a little baby drool. So are you sure you have room? Your Mom won't mind?

Not at all. Actually….I do have one condition.

What's that,? Elizabeth queried.

Well, I'm dedicating Alex at the church soon. The twenty ninth is a Sunday, Enid said, looking at a calendar on the wall. I'd really like you to be there Liz. And maybe stand in as Godmother?

Elizabeth gasped. Enid, I'd love to, she insisted. What would I have to do?

All you have to do is show up. It's nothing formal, I'm really only bringing her to church for my mother's and grandmother's sakes. Enid giggled. Heaven knows I need some praying. I don't even know the last time I stepped into a church. God's going to know I haven't been in a while, so while we're there, don't stand too close to me. He might punish me right there at the altar.

Enid, I'd be honored, Elizabeth said sincerely. I'm so happy you asked me. Of course I'll come. And I don't know the last time I was in church either, except to admire the Gothic architecture. I don't know the last time I actually went for service. Elizabeth laughed. So I'll take the punishment too.

Thanks Liz. I'm really looking forward to see you.

I know, I have so much to tell you, Elizabeth said.

Me too. And I can't wait for you to meet Alex. So how have you been spending the season Liz? And what are you doing on Christmas day?

Ummmm, I do have plans for Christmas day, but….. I won't tell you now. I'll tell you all about it when I get there. As for today, well, I'm going to see the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center this evening. Adrienne's in the chorus. And I already went to see the Rockettes at Radio City. Enid, that show is fabulous. You have to come see it. Maybe in a few years? When Alex is older, Elizabeth added.

We'll see, Enid said. For now she's holding me hostage. I can't go anywhere without her. Uh oh, she's spitting up on me, Liz, I have to go. I've only recently mastered holding her and talking on the phone at the same time. When is your flight again?

On the twenty sixth, arriving at nine thirty. Is that too late for you?

No, not at all. You'll call me later to give me the details. I'll come and meet you at the airport.

You're sure? I don't want to take you away from anything.

Trust me Liz, getting away from the baby for an hour is a good thing. And it's California remember? Everyone has a car here. So it's no big deal for me to pick you up. I'll just drive you home if you decide to stay at your house, whatever is good for you.

Thanks Enid. I'll call you before I get on the plane to confirm everything. Oh, and Merry Christmas!

To you too Liz. Have fun, whatever your mysterious plans are. I already know what I'm doing. Changing diapers and wiping spit all day. Oh well, I'll make the most of it. You can count on that. Talk later Liz.

Bye. She hung up the phone, thinking about how lucky she was to have a friend like Enid in her life.


Knock um dead Li, Lila said to the reflection in the mirror. Her pale purple dress showed the right amount of skin without looking cheap. She looked sexy, but not desperate. Purple had always been one of her favorite colors. It had a split up the side that exposed her shapely tanned thigh, and there was only one shoulder strap at the bodice. The dress was an original design from her mother's firm, and Lila once again thought how proud she was of her mother's talent.

Ya Ya, a little voice rang out. She looked to the doorway to see her little brother's dark blonde curls coming into her bedroom.

Someone wants to say goodnight to his favorite sister, her father's deep voice rang out as he picked up his young son. Lila looked up to see her father in a designer silk night robe worn over his pajama pants. Lila walked over to them and smoothed the baby's silky hair.

Early night Dad? Lila asked.

I'm tired Lila, her father said. It's almost ten o' clock. This little guy tires me out. He put the baby on the floor, and they watched while he headed straight for his sister's bed.

So what was your excuse when I was younger? Lila wanted to ask.

You never played with me, so what was making you tired then?

You look beautiful Lila, George said admiringly.

Thanks Daddy, Lila kissed his cheek, feeling guilty at her thoughts. Where's Mom?

Your mother is already sleeping. Lena was off today, he said, referring to George's nanny.

So Grace has been running after him for the whole time. It's different with boys, George said. You were always content to sit with your dolls when you were that age.

And you would know this how? Lila wanted to say, but she held her tongue. She was going to have a good time tonight. She didn't know why she was in such a sour mood. Her father was just being nice. He was being nicer than usual.

But that's just it, the thoughts crept up again. When it was just the two of you, he was nice. But he might as well have been in the North Pole with the way he treated you…..

Stop it Lila! Just because that creepy bum scared you today doesn't mean you have to take it out on your dad!

She thought again to an incident that happened earlier. The dark haired bum that always made a nuisance of himself had gotten arrested today. Lila wasn't even sure what happened. She was sitting in her office when she heard the commotion outside.

I have rights!….Dammit! I aint do nuthin wrong!….. You can't arrest me!

She reached the doorway to see one of the police officers place the man's hands behind his back. He struggled defiantly, escaped the tight grip of the officer, and then turned and pointed at her, an almost maniacal look in his eyes. There was something about the eyes that struck her, but she didn't know what it was.

I've probably seen that loser on America's Most Wanted, she had thought. Well, good riddance. Whatever he did, I hope they lock him up. And I hope someone comes and takes his gross blue van outside of this parking lot. That thing is an eyesore and takes up too much space….

She saw the police officer slap the handcuffs around his wrists and place him into the car. He started mouthing a string of expletives as the vehicle drove off with him.

Lila…Lila! George called her name.

Hmmmm?

Where were you,? her father looked concerned.

I was just thinking about work Dad. I have to order some hummus tomorrow. We're going to use it to make a spicy drink and give out samples, to see how much the customers like it. And if enough people do, we'll put it on the menu.

That's my girl, George said. I'm really proud of you Lila, he continued. You've really learned how to be enterprising.

Well, I learned from the best didn't I,? she smiled affectionately, as little George grabbed one of her lipsticks that she had tossed earlier on her bed.

No Georgie. No!

She went to the bed and took the lipstick from his tiny hand. George scrunched up his face, inhaled sharply and let out one of his famous wails. Her father laughed, picked up the baby and tickled him. His screams were soon forgotten and he started smiling again.

Now say good night Lila, George prompted his son.

Ya yaaaaaa. Little George said, while clapping his little hands.

So you're going to the Jingle Ball right? I'm going to see if I can get this one to sleep, her father said, nodding at his son. And then I'm turning in myself.

Enjoy yourself tonight honey.

Oh I will, Lila said. Goodnight dad!

He left the room, closing the door behind him. Lila took her eye shadow and applied another layer to her lids. She put some powder on her nose, and lined her lips. She looked again in the mirror, satisfied with the look. She took her purse from the top of her bureau, checked the contents to see if she had everything, grabbed her keys, made her way outside to her car, and headed towards the Valley Country Club…