Elizabeth got off the plane and the first thing she noticed was the warm Southern California atmosphere. She took off her jacket, and walked through the airport, heading towards the exit. She looked out the large windows to see that the night sky was clear, beautiful and bright.
She spotted Enid waving her in the arrivals lounge. After a happy reunion, Elizabeth placed her small knapsack on her back and walked towards Enid's car.
So, how does it feel to be back? Enid said as she drove along the highway.
I don't know, Elizabeth said, as she looked in the distance at the Pacific shimmering under the moonlight. To be honest, I was a little afraid to fly home. But I had to. It's something to do with Devon.
Devon Whitelaw?
Yes, him. You remember that yellow envelope you brought me? It was from Devon's lawyer. Devon left me whatever was left of his inheritance.
Enid gasped.You're joking?
No, I'm not. It's a bit over eight million dollars.
You're serious? Liz, you have got to be kidding! I didn't even know he had that much money. It's like you've won the lottery. What I would give for that amount. That's crazy! So you're here to get it? How does it all work? I'm so jealous!
You know what Enid? You're going to think I really am crazy. Because I'm not going to take the money.
What? Enid said, an incredulous expression on her face. But why not?
Because it just wouldn't be right. Elizabeth fingered the diamond horseshoe that was hidden under her blouse. And Devon has living relatives, she said pensively.They're in Ohio somewhere. Plus an uncle in Vegas. It's better if I leave it alone. Let his family deal with it. I would never feel right about it. I mean, from what Devon told me, his uncle isn't the type of person that you'd ever want to cross.
Enid nodded in understanding. I see.
Elizabeth looked out, at the familiar sites as they drove closer and closer to the Roliins' home. It's so warm here, she said. It's at least fifty degrees colder back east.
So did you have a white Christmas?
No, Elizabeth laughed.
We had a white after Christmas. This morning actually. Beautiful fluffy white snow.
After about forty minutes of driving, they approached the street leading to Enid's mother's house. Elizabeth walked into the familiar home and after hugs and greetings with Enid's mother, her best friend took her into the bedroom to meet Alex, who according to Mrs Rollins, had just woken up from a nap.
Oh Enid, she's so cute, Elizabeth gushed, as the tiny bundle squirmed in her arms. And she's so warm too. Are babies always this warm?
They are.
It's so weird for me, coming here in this hot weather. It's freezing in New York. Look at how small her fingers are. And her cute little feet, Elizabeth exclaimed, planting a gentle kiss on the baby's tiny foot.
Awwwww. She smiled at her friend as the baby wrapped it's hand around her finger.
So tell me Enid. What's it like being a mother?
Enid laughed, shaking her head. It hasn't sunk in yet. I'm still learning. I look at her sometimes and can't believe she was in me for all those months. My mother is a huge help. I'd be completely lost without her. When we first brought her home, I had no idea what to do. She'd cry and I'd feel completely helpless. But I think I'm getting better. Enid laughed. Now I can bathe her myself.
She's wonderful, Elizabeth said, holding the baby to her chest. She smoothed her hand over the straight black hair. Her skin is so soft. I think I'll take you home with me, she cooed to the baby.
Yes, take her Liz, then maybe I can sleep. I don't think I'll ever sleep again! Between taking care of her, and massage therapy school, I just don't have any time for myself anymore.
So how is that going? Elizabeth looked at Enid curiously.
I've already done more than half of the required five hundred hours that it takes to get certified. Then I have to take an exam. It's hard studying with a newborn, but I'm pushing through. I have to.
What about you Liz? Did you ever finish that manuscript?
Elizabeth scoffed. No. I barely have time to write my name, far less my supposed book. I put it on the back burner for now. I'm just so busy with everything else.
She bit her lip. Have you ummmmm, heard from her father?
Enid shook her head. He's aware that she's here, that she's been born. But he doesn't care.
What about child support,? Elizabeth asked. He can't just leave you to raise her alone, with no help.
I've decided to leave it alone. He has other children Liz. I don't want to break their hearts. I did something wrong. It's not their fault just as it's not Alex's fault. I'm not going to cause any trouble in their family.
I understand, Elizabeth said. I would probably do the same thing if I were you. His children are innocent in all of this. They deserve an intact family.
I didn't know he had kids, Enid explained. I knew he was married though. It was still wrong.
Elizabeth picked up a tiny bit of lint from the baby's face. Don't beat yourself up about it. He got into it with you. It's not all your doing.
I know…. But women are supposed to be the moral compass. You know how men are. Most of them will sleep with anything that's put on the table. But in the long term, they rarely stay with cow after they gotten the milk for free. Not unless they truly love the cow and it has other things to offer besides sex.
Enid! Elizabeth laughed out loud. Are you saying you're a cow now?
Well I certainly weigh the same as one.
You do not,! Elizabeth said sympathetically.
I don't think I ever want to date again, Enid turned serious I'm serious Liz. I'm done with men. All they do is use and slobber all over women and make them fat and bloated for nine months. I don't know if I'll ever lose this weight. I thought my belly would get smaller right after I gave birth but I now know that only works on TV.
You don't look that big Enid, Elizabeth insisted. And you just had a baby. No one expects you to lose the weight right away.
I know. But I feel like I'm still so heavy. And Liz, I'm five foot three. Five pounds on me looks like twenty pounds on you. And I gained thirty! Not that it matters. Since I'm never dating again anyway. She giggled. When Alex grows up and leaves me, I'll turn into a cat lady.
Elizabeth smiled, as she ran her hand along the baby's neck. No you won't. You'll meet someone really nice someday.
Yeah right. What guy wants to raise someone else's baby? No guy wants to be stuck raising someone else's child. It's not fair to them.
I know, Elizabeth said, thinking of Nicholas.
My biggest fear is what happens when she grows up a little and realizes she doesn't have a father. That she'll hate me because I had her out of wedlock. What if other children tease her because of it?
Elizabeth bit her lip. You'll just have to be honest with her when the time comes. And anyone who treats her badly because she was born out of wedlock isn't worth impressing anyway.
I remember wishing so much that I had a perfect family like yours Liz. A beautiful, warm mother, a handsome, caring father. I would look at your Dad and wish he was mine. I mean, it helps that your Dad is pretty cute for an older guy.
Enid! Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head. You better watch it or I'll tell my Dad you have a crush on him.
Elizabeth ran her finger along Alex's wrist. My family wasn't perfect though, she said, deep in thought.
I mean, I remember my parents going through a very hard time once. I thought they were going to divorce. I was miserable. And then there was that whole thing with Bruce's Dad.
Enid nodded. Yeah, I remember that. Although, she smirked wickedly, the whole thing with you and Bruce is a lot fresher in my memories.
Very funny Enid! Don't even think about teasing me about my temporary insanity with Bruce Patman. We were going through a heat wave. The temperature fried my brain during that whole week, and 1BRUCE1 had air conditioning. The car hypnotized me.
That's not how I remember it, Enid giggled. And what about your behavior outside of his Porsche? In fact, you told me things were pretty steamy up in his attic. And I know things were torrid in your kitchen. And I'm not talking about the temperature.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Say one more thing about Bruce and I'll start teasing you about Ronnie Edwards.
Nooooo! Enid put her palm over her bent forehead. I can't believe I thought I loved him. He's such a jerk!
I wonder what he's up to,? Elizabeth wondered.
Enid shrugged. Last I heard was that he worked in Vegas somewhere.
Figures, Elizabeth said, shaking her head as the baby pushed her tiny fist into her chest. I hope he doesn't get on the wrong side of debt again.
You know Enid, Elizabeth teased, her eyes twinkling, you shouldn't fret about Ronnie being so far away.
I bet there's someone out there for you right here in Sweet Valley. Unless you plan on hightailing it to Nevada to rekindle the flame with him?
Enid rolled her eyes. I'll pass on that one. Now enough about me Liz. Tell me about you. Have you met someone new?
Well, ummm, Elizabeth said, averting her eyes. Sort of.
Come on, spill. There must be about a million eligible bachelors in New York City. So tell me about him.
You already know him, Elizabeth said smiling, although he didn't go to school with us.
Who?
Guess. He has dark hair, green eyes and used to live up in the biggest house on Valley Crest Drive. Enid looked at her friend quizzically.
Wait, you mean? Nicholas Morrow?
Elizabeth nodded her head.
Liz! Wow! How did you? I mean, how did that happen?
Well, we met at a polo match in Greenwich. Greenwich is over in Connecticut, a little less than an hour away from Grand Central Station. I saw him there on his horse, and I was just so, I don't know, it's like I was so overwhelmed at seeing him.
Enid gave a quizzical look. Overwhelmed?
Overwhelmed in a good way, Elizabeth explained. We've been hanging out a lot. I mean, I didn't feel like dating anyone until I met him again.
Just hanging out?
OK, it's more than that. He works in the city. And he lives in Brooklyn too, in fact, he lives in the neighborhood just north of mine. Can you believe that? We're practically neighbors. He's so nice and so normal.
For being so wealthy you mean?
Yes, that's exactly what I mean. I feel like I can talk to him about everything. He's so suave, so sophisticated. But so down to earth at the same time. He's been to so many places I've never been, seen and done so much I haven't done.
And when he talks to me about it, I never feel like he's bragging about the things he's experienced. When I'm at work, all I can think of is seeing him and when we're together, I don't want to leave him ever.
We're both so busy with work. And I have school. I don't know how I even managed to pass my last course when all I do is dream about him. I know I'm getting on Adrienne's nerves, every time I talk about him.
So have the two of you…..? Enid raised her brows suggestively.
Not yet, Elizabeth said, understanding her meaning. I mean, it's only been two months. I don't want to rush things. Especially after the whole thing with Todd.
Elizabeth placed her palm on her forehead while balancing little Alex with her other arm. Enid, it's so embarrassing! His aunt….. a woman who is pretty near ninety, she caught us coming from the upstairs of her house and it looked like we were just... just finished with... Elizabeth groaned. I was mortified!
Enid raised her brow. What were the two of you up to?
Ummmm, Elizabeth said blushing. It wasn't like that.
Enid cocked her head in disbelief. Really,? she said sarcastically.
I swear, it wasn't! It was the day after we met at the match. He took me riding that day. I wasn't about to hop into bed with him right there.
Hmmm mmm. Enid mumbled.
I spent Christmas day with him and his family, Elizabeth continued. It was wonderful. His parents have always been very nice to me. We're going somewhere for New Year's. Just the two of us.
I see. Enid nodded knowingly. It's no wonder you're so eager to fly out of here. So where are you going then?
Elizabeth shrugged. I have no idea. It's supposed to be a surprise. Nicholas says it's somewhere in Connecticut, and that's all I'm privy to.
Wait, don't most people want to go to New York City where all the action is for New Years? I guess no Times Square for the two of you?
No, we both agreed that we don't want to be stuck in a huge crowd in the freezing cold where no one can move in any direction, police everywhere, in streets that are filthy. I guess we can watch the ball drop on TV, and stay nice and warm under the blankets.
Oh I bet you can, Enid said suggestively. Under the blankets with Nicholas Morrow huh? Uh huh, she grinned lasciviously. Nicholas Morrow is very hot.
Elizabeth giggled. I know. That's not why I like him though. I mean, he's very attractive, physically and of course I appreciate it. But he's so much more than that. He's so smart and he's sensitive too. He's funny and can be so sweet.
Enid shook her head. You're so lucky Liz. While you're ringing in the new year with a hot guy, I'll probably be fixing another bottle and changing another diaper.
Instead of midnight cocktails, it'll be midnight formula on the drink menu. And instead of confetti, I'll be dealing with baby wipes.
That's my life now, she said, as the baby kicked her feet, as if in protest.
Uh oh, I think she understood me. Shhhhh, Mommy loves you sweetie, she said as Elizabeth handed Alex to her.
I rather stay here with you instead of going to a silly New Year's party anyway.
It will be you, me and grandma. We'll have a girls' night in.
Just make sure you use protection Liz, Enid cautioned.
Enid!
It's true. Women our age get pregnant from just looking at a man.
Well I'm not getting pregnant anytime soon. We'll be careful, Elizabeth assured her friend.
If I want a baby, I'll borrow yours, she said, as she watched Alex squirming. Uh oh. She watched the baby began to fuss.
I think she's wet, Enid said, pulling out a fresh diaper from the package. Elizabeth watched as her friend expertly put the baby down and changed her. Her tiny feet and hands kicked up as she tried to grab Enid's hair.
Elizabeth looked at her watch. I think it's time to go home.
Do you want to call your parents first?
No, I'll just show up, give them a surprise. I'm pretty sure they tried calling me yesterday and they're probably not too happy that they didn't hear from me.
Enid looked at her in shock. You didn't even call them?
Liz!
I know, I know, shame on me. I didn't have the time. And I knew I would be here today, so what better way to make it up to them by presenting their prodigal daughter in person? Although I'm not the one with the sin, Elizabeth muttered softly.
I'm ninety nine percent sure that Jessica won't be there, she thought aloud. She probably went to the mall this morning and hasn't left it yet.
I'll drive you over. Should we take her with us, or leave her here with my Mom? Enid said, as she looked at Alex, who looked like she was getting flustered. I think it's the heat that has her like this. We'll take her with us. The baby sitting is free, but I don't like taking advantage, you know what I mean?
I know, Elizabeth nodded, you don't want to pawn her off on your Mom.
Driving always calms her down, gets her to sleep. She loves the coolness of the car. Enid carefully placed the baby in the carrier and brought her out of the bedroom and downstairs to her vehicle.
Bye Mrs Rollins, Elizabeth said, as she gave Enid's mother a tight hug. It was nice seeing you again, she smiled.
You too Liz. I'm so happy you girls are friends again. We missed seeing you around here. Tell your parents Merry Christmas for me. Will I see you on Sunday? At the church?
Definitely, Elizabeth promised, as she got into the car. I'll probably convince my Mom to come with me. Is that OK?
Sure, Mrs Rollins replied. The more the merrier.
Bye, she smiled and waved as Enid pulled out of the driveway.
After fifteen minutes of driving, they pulled up into the Wakefield's home on Calico Drive. A burst of excitement enveloped Elizabeth as she caught sight of her childhood home. Her parent's cars were both in the driveway. Elizabeth sat still, staring at the house.
Does it look different Liz?
No, not at all. Well, perhaps a bit smaller. I'm nervous to go in. Am I being silly? They're not going to be happy with me, I didn't call them yesterday.
Liz, you're horrible.
Elizabeth put her head in her hands. Yes, I know. She got out of the car and opened the back seat. Little Alex was fast asleep, her perfect lips pursed as she breathed softly. Elizabeth took her knapsack opposite the baby, and shut the door, trying not to make too much noise.
Thanks Enid, she whispered. I'll call you tomorrow, to tell you how it goes. Maybe we can do something later? If not tomorrow, then the next day? And then Sunday?
OK, bye Liz, Enid said, as she put the car in gear.
And good luck with your Mom and Dad, you're going to need it.
Elizabeth waved as her friend moved off towards the street. She watched as the car disappeared and went to the front door. She pulled out her keys from her purse, and felt her pulse racing.
Why are you so nervous Elizabeth? Jessica's car is nowhere in sight. If she and Todd were here, they probably left hours ago.
Elizabeth turned the lock and opened the door. She entered the foyer, put her bag down and walked a few steps into the Spanish tiled kitchen. She turned on the dim light above the stove and looked around. The room was silent except for the noise of the clock, and Elizabeth could see evidence of her mother's cooking everywhere. A half eaten pecan pie sat covered on the counter. Elizabeth opened the fridge to see several containers of left overs.
Jess?, her mother's voice rang out, as she switched on the overhead light. What are you doing back here?
Elizabeth turned around on hearing her mother. Hey Mom, she said.
Elizabeth? Alice took a moment to recover from her shock. Her mother rushed to embrace her. A rush of emotion went through Elizabeth as she smelled her mother's familiar scent and felt the silkiness of her blonde hair.
Ned, Alice said loudly. Ned, get down here.
What on earth? Liz! You almost gave me a heart attack, sneaking around in the fridge like that! You didn't say you were coming home!
Aren't you happy to see me?
Of course I am, but Liz! We waited for you to call all of yesterday!
I know Mom, and I'm sorry. Elizabeth looked in anticipation as her father walked into the kitchen.
Ned, look who's here.
Surprise Daddy, Elizabeth said, as she wrapped her arms around her father.
Liz, you're home, her father said happily. How did you get here?
I flew, Elizabeth giggled.
I know that, Ned stated. But who brought you here? Don't tell me you took a taxi.
No dad, I had Enid pick me up from the airport earlier.
So Enid knew you were coming then? Alice looked hurt.
Yes, but…Better late than never right,? Elizabeth smiled guiltily at her parent's stern expressions. She opened the cupboard and pulled out a glass. She pulled out some water from the fridge, poured some, and took a sip.
Liz, are you hungry,? Alice asked, because we have plenty of food.
Elizabeth yawned. No thanks Mom, in fact, I'm pretty sleepy. She went up to both of her parents and kissed their cheeks. I think I'll turn in now. Do I still have a room?
Of course you do, Ned answered.
Well, in that case, she said, giving both of them quick hugs, I'll shower and go to sleep. I'll see the two of you tomorrow. She kissed both their cheeks. Good night! And, I know it's late, but Merry Christmas!….
She then turned on her heal and moved towards the door leading to the hallway and up the stairs...
