Jess….Jessica…, wake up!
Mmmmm. Jessica groaned as Todd shook her shoulder gently, trying to coax her awake.
Todd frowned and sighed loudly. Come on Jess. I told you I'd be leaving early this morning. This is the last practice before the new year. I have to be in LA by ten.
Leave me alone Todd, Jessica mumbled, as she put the pillow over her head.
I told you not to come home so late, Todd muttered. What time did you get in? Four? Five? Jake has his appointment at nine.
Jessica raised her head from under the pillow and looked at Todd in drowsy confusion. I thought that was tomorrow.
Yes, but remember I told you? The receptionist called and asked if we could come in today instead. If we don't do it today, then we'll have to change the appointment again, to perhaps some day in January. And he's supposed to get his Hepatitis B shot today.
You mean you're not going with me? Jessica's exhausted brain slowly began to function, and she didn't like what she was hearing. It was time for Jake's two month visit to the pediatrician.
At the last visit, her baby cried so much, every time the doctor put his cold hands on his tiny arms and legs. The last thing she wanted was to go there alone, especially since they were going to give him an injection! But they said tomorrow, she yawned, looking irritatingly at Todd.
I know Jess, but they called yesterday. We already talked about this.
Todd was beginning to get frustrated. How could she forget these things?
Jessica blew her hair out of her face. What time is Pilar coming?
I gave her the morning off. She has relatives coming in today and needs time to pick them up at the Greyhound station and drop them off at her house.
Why does she need to pick them up? Why don't they just take the bus to her house? I don't want to go by myself Todd!
Pilar has a life too Jessica, Todd said pointedly. She wants some time with her own family. She'll be coming in this afternoon. If you were here last night, I would have told you.
Jessica's pout grew. Todd ran his hand through his dark hair. Maybe we can call my Mom and she can go with you,? he suggested gently.
No,! Jessica almost shouted. I'll call my Mom, see if she's willing.
Fine, Todd said shortly, deciding to not fight this battle so early this morning. He didn't want to frazzle his wife's nerves by mentioning his mother again. He was hoping the polite tension between them would have faded by now, but both women were stubborn.
They'll come around, he assured himself. I just have to give them time.
He looked at Jessica as she pulled the sheet over her head. When they were first married, he would have found her behavior cute and funny. He would have gone to the bed and tickled her out of it. Then she would strip naked and tempt him into staying in bed with her.
But now, now things were vastly different. Ever since Jake was born, Jessica's attitude towards him had cooled. She never wanted to have sex, even though the doctor said they were free to resume their marital relations six weeks after giving birth.
Todd looked at the digital clock above the television. I need to go get ready myself. I already bathed and fed Jake. All you have to do is get him there. In a couple of hours, you can give him another bottle. Can you handle at least that,? he added silently.
Put the car seat in before you go will you,? Jessica demanded, as her husband walked away. Jessica groaned as Todd went into the bathroom and the morning sunlight flashed in her face.
As much as she loved her new home, living in a house that had so many windows could be a problem this early in the day. While in her deepest slumber, she could ignore it, but when she was awake, the light only grated on her nerves.
The morning brightness was far from welcome when all she wanted to do was go back to sleep. She had a splitting headache, brought on by only getting three hours of sleep, and the fact that Todd wouldn't get off her back. She hated the way he talked to her sometimes, like a condescending schoolmarm who caught her without her homework.
She went into the baby's room and picked him up from his bassinet. He was so cute when he was sleeping. Jessica smiled and gave him a kiss on his cheek. She frowned in annoyance at Todd's attitude.
She knew he was sexually frustrated. But she hadn't started taking birth control pills yet. In fact, she planned to go to her doctor soon to make sure he gave her a prescription. She had given up the idea of breast feeding, so why not start taking the pill?
There was no way she wanted to get pregnant anytime soon. The other night at dinner, Emily Wilkins, with her usual meddling ways, decided to suggest that they have a girl next. The nerve of that woman, trying to tell me to get pregnant again!
She walked back into her bedroom and plopped down on the bed. There was a sale at Foxy Mamas today, one of her favorite stores. Jessica ran her hand through her wavy hair.
I hope they don't sell out all the best clothes while I'm with Jake. But then again, Jessica giggled, the heavy mama sizes are usually the first to sell out.
The smaller sizes were usually left on the racks. They were sure to have lots of nice stuff left in a six. She was tempted to call the pediatrician, reschedule Jake's visit, and go back to sleep for an hour or two, until it was time to go to the Valley Mall. But she knew she'd never be able to sleep anyway, not with Pilar taking the morning off and leaving her alone with the baby.
Jessica hadn't been to the store in months. It was all too depressing, seeing all the fabulous, sexy outfits, and knowing she couldn't wear them.
Well, I really am a foxy mama now, she said aloud, smiling admiringly as she got up and examined herself in the mirror. She giggled at her reflection. I'm a mama, and I sure am foxy!
She had lost all her baby weight and then some. Her shoes fit again, and her stomach was flat as an ironing board. No one would be able to tell she had a baby. It was nice to go out again and have various men looking with approval at her shapely figure.
She went back to bed and listened to the running water in the shower, while forming her plans for later. She'd have to drive back home, drop Jake off, and go back to the mall, hoping that all the clothes in her size were hanging aplenty on the racks.
Then she planned on going back home for a much needed nap. Tonight was going to be fun. She'd been invited to a bash at a well established, exclusive nightclub in Los Angeles. Some important people were going to be there.
If there was anything Jessica had learned from working in the fashion industry, it was how important it was to see and be seen. And what better way to give everyone an eyeful than to be spotted at one of the hottest clubs in her latest dress from Lisettes?
Now all she needed to do was get through the morning. She picked up the bedside phone and dialed her old home. At the third ring, Alice Wakefield answered the phone.
Hey Mom.
Hi Jessica, Alice said, looking to see if Elizabeth was out of earshot.
I need a favor. I'm taking Jake to his doctor this morning.
Is anything wrong? Alice said, her concern mounting.
No, he's not sick or anything, but, it's time for his checkup, and he's going to get a shot. So I was wondering if you can come with me?
What time is his appointment?
It's at ten.
Alice sighed. I can't make it Jess. I'm going to be busy all morning. You know I would love to accompany you, but I won't have the time. What about Todd?
He has practice. I'm just worried about him crying after they inject him.
Jessica, don't fret, Alice's soothing voice came through the receiver.
Look, I had two babies and I managed to get both of them to all their appointments, as well as manage a mischievous two year old. Surely you can handle one baby. You know I'd love to help, but I just can't make it today.
Jessica rolled her eyes. Next to Elizabeth, her mother was the most patient person she knew. Of course she was good with handling twins!
OK Mom. I understand, Jessica said, disappointment in her voice.
Alice changed the subject. What are you doing later today Jess? Are you still going out tonight?
Yes I'm still going to that party. And you know that Foxy Mamas is having a sale. I'll go to the mall after Jake's visit.
Alice shook her head. If her daughter would only spend more time at home instead of frequent nights out, then maybe, just maybe, she'd have a better handle on taking care of her infant son. But Alice did not want to interject. She was trying to respect the fact that Jessica was a grown woman, and had to be comfortable in developing her own mothering style.
It was hard to believe that Jessica even had a baby. Alice always assumed that Elizabeth would have been the first to marry and have children. She also thought that if any of her daughters would end up living so far away, especially in a place like New York city, then it would more likely be Jessica.
Mom, are you there? Jessica yawned over the phone. I have to go get ready. See you later OK?
When Jess? Alice said cautiously.
Ummm, I'm not sure. I'll be pretty busy until New Year's day. Lila's mom designed a whole new set of dresses for New Year's celebrations. And we're going to a party at Fowler Crest. Maybe Todd and I will stop by on that day, or maybe in the evening?
Sure Jess, Alice said relieved. Bye.
Bye, Jessica said, hanging up the phone.
Alice shook her head sadly. There was no way she wanted Jessica to show up at the house while Elizabeth was there. Alice hated this rift, this ridiculous feud that was going on between her daughters. And all over Todd Wilkins, she frowned as she went upstairs to get ready for work.
Lila grabbed her cup of coffee, and walked towards her recently washed Mercedes. She was going to work early this morning, her Christmas Coconut Cocktail was a huge success, and she needed to be there when a new shipment of coconut flakes came in. Lila got into the car and made her way down the hill in the direction of the valley's commercial district.
She was going to work, and after that, she had an appointment to get her hair trimmed. At a curve in the road, a figure appeared in the distance, and she snickered when she saw who it was. She sobered her expression, slowed the car and caught up with him.
I see someone has given up his car since I practically wiped the road with him the other night. What's the matter Bugs? Can't handle your Mercedes? You would think you'd learn how to drive before you bought a vehicle just like mine.
Roger tossed a lock of hair out of his eyes. The car is a gift from Uncle Henry. It's not like I planned on having the same car as you. Besides, a car like that is for showing off. I would never buy it myself.
He peered at her through his glasses. I have never been a flashy person.
You're still driving it though aren't you?
Roger responded with a nonchalant shrug. It takes me where I want to go.
You know, she continued snottily, people who have state of the art gyms in their homes usually don't need to resort to running on the roads like peasants!
Oh? That's the same thing my Aunt Marie says. Sounds like you have a lot in common with her.
Lila fumed. How dare he compare me to that woman! Marie Patman had been looking down her nose at the Fowlers ever since Lila could remember. She snubbed them at parties, and never invited them to her home. All because she considered George noveau riche and low class.
And you know, Roger continued, running on the road is far more challenging than any experience you can get on a treadmill. I don't like to take the easy way out. I'm not some princess who moves like a turtle on a cushy treadmill while she files her nails.
Well, in case you've forgotten the fairy tale, the tortoise beat the hare. Just like I beat you the other night Bugs, Lila reminded him.
It's a fable not a fairy tale. And that was in a car, Roger smirked. Not much of a challenge.
Running on the road is much tougher. And you can give your thighs a lot more definition with running outside, he added.
Lila was stunned at his words. Did you just say my thighs are fat? How dare you!
Take it easy. I don't think they're fat. In fact they're pretty slim. They're just soft.
And how would you know that my thighs are soft?
Well, you were eager to show them off to everyone the other night in that getup you were wearing at the Jingle Ball weren't you?
I was not showing off! There were women there who were wearing far less than I was. And my dress wasn't a getup. It happens to be one of my mother's original designs. She looked at Roger as if he was gum under her shoe.
But look who's talking. If you knew anything about fashion, you would wear a sophisticated track suit instead of those ratty old shorts that look like the same ones you wore in high school! And those glasses! I thought you quit wearing them junior year.
Oh? So you were paying attention to me in high school huh?
Yes, just like you were paying attention to me at the Jingle Ball, Lila countered.
So you prefer a more toned woman then,? Lila continued as the car crept along the pavement.
Why do you care?
I don't,! she huffed.
Why are you up so early anyway?
I'm going to work!
Roger snorted. Her highness has a job? Well! I learn something new every day.
Lila shook her head, tempted to run him over. What happened to the nice, shy, quiet boy who would throw himself over a puddle so she could step on him to prevent her custom made shoes from getting wet? The one who would come running as soon as he saw her fingers raised and prepared to snap?
I don't just have a job. I own a business.
What? Did Daddy buy you another doll house to play with?
Let me guess. You sell clothes.
No. I own a juice bar. I had the idea myself. I named it myself. Besides, I hear that you manged to grow the fortune your father left you. You're no different from me Roger. We both got money from our parents, and invested with it.
Oh? You're calling me Roger now? I thought my name was Bugs….. Leela!
Lila laughed despite her annoyance. Roger joined in, amused by their silly back and forth.
You start calling me Lila and I'll call you Roger. Deal,? she stuck out her finely manicured hand.
Deal, Roger grabbed hers and shook it.
Ewwww! You're all sweaty! Lila stopped the car and pulled out a baby wipe from the plastic container on her seat.
Aren't those for kids,? Roger teased.
It's my little brother's, Lila explained, cleaning her hand. They come in really handy, I take them everywhere. You know my Mom has a baby right?
I might have heard something like that. This morning actually, he added silently. His Aunt Marie was just telling him how Grace Fowler was so tacky to be having children at her age.
So what are you doing on New Year's?
My aunt and uncle are flying to France to spend time with Bruce.
Oh? Well, we're having a party. Maybe you can stop by, Lila said casually.
Who says I don't have plans?
Well, I'm just being friendly with my neighbor. She stuck her nose in the air. It's not like I'm begging you to come.
Maybe, Roger said non committaly.
Here she was giving him the privilege of her presence for new years and all he could say was "Maybe"?
Well, I have to go. Us working people don't have time for a morning stroll. See you later….. Bugs! She took her foot off the brakes and the car rushed forward down the steep drive.
Roger couldn't help but smile as she breezed down the road, her long brown hair flowing behind her.
