Liz's various outfits are now in my profile.
Five hours later, the three Wakefields were seated in the elegant restaurant, all of them stuffed to the gills with the delectable Steak Au Poivre, baked Dijon salmon, scallops and cauliflower with caramelized shallot sauce, and the potato parmesan pavé. Ned had come home a bit later than expected, so they postponed their plans to go to the Christmas Village and went straight to the elegant restaurant.
I can't eat another bite, Elizabeth moaned, as she watched the soft, flickering candle light dance across the table.
I'm never eating again, until next year anyway, Alice said, as she stared at her empty plate.
Too bad Steve isn't here, Ned said, taking a sip of wine. He can always go for seconds.
And thirds, Elizabeth giggled.
That was delicious, Ned remarked. I'm dining with two of the most lovely ladies in Sweet Valley tonight, he said, his brown eyes full of merriment. I should take you here more often Alice.
Although, I might end up in the poor house, he declared, as he planted a loving kiss on his wife's cheek.
Elizabeth eyed her father. I don't want to hear anything about the price, she insisted. It's all on me tonight.
The waiter came over to take their empty plates. How was everything,? he asked politely.
It was marvelous, Alice replied.
Can I offer any dessert? Cappuccino perhaps?
Elizabeth looked at her parents questioningly.
Perhaps we can all share something? Alice told the waiter. Give us five minutes to decide.
Very good Mrs Wakefield, the waiter said, as he laid the dessert menu in front of them.
I thought you were stuffed,? Elizabeth said, as she examined the assortment of delicious treats.
I lied, Alice grinned at her daughter. I was only trying to impress your father with my dainty appetite, she winked at Ned, as she ran her finger along his hand. But I already failed after eating all that salmon.
Elizabeth smiled warmly at her parents.
Well how about the hazelnut croquant? Or the wildberry Charlotte?
Describe them to me, Ned said. They both sound good.
On second thought, let's go with the wild strawberry soufflé, Elizabeth suggested. I had it here once. It's incredible. And light enough that we'll still be able to walk out of here…..eventually.
Oh? And when was this? Ned raised his eyebrow curiously at Elizabeth.
I had it once with Nicholas Morrow, Elizabeth stated. He took me here when I was still in high school, she explained to her father. It was a long time ago, she said, her eyes languid. You remember him don't you?
Ned and Alice shot a glance at each other.
Ned nodded. Yes, I do. Actually, I remember his father very well. I did the paperwork on the Morrow's estate.
So tell us more about Christmas Elizabeth, Ned went on, shifting his brown eyes. I understand you spent it with the Morrows?
Have the two of you been talking about me? Elizabeth eyed her mother with suspicion.
Liz, it's not like that, Alice insisted. I just mentioned on the phone with your father this morning, the fact that you were seeing Nicholas. We're just concerned, that's all. We're always going to be concerned with who you're spending time with.
Alice observed the slight annoyance on her daughter's face.
Now don't give me that look young lady. Elizabeth, you've been stalked, kidnapped, got into a horrible accident where you ended up in a coma, and who knows what else you got up to when we weren't around! Is it any surprise that your father and I are a little preoccupied with your well being?
Well, I wish you wouldn't be. I can take care of myself,! Elizabeth asserted as the waiter approached the table. She requested the soufflé and looked at her parents.
I do appreciate your concern and everything you've done for me, she said, her expression softening.
But no more lectures please?
Alright. Ned conceded. No lectures…for tonight anyway. He smiled widely. Now you were saying, about Christmas?
Well, Elizabeth continued. I did spend some of the day with Nicholas and his family in Greenwich. Before that, I was at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. My company put together a toy drive and party this year, for kids around the city. It was really nice, handing out the presents and playing with the children. And then Nicholas came to meet me.
And that's it,? Alice asked as the waiter returned with a cloud of pink, puffy fluff, topped with delicately sliced strawberries. The three of them scooped out portions of the delicious looking dessert onto their plates.
Yes, that's it, Elizabeth said, as she put her spoon to her lips. I'll send you the pictures when I get back. We took lots of them.
The next day we went back to the city to lunch at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. And then we went skating in Bryant Park.
And then I flew here that night.
See? I had a great time. I missed all of you, but I loved it there as well. Maybe next year, you can fly out to see me.
You went home the next day? So where did you spend the night? Ned asked, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
Elizabeth almost sighed in exasperation at her father.
It wasn't in Nicholas' bed if you must know,! she wanted to yell.
I spent the night at another house in Greenwich. It belongs to a lady named Mrs Wexford. She invited me to stay with her. I did her a favor once and she's been very kind to me ever since.
You should see the snow up there. Elizabeth's eyes turned dreamy. It's the most beautiful thing ever, when it hangs off the trees, sits on the houses, on the wide lawns, and acres of grasslands.
In the city though, well, let's just say after a few hours on the ground, it's everything but a pretty sight. It's either black from everyone driving and walking in it, or worse, Elizabeth giggled, yellow after the dogs do their business in it.
So how are you keeping warm up there,? Ned eyes were filled with concern. What kind of heating does your apartment have?
Elizabeth glanced accusingly at her mother.
Don't look at me, Alice exclaimed. Your father is as concerned as I am about how you're living over there.
We have the old fashioned radiators, Elizabeth explained. I have a small one in my room. It's not that bad. I just use a lot of blankets.
Ned peered at his daughter, looking doubtful.
Really Daddy, it's actually much better than summer. I don't have air conditioning, and it's much nicer to warm up than to try to keep cool. Summer in New York is sticky and disgusting. But it only lasts for two months.
Elizabeth changed the subject. I guess Mom told you all about the money,? she asked her father.
Yes she did, Ned said, as he held Alice's hand. You made the right decision Liz. I would have advised you to do the same thing. That amount of money comes with a lot of responsibility and a lot of potential problems.
I wish you would have discussed it with me first though. Your old dad still wants to feel needed.
Daddy, of course I still need you, Elizabeth stressed to her father. Both of you, she assured them, as she held both her parents' hands. Just because I live away from you doesn't mean that I don't value your opinions.
Well that's nice to hear, Ned said as he picked a strawberry up with his spoon.
This is amazing, Alice said, as she took another helping of the dessert. Maybe we will fly over to see you one day. I've always liked New York City, even though I imagine that living there is a whole other experience than visiting.
Oh it is, it definitely is, Elizabeth agreed. This is even more delicious than I remember, she said, as she tasted another spoon.
We just want you to call us more Liz, Ned said. We don't like to feel so cut out of your life.
I'll try Daddy. Any other requests? Orders?
Actually, I do have something important to tell you, Ned said on a serious note. It's good news, he laughed, when he saw the troubled expression on Elizabeth's face.
Your mother and I made the decision when you were born to set up trusts for all of our children. At first we started with putting in a hundred dollars every month for each of you.
But as time went on, and we earned more money, we were able to put aside greater sums to put into your individual accounts. You each got equal shares every month.
The interest accrued every year and you all ended up with a nice amount. Jessica and Steven already have access to theirs. The plan was to wait until you all turned thirty. But you children are all grown, I mean, Steven and Jess are married with children.
I couldn't hold it back from them. But you, yours is still intact. It's not a huge amount of money. But after taxes and fees, it works out to be a bit over eighty thousand dollars, nothing to sneer at.
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, shocked at her father's announcement.
Wow, Daddy, I don't even know what to say. I had no idea that you were saving for us. Thank you so much, both of you, she said, as she held her parents' hands.
Well, when your mother and I got married, we didn't have much. But we vowed to do better for our kids. We had a nice life, but we were never extravagant.
It was more than a nice life Dad, Elizabeth said, her eyes glistening with love and admiration for her parents. I mean, we never wanted for anything. We didn't get trips to Europe every year or designer clothes, but I was pretty happy. More than happy, she insisted.
We never had to pay much for your college tuition, since you got pretty good scholarships, Alice said. That was a huge relief actually, how much they paid for your schooling. It was one less thing to worry about.
You should have seen Jessica's face when I handed her the money. She never told me what she did with it, but….. Ned shook his head. I told her it would be best to put it back into the bank and invest it. But you know your sister.
I couldn't keep the money away from her. Steven got his share and Jessica found out. So she demanded hers as well. And now that she's a married woman…..
What did Steven do with his? Elizabeth asked.
He used it as a down payment on his and Cara's apartment. And you know they're renting the place out. It's a good investment, and they can live with us rent free. Your mother and I couldn't imagine living at home all by ourselves.
I feel better knowing that they're here with you, Elizabeth stated. I don't like the thought of you and Mom living all alone in the house.
Well we wouldn't have to if…
Dad, Elizabeth said with exasperation. Not you too.
OK, I won't say it. But we're always thinking about it. You coming home where you belong. If only you and Jessica would…..
No Dad. Elizabeth's eyes turned cold. I don't want anything to do with Jessica.
And, she said, glancing at her mother. I would appreciate if you wouldn't tell her anything about me, about what I'm doing, about where I'm living, or about who I socialize with. I love you both and I want to share my life with you.
Elizabeth shook her head stubbornly. But not with her!
Alice and Ned shared another glance.
Ned sighed loudly. We understand you're still upset Liz. And we're going to respect your wishes when it comes to your sister. But we're always hoping that you'll come around, forgive her.
When hell freezes over,! Elizabeth thought to herself as the waiter brought the check.
Elizabeth read the amount and handed him her credit card. I only use it for emergencies, and this is definitely an emergency, she smiled, lightening the mood at the table.
You're sure you don't need help Liz? Ned offered, reaching for his wallet.
No Dad, I can handle it. Next time I come here, we should return to this restaurant. I do promise to come back to Sweet Valley sometime, she said, putting smiles on her parents' eager faces. The waiter returned her card and Elizabeth signed the bill. The trio got up, headed out, and waited for the valet to bring the car around.
Let's drive around and look at Christmas lights, just like we used to. Alice suggested. Ned? You're not too tired to drive around a bit, are you?
Not at all, Ned answered.
We can go to the Christmas Village tomorrow, or anytime before I leave. Hopefully Cara and Steven can go with us, Elizabeth said, as they moved the car out of the restaurant's driveway and onto the street.
They drove around for the next hour admiring the various displays in the different neighborhoods, laughing and talking, reminiscing of old times and wonderful memories. Elizabeth cherished the moments, happy that she made the decision to stay with her parents instead of with Enid.
Later that night, she dialed Nicholas' number, eager to hear his voice.
How has it been over there, being back home? he asked.
I'm a little nervous actually. I keep thinking the door will open and Jessica will walk in. I told my parents that I didn't want to see her. Fortunately my sister was too busy partying and taking advantage of all the after Christmas sales at the Valley Mall to come over here.
Why don't you just stay at my house? We have plenty of room. You can stay in your own wing if you want. The house is so big. Of course I'd prefer it if you stayed in my bedroom. Then I can fly over and surprise you in the middle of the night.
You wish, Elizabeth giggled. My parents wouldn't accept me being in Sweet Valley and not at my house. What about your parents?
Well, you know they're flying to Aspen tonight. They're still trying to get us to go with them, but I told them ten times already that we have other plans. We have relatives in and out the door here and all they can talk about is my failed marriage.
I went to the stables earlier, just to get away from all of them. At least Jupiter doesn't judge me, he said, referring to his black horse. And you know….. they're busy chatting about you too, he laughed over the phone.
What? What are they saying?
Nothing bad. They all like you Liz. Aunt Eleanor is your biggest fan. She really is fond of you, even though she comes off as an old battleaxe.
Well that's a relief, Elizabeth said,giggling again.
So what happened, with Devon's lawyer?
Elizabeth's voice sobered. You wouldn't believe what happened at the lawyer's office today. But then again…..
What, what happened?
Well, apparently my dear sister got her hands on my passport and attempted to impersonate me. She wanted to collect the money for herself!
Jessica? Sneaky and avaricious? No, Nicholas replied sarcastically.
Mr Regis, Devon's lawyer told me all about it. He had a special test for me when I arrived, to prove my identity.
Test, what kind of test?
A lot of it had to do with chemistry equations, questions about the times Devon and I spent together. Things that Jessica knows nothing about. Mr Regis told me that Devon set it all up because he knew there was a chance that Jessica would try to pull one of her many stunts.
Make sure you bring your passport back with you. In case I decide I want to take you on an international trip.
Ohhhh, I like the sound of that, Elizabeth laughed. Bermuda sounds very nice this time of year.
So is it all settled then,? Nicholas said on a more serious note. About the money I mean.
Yes, everything's taken care of. It wasn't easy, handing all of that away. But it's the right thing to do. I feel relieved actually, getting the whole thing off my chest. I told my parents about it. They agreed with me. I couldn't keep that money.
I miss you. Nicholas said. How about I charter you a jet, you can fly home right now.
You're making it really hard to resist. My parents would murder me if I left so soon. They made me promise them I'd spend some quality time with them. Which is code word for them trying to guilt trip me into staying in Sweet Valley.
Steven too. I know he's in on it. He told them all about how horrible my place is and how I have no privacy and no heat. Which is true, she laughed. But there's no way I want to stay here. I left something too important for me to stay away from.
Oh and what would that be?
Figure it out, Elizabeth smirked over the phone. Are we still on for New Year's Eve?
Definitely…..
