Nicholas stood watching Elizabeth, a bewildered look on his face.

Ohhhhhh,! she cried, as she covered her face with her hands. Oh god! This is not how I wanted to tell you this!

Shhhhhh, he pulled her hands away. Are you sure?

Elizabeth nodded her head.

It's alright, Nicholas said, smoothing the fine hairs off her face.

You're not mad,? Elizabeth asked, the blood rushing through her brain.

No, of course not, he said, pulling her close. How long have you known?

I suspected it last month, Elizabeth admitted, but, I wasn't sure until a couple of weeks ago. My period was late, but I was trying to ignore it.

Wow…..a baby. He looked at her. We weren't exactly careful.

Nicholas we were reckless. Ninety five percent of the time. We used a condom... what once? Twice? I can't believe that I just let that happen, that I…..

Elizabeth, you can't blame yourself. We both knew what we were doing. He brought her to the counter in the kitchen and they sat down on the bare floor. Nicholas looked deeply in her eyes.

So how do you feel about it,? he asked.

I don't know. I don't know anything about babies, except that they're hard work. I'm scared I guess. I don't know if I'm even ready, to be a mother.

But you do want it, don't you? Nicholas' voice was full of concern.

Of course I do, Elizabeth replied, looking deep into his eyes. I just never thought I'd have a baby before I wrote my first real book, or before I turned thirty.

Have you told anyone else?

Elizabeth shook her head. No. I wanted to tell my mother but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. If my parents knew they'd never allow me to buy this place, in fact, they'd pack my bags and drag me on the plane back to Sweet Valley.

She sighed in frustration. I hate how weak I am, how I turn into an absolute child in front of them. They would know that deep down I'm terrified and use it to make me go home. I think I was more mature when I was sixteen than I am now, she looked up at him, tears forming in her eyes. Nicholas, I'm so ashamed.

Why?

People will think I did it on purpose. They'll think I'm like Sherry.

I don't care what anyone else thinks, Nicholas said stubbornly. I know you're nothing like that.

What about your parents? They'll think I'm trying to trap you.

No they won't. My parents love you.

But…..

Shhhhhh. You still haven't told me. Are you happy? Are you sure you want it?

Do you?

Nicholas laid his hand on her stomach. More than anything. I'm just shocked that's all. You're so young.

So are you, Elizabeth returned.

But you're younger.

Not that much. You're the same age as me, in boy years.

Nicholas laughed. Very funny. He tilted her chin. Well, I do have experience with fatherhood, short as it was. He kissed her softly on the dimple in her cheek. Is that why you bought this place? Because you knew you were pregnant?

She nodded her head. I couldn't bear the thought of having to carry my child in a stroller up three flights of stairs. Or have no air conditioning in the summer.

Elizabeth, you know I'd never let that happen.

I know. I guess I was impulsive when I called the agent. I panicked. It must be the pregnancy hormones.

Nicholas grinned, his eyes warm. Sure blame it on that. He looked down at her stomach.

A baby... We have to get married then, he declared simply.

Nicholas! Elizabeth cried out.

What?

I don't want you to propose to me just because I'm pregnant!

No, it's not like that, Nicholas insisted. I was going to propose after I came back from London. I have the ring and everything. I bought it last week, at Garrard in Mayfair.

Really,? Elizabeth said, her voice full of emotion.

Really, he looked at her sincerely. I love you and want to marry you, and it's not just because you're carrying my child.

This is all happening so fast, Elizabeth said, her eyes wide. New apartment, baby news and a proposal all in one evening.

Nicholas' eyes were full of longing as he cupped her chin with one hand. You do want to marry me don't you Liz,?

She laid a tender hand on his arm. I do, I truly do, Elizabeth answered sincerely.

I'm just frightened, that's all. It's all so overwhelming. I know I'm supposed to be an adult, but I don't feel like one these days. I feel like a kid who is in way over her head. I'd usually go to my sister for advice, but….

Nicholas nodded in understanding. You miss her a lot don't you?

Yes and no. I miss the good times. But when I think about the bad times.

He grabbed a hold of her hand, and massaged her palm.

I don't blame you for never wanting to speak to her again.

You know, Elizabeth said, her eyes thoughtful, when Enid was here and told me she was pregnant, I never thought that would happen to me. Now that I'm in a similar situation….

It's different with us though. I'm not married to anyone else, and I love you. Big difference, Nicholas added.

I know. But it's still scary.

Have you had morning sickness?

No, just a little more tired recently. A little nausea. Nothing serious. At first I thought it was bad Chinese food from the corner shop next to the subway station.

Nicholas burst out laughing. I still can't believe you eat at that place.

Heyyyyy. I like that place! Their shrimp lo mein is excellent, Elizabeth added.

Well, I don't care how much you beg me, Nicholas warned her. I am not buying you anything from that greasy hole in the wall dump! Never again. From now on. I will be your food shopper, your chef, your waiter, you name it. And that means no food from Yings. Ever.

He lay down on the floor, pulling her on top of him.

Are you really OK with this? She murmured, searching his eyes. Babies are a huge responsibility.

We have each other. That's all that matters. And if the little tyke is too much trouble, well, we'll call the stork to take it back. Or send it to my mother.

How do you think your parent's will react? Elizabeth queried, her eyes full of concern.

I think they'll like the idea. The didn't like that I got married against their wishes, but they still wanted to set up a trust fund for Sherry's son when he was born. They weren't sad when the marriage ended , but they were when they found out he really wasn't my son.

You still miss him don't you?

Yeah, Nicholas admitted. I was his father for a little over a year. I grew pretty attached. He put his hands under her chin.

So how much did you pay for this place anyway?

One hundred and twenty thousand dollars.

Elizabeth, you must have spent all of your savings on the down payment alone!

Well, you're right, I did. Actually, my parents had a bit of money saved up for me. I had a trust fund. Not a big one. Elizabeth laughed. A very modest, middle class one. My parents set them up for me, Jessica and Steven when we were children. My father told me about it when I went to visit them in December. It came as a complete surprise. My plan was to leave the money alone until a rainy day, and this is definitely a rainy day. More like a hurricane. And my father signed on as guarantor. I couldn't do any of this without his help and much needed advice.

Nicholas smoothed the fine hairs of her brows as he embraced her again.

It works out though, Elizabeth assured him. The mortgage, closing and the coop fees are all tax deductible. I'll be paying just a little bit more than what I'm paying in rent now. It's not that bad.

Oh and I haven't told you the best thing yet.

More surprises,? Nicholas said, focusing on her eyes.

She smoothed the lock of hair on his forehead. Next door is mine as well.

Hmmm? You mean?

This is penthouse 3A, next door over there is 3B, Elizabeth gestured to the right. I decided to purchase both of them, she explained. The broker convinced me and my father actually agreed with him.

Well, that's a good call he made, Nicholas remarked.

I'll probably rent next door out and stay here, Elizabeth added. Next door is a mirror of this one, she continued. Same set up, same views. We can combine the two apartments and turn it into one.

Nicolas smiled, squeezing her hand. Like me plus you equals one? Like our baby?

Our baby? Elizabeth's heart fluttered with joy. I like the sound of that.

I'll show you everything now, she promised. We'll go next door, and then I'll show you the gym and the tennis courts.

Tomorrow, we can come back and walk around the neighborhood. Check it out for yourself. You'll see that it's not so bad. It's not much worse than where I am now, just a lot emptier. They're rezoning the entire area actually. They're going to break down most of the factories and build more residential towers like this one. They're also planning a twelve acre park right in front of us at the waterfront. So it can only get better.

They got up off the floor and stood at the window, looking as a barge made it's way south along the East river.

I love you, Nicholas said tenderly, as he kissed her neck and played in her hair.

I don't want to leave you alone for a second. We're going to need a bigger bed when we move in, he said,as he laid delicate kisses on her cheeks. I'll buy all the furniture. To earn my keep, his eyes twinkled.

I have to return the key to the doorman downstairs, Elizabeth laughed as Nicholas lips tickled her ear.

It's too bad we can't move in right away. I want to bless the bedrooms, he whispered to her. All four of them.

Elizabeth felt her knees go weak at his suggestion. She put her arms at both sides of his face.

I missed you when you were away. I never want you to go away again for so long.

Next time I'll take you with me. I don't care what your boss says. What about maternity leave,? Nicholas asked, putting his hands on her belly.

Elizabeth giggled. Not yet,! that usually happens after the baby. I'm no where near that.

He laid gentle kisses on her neck. Will you stay with me tonight?

In your little bed? she grinned. Of course I will.

I guess we should go, Elizabeth said, straightening her blouse. You know, we're pretty close to the G train. Or we can take the bus straight into Greenpoint.

I need to go home, to get some of my stuff if I'm spending the night. It will be like a slumber party, she teased.

A slumber party with a beautiful blonde, Nicholas said playfully. I like the sound of that…

Later that night, Elizabeth laid in Nicholas' lumpy twin sized bed watching as he slept on the couch that he dragged next to her. She smiled, feeling like she could finally breathe, relieved that he knew she was pregnant.

She touched the third finger on her left hand, and felt the newly placed ring on her finger. It was a slim platinum band with alternating white and rare green diamonds around it. Elizabeth suspected that Nicholas paid a small fortune for it. The ring was perfect, beautiful enough to be noticed and admired, but not too large and ostentatious to be considered vulgar. Elizabeth had thrown her arms around Nicholas when he placed it on her finger, and noted that the color would remind her of his eyes, every time she looked at it.

I'll tell Mom and Dad when I start showing…..yes, that's what I'll do, she decided, as she examined her flat stomach. They don't have to know about it now, not yet anyway, she thought drowsily, while visions of a cute cherub with Nicholas' dark hair and green eyes entered her dreams as she drifted off to sleep….


On a warm, bright, late May afternoon, Jessica drove over to her family's home on Calico Drive. Jake was well past his colicky stage but he still needed so much attention, and it was a relief to leave him with his nanny when he started screaming non stop. She and Todd were going to a restaurant opening tonight, and her plan was to go shopping for something new to wear.

She was already tired of all her new clothes, and nothing could perk her spirits up more than moving through the aisles, checking out all the new outfits. The truth was that Jessica was depressed. With everything going on in her life, she kept feeling like something was missing.

Too bad Liz isn't here, she thought. I'd let her handle Jake for me. She's always been pretty good with children.

Jessica sighed. No one could ever give her a clear answer on where her sister was living, or what her phone number was. There was always an excuse, always a "I forgot where I wrote it down" coming from the members of her family. The twins' birthday was coming up in June. It was over a year since she last saw Elizabeth. Jessica parked in the driveway and unlocked the door of the split level house.

Anyone home? She called out as she entered the foyer. On hearing nothing, Jessica climbed the stairs to her parents' bedroom. She opened her mother's bottom drawer, knowing full well that it was where Alice loved to stash her personal things. Her mother's little black book, where she kept all phone numbers and addresses was laying in there, right on top of everything. The room was neat as a pin, and Jessica couldn't help but think of how well her parents did without the help of a maid. She leafed through the pages and looked under the E.

Nothing there. She moved to the W's. There it was! Liz's phone number and address. She pulled a piece of blank paper and quickly wrote the information down.

There,! she thought. Now I can call her myself. I don't care what Mom says. Elizabeth is just being stubborn. I really want to spend our birthday together. I'll talk to her and she'll forgive me. We'll have fun, buy each other presents, stuff ourselves with cake, pizza and cookies, just like we used to….

A picture envelope caught her eye and she opened it. Jessica examined the first photograph, and laughed at the happy scene of a chihuahua with reindeer antlers on it's tiny head. The dog was seated in front of a large Christmas tree, surrounded by wrapped presents.

Mmmmmm, Jessica thought, as she moved to the next picture. A group was gathered in a large pale blue wallpapered room, with the huge beautifully decorated Christmas tree standing superbly in the backdrop. Jessica's eyes were first drawn to Elizabeth, dressed in a red wool sweater decorated with a single large blue snowflake, and an above the knee flared khaki skirt.

It was the surprise of who was standing next to her that got Jessica's heart racing. She recognized him right away. His green eyes were unmistakable, the chiseled jaw, the almost black hair. He and Elizabeth were standing behind an elderly woman, the diamond on her hand was bigger than Jessica had ever seen. Seated next to her were Nicholas' parents, Skye and Kurt Morrow.

At the far end of the large couch was a man and woman, their glasses raised in a toast. Two other women, both of them who looked pretty old to Jessica, sat on single chairs, the little dog in the arms of one of them. A trio of younger men, all of them good looking enough to capture Jessica's eye, surrounded Elizabeth and Nicholas.

Three young women, around her own age were included in the group near her sister. There were two other older ladies there, each of them dressed up as bright as the Christmas tree. They stood next to older gentlemen, who Jessica assumed were their husbands. There were three children, two toddlers, and one who looked to be about five sitting on the floor, new toys in their hands.

Jessica examined her sister more closely. Elizabeth looked very pretty, her loose blonde hair was curled at the ends, and the fat golden ringlets fell softly about her upper arms.

So Liz is letting her hair grow, Jessica observed, as she ran her fingers through her own shoulder length wavy hair. She probably hasn't cut it in a while. Elizabeth's skin looked pale, whiter than Jessica ever remembered seeing her. Well, I guess it makes sense, Jessica thought, as she looked at the color of everyone else in the photo. No one on the north east coast can be tanned at that time of year, she thought, looking at her own bronzed arm.

Good thing I have the sense to live in California, she said to herself. Jessica examined the scene. There were smiles on everyone's faces. Nicholas was wearing a green sweater with a goofy looking reindeer and a pair of brown slacks.

So this is how she spent her Christmas, Jessica mused, as she moved on to the other pictures. They must be in New York somewhere, at someone's house,? she figured.

Well this is interesting, she said aloud, as she stared at her sister, with a dark haired man that wasn't Nicholas. The young man held a branch of mistletoe above their heads while kissing Elizabeth's cheek. He wore a green and red stripped elf's hat on his head. In the next picture, her arms were around him and she could almost hear the laughter coming from the two of them. I wonder who that is? Jessica thought, admiring the young man's whiskey colored eyes and dark hair. He's pretty cute. Maybe Liz has a new boyfriend in New York?

The next picture was even more interesting. Elizabeth was standing under the hung mistletoe in a doorway, with Nicholas kissing her on the top of her head. It was a playful, very sweet image, one that Jessica couldn't deny was very affectionate.

So who is she dating? Jessica wondered, her brow creasing. Nicholas Morrow, or this other guy, whoever he is.

The next set of pictures answered her question. There were several shots of her sister with Nicholas, all of them showed his possessive hands somewhere on her body.

The pictures were tame, no one would ever deem them suggestive, but there was no denying that there was something very interesting brewing here. She picked up a photo of Nicholas wearing a Santa hat and beard, with Elizabeth sitting on his lap. His arms were tightly wound around her waist as they stared intensely at each other. The look in their eyes indicated a remarkable electricity between the two of them. The level of intimacy was glaringly obvious from studying the expressions on their faces. The next set of images showed the large group in the dining room.

Jessica looked at the lavish display of food on the table, she saw Nicholas' father cutting the turkey, Skye's elegant hands holding a plate with a large stuffed lobster, and another picture that showed everyone holding up their glasses for a toast. Jessica could almost taste the delicious looking mini pies, the scalloped potatoes and the gingerbread.

She couldn't help but admire how Elizabeth looked radiant in all of the pictures. There were a couple of snapshots where all the young women were in the same photo, and Jessica couldn't help but be proud that her twin was the most beautiful one among them.

Which means I'm the most beautiful one, she thought smugly.

There was a photo of Elizabeth, holding up a silver spoon and feeding Nicholas what looked to be some kind of mousse or pudding. The vision was so intrinsic, so personal, there was now no doubt in Jessica's mind that there was something exceptional between the two of them. An inkling of envy manifested itself in her heart.

Back in high school, she had wanted Nicholas for herself. When he first moved to Sweet Valley, Jessica set her blue green eyes on him, on his good looks, his huge mansion, and his family's enormous wealth. She did everything to impress him, including wearing a bikini held up by strings tinier than dental floss. She'd given him every opportunity to return her interest, called his home several times, and waited on the phone for calls from him that never came. It was all in vain.

Jessica remembered the night when she threw a party to celebrate Elizabeth's rescue from the deranged orderly who kidnapped her. Every time she looked at Nicholas, he was somewhere in the vicinity of her sister, dancing with her, or hanging on to her every word.

It was very obvious that he preferred Elizabeth to her. Her sister had the audacity to go out on a date with him, to one of the finest, most exclusive restaurants in the area.

She told me she was going to hang out with that dull ex best friend of hers. But instead of going to Enid's, she went to the most expensive restaurant in Sweet Valley to sink her hooks into Nicholas! And she says I'm the one who's dishonest! If it wasn't for her, maybe, just maybe, he would have given me a chance! She trapped Nicholas on purpose!

She had the nerve to blatantly lie to me, and Todd too! Then she pretended to be me, to get herself out of trouble. And she says I'm the sneaky one!

The thought of that whole incident still had Jessica's blood boiling.

How dare Nicholas ignore me to drool after Liz!. Jessica returned her focus to the envelope. In one of the pictures, her twin stood between Kurt and Skye, their arms were around her, as if they had known her their entire lives, like she was part of their family.

Jealousy pumped through her veins as she watched the elegant pair embracing her sister. They were among the wealthiest families in all of California, and Jessica wanted more than anything to be surrounded by and included in the lives of people like them. Their money, status and power, all these things were attractive to her, they were what she'd dreamed about her entire life. She wondered how serious the relationship was.

They probably just hold hands and kiss, Jessica told herself. Her sister, older by four minutes was far too virginal, far too puritan and morally upright to throw herself into a sexual relationship.

But Nicholas is so gorgeous, and so rich, what woman can resist that?

Jessica, what are you doing? A voice broke the silence, and Jessica nearly jumped out of her skin…..