Lila sat in a lounge chair at the edge of the Sutton's swimming pool, sipping her pina colada and trying to concentrate on Amy's description of the honeymoon suite at the Grand Lucayan resort in the Bahamas. She saw Caroline Pierce standing near a table filled with party treats, munching on some chips.

I just know she had something to do with it, Lila thought to herself, as Caroline gave her a smug look. She and that geeky boyfriend of hers. And his sleazy dad too!

And the white rose petals were so romantic. Ken thought of everything, Amy sighed dreamily. Of course, we're probably going to be in debt for the rest of our lives, just paying off the airline fees alone. Although, the travel agent got us the best deal she could get. First we flew to Miami.

And then to Freeport. Oh, and we went to Nassau for a couple of days too. She smiled lazily. But who cares? She fiddled with the diamond wedding ring that surrounded her slender finger. It was all worth it.

Lila looked up from her drink, while she placed a piece of pineapple in her mouth. It was on the tip of her tongue to remark about the price and standard of the hotel, and about how much it didn't even compare to the height of luxury she was used to. But she held back her comments. Her father had first taken her to the Bahamas when she was six years old. But the last thing she felt like doing right now, was brag about her her own trips to the Bahamas or George Fowler's wealth. Nor did she want to mention her father. In fact, the last thing she wanted right then, was to talk at all, and bring attention to herself.

They're probably all laughing at me,! she thought to herself, as she looked around the patio, observing the guests who were there for Ken and Amy's welcome home party. Her eyes landed on Roger Patman and his busty blonde who was visiting from New Jersey, and Lila's blood began boiling.

She flashed Roger the most pitiful look she could muster, and almost choked on her drink when Shirley….Sheila….whatever her name was…gave her a condescending smirk. Lila looked away in a huff as Roger's arm went tighter around the girl's waist. She can have him! I don't want him anyway!

So why does it hurt so bad then? A little voice poked the back of her mind. You're the one who pushed him away. You're the reason he's mad at you!

The sunset dinner on the beach with the steel drum band serenading us was my idea, Amy gushed, breaking Lila's thoughts. We had the most delicious conch fritters. And lobster too, she added. Who would have thought, that I would marry the first boy I ever kissed in sixth grade,? she continued with a little giggle, as she waved and blew a kiss at Ken, who was standing near the barbecue grill, chatting with Todd Wilkins.

He'll never talk to me again,! Lila surmised sadly, as she looked at Roger at the other end of the pool. Not after I yelled at him the other day. Well, she twirled a lock of brown hair. I did apologize...


Lila closed her eyes, tuning Amy out. This whole nightmare had started weeks ago when she woke up to the phone ringing right by her head. At first she ignored it, hoping the caller would give up. Her private line had been ringing for about a half hour now. Lila frowned in annoyance, and picked up the phone on the night table next to her bed.

Ohmigod Lila, Jessica's voice broke out from the receiver.

Whaaaaa? Leave me alone, Lila muttered sleepily.

Ohmigod Li, you have to read it! You're on the cover of Back Valley! Mine came this morning. I know you have a subscription too! I was in bed and Todd woke me up to see it! It says some jailbird's your real dad! And he looks just like you! So is it true? Jessica said, her voice annoyingly chipper for the early hour. Is it true you're not really a Fowler? Your real dad's name is Gerald?

Lila's heart started pounding at her friend's words, as her brain woke up and told her ears to listen to Jessica.

She slammed down the phone without responding, and walked out to the foyer in the center of the house, still wearing her nightgown. Her mother was in the living room, looking down at the morning's news in her lap.

Is it true,? Lila screeched, her face white, as Grace cautiously handed her, despite the fact that she often called it trash, her favorite tabloid. She looked at the front cover, and her heart stopped as she read the sordid headline.

"Fowler Princess' Real Papa….

.…Is a Gun Toting Pauper!"...

Oh God! How did they find out,? Lila managed to squeak.

I don't know, Grace held her head in her hands, her face full of concern at Lila's expression.

Gerald must have said something then, he must have called the press,! Lila yelled.

No, Grace insisted. I swore him to secrecy. It wasn't him. Calm down Lila,!

Calm down? My life is ruined! This is humiliating,! Lila cried, crumbling to the carpeted floor and bursting into tears.

Does Daddy know? Did he see it? She looked her mother, trying to compose herself, her eyes red.

He does, Grace replied. But he had an early meeting this morning, and he had to take off.

Typical,! Lila shouted. I'm living a nightmare and all he can do is walk away from me. Again!

Lila that's not true! Grace insisted. In fact, George told me to assure you that he doesn't care about this. He knows how to deal with these things, just ignore them and they'll go away. By next week they'll be talking about someone else. You'll see. Your father, Grace said, picking up a cup of coffee, he'll be home for lunch, and we'll talk about it as a family.

Can't we sue? Lila said, wiping her face with the back of her hand. They have no right to do this!

Grace sighed loudly. We can try, but it won't go anywhere. For one thing, the story is all true. For another, everything is worded correctly, they covered all their bases so that we can't claim defamation. They always make sure to tell their stories as possibilities and assumptions, nothing as factual. There's always fine print and disclaimers that protects them from libel.

So we just can't do anything? Lila frowned, jumping as the phone rang again.

Turn all the ringers off will you Eva,? Grace called to the Fowler's maid, who was just about to go into the dining room with her broom and duster. I'll call the store and tell them I'll be coming in a little late today. And we'll just ignore the phone for now.

You're going to work? Lila moaned. How can you even leave the house, when this…. she gestured to the magazine… this is a disaster!

Because Lila, I agree with your father. If we act like we're ashamed of this, it will only give people more ammo. We have to face them, we have to stand strong.

Easy for you to say,! Lila exclaimed. You're not the one whose father spent time in prison!

Well, I'm a woman who got pregnant by a guy who's been in prison, Grace countered. This isn't easy for me either! And I have to think of your brother. He might have to deal with it too, eventually. You know how children can be cruel….

Do I ever, Lila thought, remembering all the times she referred to other kids as low class. And I was always one of the cruelest….

How am I going to live this down? Lila looked in horror again at the paper in her hands. Surely enough, a picture of her was posted right next to Gerald, their similar features more than obvious.

How could this happen? How did they find out? She looked at the pictures of herself and Grace walking up the stairs at the Valley Inn. Obviously someone had called a photographer, obviously someone knew she was going to be there! The only person she had trusted with this was Roger, and….. Gerald himself. But Gerald had gone back to Nevada the day after she had met with him. And Grace assured her that he wouldn't have talked.


After a very awkward meeting at the Valley Inn, he had told Lila and Grace that he was going to leave town for a while. They had walked into the room, and the first thing that struck Lila was the smell. It was like an old bar, where lowlifes hung out, trying to pick up women. She shook his hand, after he had wiped it on his outdated acid wash jeans, and immediately noticed that his fingernails were far from clean. She thought immediately of her father. George Fowler always had the neatest looking hands, and sometimes Lila teased him about having a better manicure than she did.

Lila had thought about this moment for most of her life, the time when she might meet the man who sired her. She never expected it to be like this. The man who she stood across from her was no royalty, no movie star.

So you're Lila, he had said, as he ran his hand through his greasy mullet. You look just like Grace when she was younger. He turned towards her mother. Well, Grace you've always been a classy broad. And looks like I got me a classy daughter. And then he smiled, and Lila almost gaped at how much it was like her own. Despite herself, she couldn't help but smile back.

So you live up in that big house on the hill huh?

I do live on a hill yes, Lila responded. Please don't ask me to invite you to Fowler Crest,! she thought in panic. What would Daddy say? How would he react?

So Grace told me you have another daughter,? Lila said, finding her voice, trying to break the long awkward silences. Her mother looked just as uncomfortable as she did, if not more so.

Yeah I have a daughter, her name is Morgan. Morgan, well, she's sixteen. One of these days, I'll have to bring her here to meet you. Maybe when I get back.

You mean you're leaving? Lila asked, almost in relief.

Yep, going back to Nevada tomorrow.

So, ummmm, why did you come to Sweet Valley?

I drove in from Nevada, looking for work. It's hard out there. You know, people gotta eat. I guess you know, I was locked up for a while, but I've gotten clean and stay out of trouble now.

Yes I know, Lila said, not wanting to hear the details. She examined his features and knew at once her mother really was telling her the truth.

So tell me about your daughter, Lila said, surprising herself that she was willing to prolong the conversation.

Well, she left school and followed me out here, Gerald replied. But I made her go back. Ain't right, for a girl to skip school.

I see, Lila responded thoughtfully.

Lila had always wanted a sister. One close to her own age. While she loved being an only child, once in a while she thought it would be fun to have someone to confide in, to share secrets with, to have some kind of kinship and familial bond. She had always been secretly jealous of Jessica's and Elizabeth's special relationship….

After a few more minutes of uneasy chatter, Grace and Lila said their goodbyes, excused themselves, and left the building…..

They returned home, and Lila called Roger, to tell him how it went. She had originally asked him to go with her, but then Grace had insisted that she and Lila meet Gerald alone.


And then he betrayed me!

This is all his fault! He's the one who opened his big mouth and told about my father! And now, everyone knows! They know I'm not a Fowler and my real dad's an ex con!

And I thought he really did like me. I've been wrong the whole time!

He did it on purpose, she sobbed. He made me trust him and now I know he's a traitor! The sneak! She picked up the phone and dialed his private line at the Patman mansion.

You! Lila started, when Roger picked up the phone. You told me you wouldn't tell anyone!

Good morning to you too Lila. What are you talking about?

You went and blabbed it to someone, you told them I'm not George's real daughter. I thought, I thought…... Uhhhhh! The whole time, you were probably laughing behind my back! Lila sobbed into the phone. She was trying her hardest to keep her voice angry, but she only ended up sounding hurt.

What? I did nothing of the sort! I wouldn't do something like that! Roger insisted.

Yes you did! How else would they find out about me!

Roger's voice sounded angry. Look, I promised I wouldn't say anything and I didn't. And I don't appreciate you calling me here and accusing me this early in the morning of something I had no part in! And with that, he slammed down the phone, leaving Lila shaking.

Half an hour later, she calmed herself and realized that she was probably wrong. Roger had given her no reason to think he would tell. She dialed the number again and this time received no answer. She tried calling him for the rest of the day, to no avail. She then dialed the Patman's main number, and Maria, one of the Patman's maids, called Roger to the phone.

I'm sorry, she said abruptly, before she lost her nerve. Apologizing was something that Lila hated doing.

For what exactly,? Roger's stiff voice returned.

I.…..I… shouldn't have accused you, Lila swallowed. I was angry, and…..well, I took it out on you. She attempted an explanation. Well, can you blame me? Who else would say something,?

So you still doubt me then? Roger queried, not giving in easily.

Look, I'm confused, I'm just not sure… Lila replied.

Fine, Roger said with exasperation. Let me know when you figure it all out. Once again, he hung up the phone. Lila let out her breath and shook her head. This was the second time today he was dismissing her!


What's with you Li? Jessica said, bringing her back to the present. She looked at her friend's stony expression while she walked towards Lila, sipping on a mimosa. Jessica plopped down, and sat next to her. She looked in the direction Lila was staring.

Oh, Jessica groaned. If you ask me, Roger Patman is not worth it.

You're only saying that because he rejected the idea of giving you a loan.

He told you? Jessica moved in her chair. The jerk!

Lila shrugged. I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret. But really Jess. What would Todd think if he knew you were asking Roger for money?

Todd doesn't own me, Jessica replied, flipping her hair.

Look at her, pawning him! Lila scathed as Roger's date put her hand on his arm. I'd love to drown her in the pool. But with those big boobs, she'll come right back up to the surface!

Jessica giggled. Ooohhhh…. someone's jealous, she said, enjoying Lila's misery.

Of that,? Lila scoffed. Ha!

What's their story anyway? Jessica asked curiously, looking at the couple.

He met her at Princeton. She's from New Jersey.

Jessica twirled her hair. So what? Are they serious?

I don't know. He told me they aren't.

Seems a long way to fly for something that isn't serious, Jessica remarked. I mean all the way from New Jersey.

As if I would be jealous of that, Lila went on, sending daggers in the girl's direction. And he hinted he likes firm women. So why is he with her? She's not exactly slim. And that top she's wearing. What style is that? Frumpy chic? It looks like something one of the Golden Girls would wear. I wouldn't be caught dead in that! And I wouldn't be caught dead with Roger Patman either!

Whatever you say Li, Jessica giggled again.

I can't stand that girl, Jessica said suddenly, as she saw Heather Malone chatting with Maria Santeli. Why did Amy invite her? I remember when she had the hots for Ken and tried to steal him from me!

Lila pursed her lips. Heather's alright.

Jessica flashed her a dirty look.

Her pupils and their moms are my customers, Lila stated. I remember how annoying she used to be, but, she's not that bad. And she's great with children. My Mom took Georgie to a Mommy and Me class at her gym and he had the time of his life. She filmed the whole thing so Daddy and I could watch. Lila smiled, thinking of her brother. It was the cutest thing. Maybe you should take Jake, when he's a little older, she suggested with a laugh, knowing it would irk Jessica.

Over my dead body,! Jessica grunted. Cara told me she'd take Nathan there, although her belly's so big now, she probably won't be able to get off the floor.

Where is Cara anyway,? Lila asked. I haven't had a real conversation with her since she came back from London. I thought she was coming here tonight.

She's home with Steve and my parents, Jessica replied. She's pretty busy, settling back here.

A scowl set on her face, as she motioned to Heather.

Can she be more obvious?

But Lila wasn't paying attention. She was looking at Roger, who gave her a half smile. Jessica watched as Lila's previously soured face lit up at his small gesture. There's definitely something going on between the two of them, she thought, more than she wants to admit.

On one hand, Jessica was happy for her friend. On the other hand…

A guy like Roger would be perfect for me.

Despite what she had said earlier about him not being worth it, she couldn't help but feel it wasn't fair that Lila, with all her money, was having a flirtation, or whatever it is you could call their relationship, with someone like Roger. Roger was loaded, lived in a huge mansion and had a family name that was revered in Sweet Valley.

I deserve a guy like that, Jessica sighed, looking at Todd. The fact that she was at Amy's party, seeing the glowing look on Amy's and Ken's faces, and hearing them rave about their honeymoon was just another reminder of the state of her own marriage. Basketball season had ended in April and Todd was spending a lot more time at home. Which meant they were forced to spend more time together. Which was not making for a happy medium.

His being home meant closer observations of her spending, her long nights out, and the group of friends that he hadn't warmed up to. Not to mention, his parents always wanted to come over. The Wilkins' home was almost half an hour away from their house on Valley Crest drive. Back when Todd was in high school, they had returned from Vermont and moved into a mansion just a few houses away from where their son lived now.

But they had sold the house a couple of years ago, and moved into a smaller, but still upscale home on Country Club Drive. Bert Wilkins, Todd's father, was the president of Varitronics, a computer firm.

Unknown to Jessica, was the fact that recently, his parents' financial prospects were not as promising as they used to be. The company had been operating at a loss. Todd's dad was always drilling into his son's head about saving more money, and Todd often passed the lectures onto Jessica, making her feel like she was five years old...

Jessica gazed at Todd, still in conversation with Ken. She picked up her drink and sighed again.

Why the hell did I even get married?