So according to the timeline, this is all happening somewhere around the year 1990.


Jessica got into the car and slammed the door shut. The tears that she had been holding in suddenly made an appearance at the corner of her eyes. She was somewhat disappointed that she wasn't going to be Lila's matron of honor. But that's not what was truly bothering her. Seeing Enid Rollins raving and gushing over Elizabeth's wedding was a big affront to her. The glaring evidence was in the pictures…..pictures where she was completely absent. They represented the life of her sister where she was completely nonexistent. Not wanted, disregarded like a pile of yesteryear's trash. It hurt, it really hurt!

She knew that the wedding had taken place, she just hadn't seen the real evidence of it yet.

That's because I was in a jail cell in Norwalk, and that's after I almost drowned! Thanks Elizabeth!

And then she made sure I was alone during the holidays too!….


After barely sleeping, Jessica had woken up the day after the wedding, and was in no mood to go downstairs to any of the Plaza's acclaimed restaurants. She picked up the phone for room service and ordered in some breakfast. The petulant thoughts of the mountain of trouble that she had gotten herself into were unrelenting. Within twenty minutes, her meal arrived, and Jessica chewed her pancakes methodically, as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

She looked exhausted….haggard almost. She had come in last night, and practically ripped off her aqua dress, throwing it over the chair. She then got into the shower, put on her nightgown and went straight to bed. Jessica poured more syrup over the pancakes, hoping to stimulate her normally healthy appetite. The sweet, golden brown discs could have been made out of cement for all she knew. The worry in her mind had annihilated her sense of taste. She forced herself to swallow as the ringing of the phone interrupted her thoughts.

Jessica stared at the phone, terrified that the police had tracked her down and decided to lock her up without a trial. Or worse yet, Todd had somehow been contacted by his creditor about the gargantuan charge she made last night.

Hell…hello, Jessica stammered as she breathed into the phone.

Jessica,? Alice Wakefield's voice came over the line. At the sound of her mother's concerned voice, Jessica burst into tears. After ten minutes of tearful attempts at explanations, she managed to arrange to see her mother, who promised to be on the next train out of Greenwich. After having been in Manhattan early that morning, Alice then took the Metro North back into the city that Sunday afternoon and met Jessica in the lobby of the hotel. At the first sight of her mother, Jessica had melted into a whole other session of sobbing. The two of them went up to her suite, where Jessica cried for several minutes, lamenting the fact that Elizabeth had nothing but hatred for her. Alice had rubbed her shoulders, trying to pacify her.

I'll talk to her, her mother promised. I'll sit her down and tell her she has to let it go. I still don't understand it myself. Elizabeth is clearly over Todd.

Alice sighed. It's just so unlike her, to hold a grudge, especially one with you….. Now as for this little stunt you've pulled Jessica Wakefield!

Jessica looked up guiltily, her eyes red.

Have you contacted a lawyer? She handed Jessica some tissues from a nightstand.

Not yet Mom, Jessica squeaked, wiping her eyes.

When do you have to go to court?

On Tuesday, Jessica answered, handing her mother the notification papers that were given to her. I have to call this number tomorrow morning to find out the exact time.

The day after tomorrow then? This is some mess. Alice shook her head. What were you thinking? Stealing a boat?

I thought you'd be there, and you'd tell the owner that I was supposed to be there with all of you, Jessica moaned. I still don't understand how it happened. The wedding was supposed to be on Tavern Island at two o'clock wasn't it? That's what Cara said. Was I too late?

The venue was changed, Alice responded. But Jessica, her mother's face was stern. Do you really think your sister would have appreciated if you showed up?

Jessica shrugged. I don't know. But I had to try. She'd be mad at first, but then she'd forgive me, like always.

Alice picked up the release papers and read them over. We could call your father, she suggested.

No! Jessica exclaimed. I don't want him to know. He'll yell at me! It's embarrassing enough. I don't want anyone to know!

If I had known you would do this, I would have tried to stop you, Alice said. Elizabeth doesn't like to be pushed.

Jessica looked up hopefully. Will you talk to her Mom? Tell her to give me a chance?

I'll try Jess. She did tell me about the call yesterday. If she didn't tell me, I would never know about your arrest. So she has to care somewhat. But…..your sister has a whole different life now. A whole new love, a new family that she's a part of, other priorities that don't include you…or any of us for that matter. Alice's eyes were far away. Her whole wedding, the whole of yesterday, and even this morning, it was mesmerizing…..


Elizabeth's wedding and reception made Jessica's look as unimpressive as a drive through ceremony in Las Vegas!

So much for Liz not being the extravagant one,! Jessica thought as she changed lanes, imagining how much the entire affair cost. Well good for her, she scowled bitterly. She has her rich husband who can buy her everything she desires. That's just great!. The jealousy was traveling throughout her body, piercing her heart. She slammed her hands on the steering wheel.

While she was dining on seafood, truffles and fine wine, I was stuck in a miserable jail cell looking like a drowned rat! And she got to go somewhere fabulous for her honeymoon, while Todd took me to Hawaii. He didn't even take me out of the country! Even Amy got to go to the Bahamas!... This is all his fault!, she concluded harshly. If it wasn't for him, I would be there with Liz at her beautiful wedding, and she'd be talking to me! And she would never let me get arrested!

Not letting me be at her wedding wasn't enough. She had to punish me more by leaving me alone on Thanksgiving! And Christmas too!...

The Morrows had spent Thanksgiving in Aspen, and Jessica had gotten an earful from Cara about how much fun they had in their high up on the mountain, massive cabin in Colorado. As if it wasn't bad enough, one month later, the whole family, minus Jessica, spent Christmas between the magic and excitement of New York City and the quiet splendor of Greenwich, Connecticut's richest town. Jessica had no choice but to suffer the holidays with the gruesome twosome, Bert and Emily Wilkins, while she imagined the grand time her family was having without her!

She was angry. Angry at Elizabeth for moving on with her life without her. She drove home, not even bothering to turn her car stereo on. She was too engaged in thought of how things had turned out.

I'm the one who met him first,! she rued, thinking of Nicholas. But Nicholas had never liked her. Despite her beauty, her sex appeal, and her outgoing, fun personality, she had never been able to capture his interest like her sister did. He was polite and friendly towards her as he was with everyone else, but it was Elizabeth who had immediately caught his green eyes as well as his heart.

He even named his boat after her! Nicholas had named his boat My Favorite Twin, and it was obviously not in Jessica's honor. And that was years ago, when Elizabeth didn't even want him! She pulled into the driveway of her home, thinking of her own relationship with Todd. Marriage to him was certainly not what she thought it would be.

Yes he was cute, yes he was the father of her son. But she was realizing that she didn't love him. She didn't love being married. She hated having to be accountable to someone, especially someone as dull as Todd Wilkins. All he ever wanted to do was stay home and watch the most boring things on television. He wasn't interested in her life, in the things that mattered to her.

At least he never found out about my arrest...

She had opened the credit card statement as soon as it came and shredded it. Although the charges were reversed, there was no way she wanted him to query her recent misadventures. She had called the sheriff's office on the Monday after her arrest, only to find out the prosecutor had dismissed the case. Apparently, Captain John checked out Jessica's story and took pity on her when he found out that an Elizabeth Wakefield had made some reservations for the same time that Jessica showed up.

She had managed to charm him, despite her thievery, and he decided to let it go. It would have been a waste of time to continue with the case, especially without a witness willing to testify. Jessica had gotten off with not even a slap on the wrist...

Jessica sighed, while picking up her brush and turning on the television to her favorite soap. There was a whole life out there for her, and Todd didn't want her to have it. He was holding her back! He was complaining more and more about her lifestyle and her mothering skills. He wouldn't get off her case about how much time she wasn't spending with their son.

As if he's any better,! she thought irritably. He spends way too much time away from home to have any right to complain about me! And besides, he's always going to parties with his team, traveling to different cities, always surrounded by groupies and other beautiful women, she figured. Why does he get to have all the fun? He was certainly mad enough when she returned home, and demanded where she had been.


I told Marta to tell you I was working,! Jessica yelled in response.

Work,? Todd grimaced, clearly with doubt in his brown eyes.

For five days,? He folded his tanned arms.

So what,? Jessica retorted. You go off for weeks sometimes!

But you always know where I am, Todd replied, his ire rising. I always leave a number! I always call! How could you leave our son for five days?

He was with Pilar, he was fine!

At her words, he had shaken his head and walked away…


She was beginning to think that she had gotten married much too early. She met plenty of cute guys that she wanted to date, and still wanted to party at all hours of the night. She was young and beautiful and loved the attention she got from all those eligible men. In five months, she'd be twenty four. Todd acted like they were already an old married couple.

The same way he was with Liz, she realized suddenly. He was more boring than white bread! Curling up in front of the television and watching an old movie was not her style. Jessica shook her head as she walked over to her bedroom's large mirror. Jake was out in the park with Pilar. She looked at the clock on the cable box. It was almost six eastern time.

Jessica had been given the phone number at Elizabeth's apartment, with the promise that she would only call in case of an emergency. She stared at the phone and dialed Elizabeth's number, ready to give her a piece of her mind.

You didn't even invite me to your wedding,! she accused, as Elizabeth picked up the phone.

I had to hear all about it from Mom, that she, Dad, Steven and Cara were flying over there to watch you get married!

What is your point Jessica? Elizabeth answered. A wedding is supposed to be a happy day, for close friends and family. I wanted to be surrounded by the people I love and who cherish me in return.

And I don't fit that description? You really hate me that much? Me your twin sister? You had that loser Enid Rollins standing up for you as your maid of honor and you couldn't even include me? You had a dog at your wedding, but couldn't even extend an invitation to your own sister? How could you? Am I not your family? The person who's always been most close to you?

Close? You have a fine way of showing closeness Jessica. Elizabeth stated. Anyone who wants to be close to me wouldn't do what you have done.

Get over it already! You and Todd were through! That you would purposely leave me out, leave me out of something so important in your life, that really hurt Liz.

Hurt,? Elizabeth scoffed. I've learned from the master. You've taught me well Mrs Wilkins. It's what you do best isn't it? It's almost funny. You're sitting in your glass house and you're throwing stones at me.

What's that supposed to mean? Jessica huffed, before hearing the phone click.

Jessica slammed the phone down, enraged that once again, Liz had brushed her off. She was tempted to call again, but knowing her sister, she wouldn't bother picking up the phone. She sat on her bed, and pulled a magazine off her side table, trying to distract herself. Her mother wasn't back yet from the east coast. She was probably going to be there for another month.

She hadn't seen her mother since the Tuesday she left New York, the same day she was supposed to go to court. Jessica had booked the first flight she had gotten out of JFK, just wanting more than anything to get away from the whole miserable experience, and the dropping temperatures of the north east.

Elizabeth is so selfish! She got Mom to help her with the renovations, knowing that Mom would jump at the chance! I haven't seen my own mother for the new year! I didn't even get to celebrate with her!


She and Todd had gone to a fabulous party at the Fowlers, where Todd had abruptly left to go to his parent's house. Jessica was having the time of her life, mingling with the other guests, sipping cocktails, and eating bonbons when he approached her, wanting to leave. Why was Todd so difficult? It was embarrassing for her husband to pick up and leave before ringing in the new year with her. When she told him about it, it just lead to another of their disagreements.

Todd, you can't leave, I told Lila we would stay to watch the fireworks! She told me they're doing something really special this year. It's a surprise.

Todd frowned. You know I promised my parents, several months ago, that I would spend New Year's with them, he said. I don't know any of these people, he motioned to the crowd of revelers. I'm going to get Jake and drive over there.

Jake was in the nursery, fast asleep along with little George Fowler.

Jessica just shook her head, remembering that night.

Fine, she shrugged, not wanting to argue in front of the party goers.

See you in the morning, she continued, as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Who in their right mind would want to spend a quiet evening at their parents house when they could be living it up, in the middle of the action, surrounded by important people at the Fowler's incredible mansion? Todd Wilkins, that's who.

I'll just stay here then, she told him, shaking her head in exasperation. You go to your parent's house.

She watched him walk towards the house, his broad back maneuvering through the crowd.

So much for being with the one you love while ringing in the new year, she thought. Oh well, she contemplated as she looked around. There were so many hot guys here, one in particular had caught her attention. He was almost as blonde as she was, his eyes a cool amber. She assumed he was in his early thirties. Not only was Brian cute, she had heard from the grapevine that he was also a modeling scout and agent. Jessica had seen him eyeing her earlier, and she knew for sure that he was impressed with her.

Jessica flopped on her bed, staring at the ceiling, still thinking of Elizabeth. She frowned with boredom and frustration. She thought of her brother and her best friend. At least they still appreciated her. She would probably go to visit them tonight, although she was pretty sure Cara would talk non stop about the fantastic experiences they had at Christmas.

Cheer up Jess, she said to herself. Her party that she was planning next week was sure to brighten up her spirits. She'd invited a few models that she met from work, and told them to invite their friends. This was sure to bring a crowd of people who worked in the industry. And hopefully Brian would show up, Jessica thought smiling. After kissing him on New Years eve, she had spoken to him a couple of times on the phone. The slight bit of guilt she felt at kissing someone other than Todd was quickly forgotten when she thought of Brian's sexy lips and his strong jawline. Besides, this was all Todd's fault! If he stayed at her side during the party like he belonged, then that spicy kiss would never have happened!

I can't believe you already had a baby, Brian remarked that night, ogling at her slim figure.

Well, my son is over a year now, she explained.

I know, he replied, but you know, some women really let themselves go after they pop out a kid. You on the other hand, he said, running his hand along her waist….

Jessica giggled with delight. Brian was interested in her for sure! She couldn't wait to see him again...


Jessica pulled into the driveway of the Wakefield's split level house. She got out and walked around to the back patio and into the open kitchen.

Oh, Jess, you almost scared me! Cara exclaimed, as she moved a sleepy little Karen from one hip to the other.

Hey Cara, Jessica said, hugging her sister in law.

She's getting so big, Jessica remarked, looking at the baby in her mother's arms.

So where's Steve?

He's working late tonight. He has a big case coming up. And a lot to catch up on, ever since…

You mean ever since you took all those days off for Liz's wedding? And then the holidays?

Cara guiltily glanced at her as she put Karen in her playpen next to a sleeping Nathan. She put a pot of water on the stove and turned to Jessica.

Jessica moved to the table and pulled out a seat. Don't worry, I already heard all about it. That dishrag Enid Rollins wouldn't stop blabbing about it to me and Lila.

You know Jess, Enid's a really nice person, Cara said as she smoothed Nathan's dark wavy hair. She and I had a lot of fun together while we were there. You shouldn't say things like that about her.

Come on Cara, not you too!

Cara gave Jessica a reproachful look as she joined her at the table.

Fine fine, I won't say anything, Jessica said, holding her hands up. But I don't like her. She's always tried to steal Elizabeth away from me! You should have seen the way she was bragging about the whole wedding, as if it was her who got married instead of Liz!

Well, it was pretty spectacular Jess, Cara said. I'm sorry that you couldn't be there. We do have some pictures, she continued. Would you like to see them? We have triple copies of each if you want some.

No thanks, Jessica said quickly. I already saw them. Enid had all of them. She turned her head to the stove. Water's boiling.

Cara got up, and put some pasta in the boiling water. I have a lot of work to do tonight too. After I eat, I have to hit the books.

Cara had recently began a six week course on pharmaceuticals. She went into the fridge and pulled out a bunch of grapes. You want any,? she offered Jessica. Jessica shook her head.

So how have you been Jess? Cara asked. And how's Jake? I thought you'd bring him over.

He's at the park with Pilar.

And Todd?

Todd's at practice.

You three should come over more often, Cara suggested.

Jessica shrugged.

Yeah, I know, but we never have the time. When Todd gets home, all he ever does is veg out on the couch. He never wants to do anything, she complained.

Well, I can understand that, Cara said. After a hard day at work, vegging out is all you want to do. I don't even have time to exercise anymore!

You look great though, Jessica said. The curvy figure that her friend always had, had only been improved by having children.

Thanks Jess. I never thought I would have a waist again after Karen was born. I know I'll never be as thin as when I was in high school and I'm OK with that. Your Dad and Steven cleared the basement and we can fit a treadmill in there. Maybe I will hop on it sometime, she giggled. And I need to spend more time swimming in the pool. We're so lucky we live here and have your parents to help us out with the children. I don't know how we would manage otherwise. I really miss your mom now, she said, as they heard light snores coming from the playpen. But she'll be coming home soon.

Jessica stared at her friend. Cara, she said suddenly. Have you ever thought that maybe you and Steve got married too young?

No. Cara answered. Well…. yes in a way. I was afraid getting into it, afraid to move back to California after living in London. But I love your brother. I never stopped loving him. When we met back up in London, I just knew that I had to be with him. And then I got pregnant. I know we would still be together, baby or not.

Jessica examined her pensively. If it wasn't for Jake…she thought to herself.

It's true, we are still very young, Cara continued. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Why do you ask Jess? Is everything OK with you and Todd?

Everything's fine, Jessica lied unconvincingly.

The expression on her sister in law's face told her that everything was not fine in that marriage. But Cara didn't want to tell her so.

Well, that's good, she said awkwardly, observing Jessica's unhappy visage.

Jessica turned to the photos on the table. I think it's time I head home, she said suddenly. Maybe I will look at the wedding pictures again,? she said, her eyes downcast.

Sure, Cara said generously, you can take some of them if you want. We have several sets. Here, she handed Jessica an envelope. This one has all of them. You're sure you don't want to stay for dinner? Cara offered.

Nah, I don't want to interrupt you from your studying. Really Cara, you would think there would be no more school work once you're an adult.

Well, I have to do it if I want to pass, Cara explained.

Well, I'm glad I don't have to do any of that. College courses were boring enough, Jessica giggled.

Same old Jess, Cara laughed with her. You know Jess, I even have to study on Friday nights sometimes. Imagine that!

Oh no, the horror! Jessica joked along, thinking about how Elizabeth had no shame about being in the library on a Friday night.

Well, with those two taking every minute of my day, Cara motioned to the two sleeping children. I'm lucky I have time to go to class with the kids, and my volunteer job at the free clinic. I'm taking it one step at a time. Soon I'll be completely finished and hopefully get a permanent job at Fowler Memorial.

Cara giggled. Speaking of Fowlers, Lila called this morning, to talk non stop about Roger….again.

Jessica pouted. Did she tell you she demoted me from my matron of honor position?

Well, yes she did. But I understand, she wants her Mom instead. And her mother won't want to share the title with anyone.

Yeah, well at least someone wants me in her wedding, Jessica said as she picked up her purse.

Cara gave her a sympathetic look.

We have to get together with Amy and choose a dress.

Yeah, I know, Jessica said, grabbing her keys. Pilar is probably home by now. So I'm off. She gave Cara a quick hug. Later, she said, as she moved out the door.

Bye Jess, Cara replied, as she got into the car. Cara shook her head, thinking over their conversation. There was no doubt in her mind that Jessica seemed very unhappy...