One week later, Todd headed out of the parking lot of Los Angeles Southwest College with his hair still wet from a shower after practice. In high school, he had been one of the best players on his team, but now, playing for the Clippers, he was just a small fish in a big pond. The job was physically demanding, and he often left either the court or the weight room with mild sprains and overstretched ligaments. Navigating throughout the city of Los Angeles was tiring on it's own, and Todd much preferred the quiet and familiarity of Sweet Valley.

More recently, he often found himself in the sauna, relaxing and rejuvenating himself with the therapeutic steam from the vents, or in the talented hands of one of the masseurs working out the knots and cramps of his sore muscles. His body was not the only thing that benefited from his frequent use of the warm misty room and the massage table. It was a place to unwind, to relax his mind from the worries that were plaguing him recently. His mother had called him two months ago to tell him that Varitronics' assets were being liquidated in order to pay off their creditors. Todd's parents occupied a large chunk of his mind, he hated to see his father's hard work and dedication shrivel into nothing.

After driving for fifteen minutes, Todd turned onto California State Route one from interstate 405 and headed south towards Sweet Valley. He admired the moonlight shining on the Pacific while his thoughts drifted to his father. Bert Wilkins did not like to talk about his financial situation, and Todd knew that his proud father didn't want to appear diminished in his son's eyes. He got wind of the circumstances of his parents' money woes from his mother, and from reading the business section in the newspaper. The three of them had always been a solid unit, his being their only son had caused them to devote all their affection, hopes and dreams on him.

Which is why….. why he wanted to do everything for them, to be the son he felt they could be proud of. Todd was all too aware that the fact that he played basketball for a living was not something his father was thrilled with. Bert had always hoped that Todd would go back to school, finish a business degree and work in an office somewhere, wearing a suit and tie every day. Todd gripped the steering wheel as the traffic slowed down. There was some construction on the road ahead and traffic was now almost at a standstill. His legs were beginning to cramp and he wanted nothing more than to be in the comfort of his home, stretching his legs.

For a few seconds, he closed his eyes in frustration, not only at the lack of movement of the vehicles in front of him, but the urgent need to help his parents. He felt completely alone with the matter at hand. Jessica never read the financial section of the Valley News, she usually took the fashion and gossip pages from the paper and handed him the rest. His parents' state of affairs were seldom brought up between them… she had very little interest in his mother and father, and he knew that it was pointless to expect from his wife a sympathetic ear to their troubles.

He sat in the traffic, the worries pounding his head. His parents owed a significant amount on their house, and the last time he spoke to his father, they were talking about moving. Bert had said it was because they didn't feel like they needed all that space, but Todd knew the truth. He knew they could no longer afford to keep up with the payments. Todd glanced at the clock on the dashboard. It was almost eleven. He had left practice just after nine. The usual hour long trip kept adding minutes to it's length, and he was almost tempted to get out of the car and walk. Todd turned on the radio to his favorite station, trying to distract himself. He ran his hand through his brown hair in frustration. At this rate, he'd probably arrive home faster on foot…..


Jessica was in her bedroom and had just finished giving the hired servers instructions on the number of guests she was expecting that night. For the past week, she was still smoldering about Elizabeth's outperforming of her own wedding.

Liz isn't the only one who can throw a great party, she thought.

She looked at the clock. Todd told her he'd be home a bit late tonight, maybe around ten. Jake had been put down for the night and Pilar had left several hours earlier. Their housekeeper Marta was flitting around downstairs, ushering her mistress' guests in through the stylish home's front door, hanging up jackets, and clearing glasses when necessary. On nights like this, Jessica wished they could hire more permanent help.

A butler would be pretty nice, Jessica grinned to herself.

She thought back on the night when she had first gone to the Morrow's mansion at the top of the hill for Regina's debut party in Sweet Valley. A very formal uniformed butler had greeted her and Cara at the mahogany entrance, and Jessica was thrilled as he guided them through the enormous home. Not even the Fowlers had a full time butler. Marta was going to be very busy tonight.

But Todd complained enough about having to pay both Marta's and Pilar's salaries. There was no way he'd agree about hiring another maid. Jessica had conveniently forgotten that she was the one who was supposed to be paying Pilar's salary. Besides... with all her other expenses, she had other things to do with her money. Like paying her recent credit card bills.

Her heart had almost stopped when she saw the total cost of her trip to New York. She had kept her aqua dress and stuffed it in the back of one of her closets, one that she had told Marta not to bother cleaning. It was a closet full of old clothes, some of which she had since high school, that she couldn't bear to part with. Every time she saw the dress, she was reminded of Elizabeth's cruel behavior towards her.

Well, Jessica thought. I told Mom to talk to her for me, to make her listen. If she had warmed up to me, she wouldn't have hung up on me the other day.

Jessica shrugged moodily. She went to the mirror and tossed her golden hair over her shoulder. Her eyes were bright and very pretty, especially with the new liner she used on her lids. She smiled, and her face lit up, but even the dimple in her left cheek couldn't muster enough presence to construct an appearance of happiness on her lovely features. Lively music wafted from the stereo downstairs and she could feel the energy beneath her. She pursed her lips, wondering if she needed another touch up of lip gloss. She needed something to get her out of this funk she was living in...that's what this gathering was all about. By eleven o' clock, the party was in full swing.

More and more guests were arriving and Jessica figured it was time to make her grand entrance. She opened her bedroom door and floated down the stairs in a dramatic fashion. After about fifteen minutes of greeting her guests, and absorbing the compliments of how amazing she looked, the door opened and Lila entered wearing an off white mini dress that ended at her mid thigh. Jessica gave her friend a one over, thinking how her own tanned, slim legs would look against the shimmering silk fabric.

Looks like a great party Jess, Lila exclaimed over the noise of the party goers. She reached out for a glass of champagne from a tray that one of the servers was carrying, and Jessica couldn't help but notice the diamond on her finger. Within half an hour, Amy arrived, and the three friends mingled, enjoying the ambiance of the night air and the revelry around them.

Who? Amy asked, sipping her pineapple juice, as Lila pointed out a tall woman with pixie cut hair.

Barbara Winton. She's was on the cover of Ingenue last month, Lila explained.

She's not even that pretty, Amy remarked.

No, but she does have the look. Skinny, angular features, legs that go on forever. It's all about the posing and makeup, Jessica stated. Lots of makeup, she laughed.

That's right, a male voice boomed. You really know your stuff Jessica.

They turned around to see Brian, the blonde modeling agent that Jessica had gotten up close and personal with on New Year's. He shook hands with the three women, and focused his sexy amber eyes on Jessica the longest. Jessica felt a thrill every time she looked at him. He looked at her as if he wanted a second act in the play they began the night of Lila's party.

Lila excused herself and went to the powder room on the second floor and Amy chased down a server who was carrying a tray of mini savory crepes, leaving their hostess alone with her admirer. They chatted for a few minutes and Jessica became more and more impressed with Brian's knowledge of the fashion industry.

Lila went back downstairs and into the kitchen to get a drink of water. As she pulled the pitcher from the refrigerator, she looked up as Todd's brown hair appeared in the door entrance.

Hey Wilkins, said Lila, as she poured into her glass.

How was the game,? she asked as she joined them in the kitchen.

No game tonight, just practice, Todd replied politely. Seeing Lila Fowler in his home was not a welcome sight. Fowler Enterprises was one of the several companies who were laying in wait, trying to get their hands on the spoils of Varitronics' many losses.. This is one of the main reasons he left so abruptly the night of the Fowler's New Year's party. He couldn't stand to watch the showcase of wealth of Jessica's best friend and her family, knowing that his parents' own fortune was rapidly diminishing.

Where's Jess? Todd asked.

Lila shrugged as she brought her glass to her lips. She's somewhere around. There's so many people here.

Todd excused himself and went into the hallway. He spotted Amy Sutton in the corner of the entertainment room, giggling at whatever the bartender was whispering in her ear. Todd sighed as he looked around at the scene before him. Another night of Jessica's fashion friends was not what he was looking forward to. He was tired, the traffic from Los Angeles was a nightmare. All he wanted to do was play with his son, and spend a quiet, relaxing night with his beautiful wife.

Suddenly he spotted her, animatedly chatting with a man he knew to be an up and coming sportswear designer. He had met the man on the night of Lila's party, and found himself yawning when he talked about the benefits of spandex over polyester. Or was it nylon? Either way, Todd didn't care.

He walked up to them and politely greeted Jessica's companion. Can we talk,? he said to Jessica, pulling her away from the table.

Hi honey, she grinned up at him, kissing him on the cheek. He motioned her over to the empty hallway.

Why are all these people here? And where's Jake?

He's fine. He's asleep. I invited some people over, what's the big deal,? I told you about this last week! Jessica reminded him, seeing the annoyed expression on Todd's face.

You didn't tell me there would be so many people here. And this late?

You call this late? Jessica folded her arms. The party's just starting!

Just keep the noise down will you,? Todd said, as the boom of dance music filled the night air.

She was wearing skin tight leather pants and a ballerina style top that was a size too small, exposing much of her chest. Her blonde hair sparkled in the lights. She had gotten her figure back almost immediately after giving birth, except that she was bustier, a fact that she was very proud of. A tall blonde man came out into the hallway, interrupting husband and wife.

Oh hey Jess, his deep voice broke the silence. I was just looking for the bathroom.

Brian, this is Todd Wilkins, my husband, Jessica introduced the pair.

I hear you're a basketball player, Brian nodded at Todd.

Brian's an agent, Jessica explained as the men shook hands.

Was it his imagination, or was this guy smirking at him?

Talk later OK, she said, kissing him on the lips.

He walked around, trying to mingle with the guests, trying to play the host to Jessica's friends. After half an hour, he had had enough. These people talked of nothing except who was wearing what at whatever stupid premier or stupid party that happened whenever. He did not want to hear about auditions for a new show, or who had gotten on the casting couch to get herself the role.

Of course, he heard Lila exclaim. My mother designed the entire wardrobe.

And I helped, Jessica enthused. It was my idea to use the mother of pearl beading.

He excused himself and went upstairs into his son's room. Jake was adorable, with his little thumb stuck in his mouth, his deep brown hair in a disarray. Someone laughed loudly downstairs.

Let's go out to the pool, he heard Jessica yell.

The pool was situated downstairs, right outside of their third floor bedroom window. A barrage of noise followed, he heard the glass door open as bodies emptied onto the patio below. Todd sighed with resignation. He got undressed, and shut the window, trying to drown out the sounds from downstairs. He could hear the mixer whirring at the bar near the pool, whipping up cocktails for Jessica's guests, some of whom looked like they didn't need more alcohol for the night.

Todd rolled his eyes on hearing everyone cheer as champagne bottles were uncorked one after the other. He could hear Jessica laughing, always the life of the party, always the one everyone paid attention to. He turned on the TV, trying to concentrate on the nightly news. His eyes moved to his wife's dressing room, where he knew she put them. When he had first caught a glimpse of them, he pretended to be nonchalant about the whole thing, like he never gave it a passing thought. He had come home unexpectedly when she was in the shower, and they were spread out on the bed, for all the world to see. He didn't mention them to her, pretending that he never even saw them. But they had been haunting him ever since.

Just days ago, on an occasion where he was alone in their home, he had gone into the dressing room to look for them. After several minutes of snooping, he had found them in one of her numerous drawers and pulled them out.

As the meteorologist promised to return with a sunny forecast after the commercial break, Todd laid there in his bed, and had a sudden urge to see them again. He got out from under the covers, walked into the dressing room and opened the bottom drawer of one of Jessica's armoires. It was a jumbled mess of various papers, credit card statements, her passport, some makeup, lots of makeup. A round case of birth control pills stared at him as he fumbled through the drawer.

So much for us having another baby, he thought out loud. He placed his hand on the envelope and pulled them out. He walked out of the room and to the window again and saw his wife dancing away with that Brian fellow she introduced to him earlier. Brian's eyes were focused on Jessica's chest, her breasts bouncing with every move she made. She seemed to be having the time of her life. Lila looked to be tipsy, and she and Amy were seated at the pool's bar, dancing away, and laughing hilariously about what that model Rene just said.

He looked down at what was in his right hand, his other hand clenched into an angry fist. The Morrows were another set of vultures, flying around the carcass of his father's failed company, picking at every scrap that was the aftermath of Varitronics' declaration of bankruptcy... making them even richer than they already were. And Elizabeth….she was now one of them.

His Elizabeth…..the same girl who had been intimidated after his father got his promotion, the same Elizabeth who wasn't quite sure how she would fit into his new lifestyle, was now involved with a man whose family made the Wilkins, while even at the apex of their prosperity, look like a bunch of shabby peasants. His mother was the one who had told him about the marriage, she had seen the announcement in the society section of the Valley News. It was no surprise that Jessica said nothing about it, although he knew she had seen it in the papers herself. Either that, or someone in her family had told her before it was printed...

A young woman stood amidst a vibrant aster bush, the tiny, pale flowers almost matching her eyes. She was wearing a pale silk cream dress, cut in the style of a bygone era. The rich fabric ended at her slender ankles, a layer of ruffled silk completed the drape of the hem. Her golden hair was styled with curls and the length was pinned up to look a lot shorter than it was. He had always liked her with her hair up, it emphasized the cut of her cheekbones and gave a regal presence to her features.

She looked different, somehow younger but more knowledgeable at the same time. The cold weather had turned her skin into a rosy shade of ivory, and he closed his brown eyes, imagining the velvet feeling of it under his palms. Wax orange blossoms were made into a tiara that sat on her head, the silky strands of hair woven in between it. She looked like something out of the novel A Room With a View …..it was just like her to choose a dress like that. E.M Forster had always been one of her favorite authors.

She was wearing strapped ivory kid skin pumps, with Louis heels on her white stockinged feet. Except for her swan like neck, there was hardly any skin showing. She was almost entirely covered up, yet she was more enticing to him than his wife looked in her tiniest bikini. Aside from the tiny pearls on her earlobes, she wore no jewelry. Her wrists were empty of a watch, but he knew her, he knew she didn't need to wear one for her to be on time for her most special day.

She reminded him of those beautiful antique dolls his mother once showed him, the ones she was saving for the daughter that she never had. There were several pictures, some with her mother and her father, standing proudly with their beautiful daughter between them. He looked at the young man standing next to her, adrenaline rushed through his veins. He wanted to destroy that face, to stick the picture in a shredder and cut him out of it, just like he wished he could cut him out of her life. He had to admit, the two of them made a beautiful pair, if he squinted he could imagine that it was his own dark head that was standing next to her, kissing her palm, his hand at the small of her back... cutting the cake with her.

He saw her wearing another dress, this one gave him an eyeful of her bare shoulders and upper back, caressed by fat rings of pretty curls. He saw her dancing with her father, dancing with her brother, her father in law, with what seemed to be every man in attendance. Her smile radiated through the glossy paper that the prints were on, and he couldn't help but smile back at her. There were stars in her eyes as she looked at the man next to her, and he knew that it was no longer him that put them there.

He kept coming back to the first picture, the one with her standing all alone, among the flowers, the one where she looked directly into the camera, her eyes piercing through his soul. She wasn't smiling in this one. She always looked so beautiful with a smile, but it was that intense stare when she was deep in thought that he found her most appealing. He held the picture to his lips and…... He heard a small voice cry out from beyond the bedroom door. Todd stuffed the pictures back into the envelope and went back into Jessica's dressing room. He shoved them into the drawer, all except for one. He held the picture close to his heart. This one he would keep... keep it to himself. He would go to the photo lab and make a copy of it, and then return the original to the drawer.

Jessica doesn't have to know...

He went back into the bedroom, pulled an envelope out of his own drawer and placed the picture in it. He put it under a pile of papers as Jake's cries grew louder.

My son needs me, he thought, as he made his way back to Jake's room. A loud crash came from the kitchen, indicating that someone had broken something. Todd frowned.

So much for a good nights sleep. This is going to be a long night…..


Five hours later, Jessica stumbled into the bedroom, giddily tripping over her heels. Todd could smell the alcohol emanating from her, which made his headache, brought on by a sleepless night, all the more worse.

Glad to see you're finally coming to bed, he said sarcastically.

Jessica placed her hands on her hips. Why are you being so uptight? I just had a few friends over.

A few friends? Is that what you call those people? Some friends.

I'm sick of being cooped up here every evening while you get to go out to your stupid basketball games!

You think my games are stupid? What do you think is putting money on the table? Our son is a year old, he needs to sleep. I need to sleep. Why do you always have to have these people here? Models, agents, managers? I can't stand any of them. I don't want my kid growing up thinking that's all that matters.

You knew this is what I wanted, that this is my dream. You're selfish and stingy, you won't even give me money so I can start my own design firm!

I have given you money! I give you everything and it's never enough. I only bought this damn two million dollar house because you wanted it so much. We don't need to live in this neighborhood, nor do we need all this room. Why do we need so many bedrooms when you're not willing to have another baby?

Look, if you want another kid so much, why don't you have it,? Jessica yelled in exasperation.

I'm not spending nine months of looking like Shamu again. I have other plans. Brian said he's going to get me modeling for the best designers. No designer will want me if my belly is too big and my ankles are fat. And we do need to live in this neighborhood. Do you honestly expect me to entertain in that dump you used to live in?

A dump? I worked hard to get that place and pay rent on it and you call it a dump,? Todd shouted, his aching head pounding.

Look Todd, if I am going to make it in this business, I need to impress the right kind of people, Jessica continued, her eyes blazing.

And that starts with throwing my own parties and mingling. I get invited to important events all the time, and I return the favor by throwing my own. Nothing wrong with that!

Oh yeah, Todd retorted. Like those sleazebags are ever going to get you anywhere.

At least I have friends. What do you have? You never even want to go out anymore.

In case you haven't noticed, we have a son, a fifteen month old son, Todd reminded her, his voice full of frustration. Someone has to stay home with him besides his nanny. It's not like you have to be out all day.

Jessica rolled her eyes. You know, sometimes you sound just like my sister. I went through my whole life with Liz trying to be my mother, I don't need you to do it too.

I just won't say anything then. Look, do whatever you want, Todd said with annoyance, tired of fighting with her.

Fine! I'll sleep in my dressing room then, Jessica huffed angrily.

Fine,! Todd returned as she went in and slammed the door behind her. It was just one of their many arguments. They had been happening more frequently, especially after Jake was born. Todd was beginning to wonder if everyone else was right. That he made a mistake marrying Jessica. He was beginning to feel like he just didn't belong with her, that they were too different to ever make their relationship work. He didn't trust her, he didn't trust her at all. He thought of his son, sleeping in the room next to him and sighed. He had to do right by him. He'd have to make stronger attempts to be more patient with Jessica. It was all for his son and he was going to do his utmost to make the effort...