Jessica, do we really need a maid and a nanny,? Todd frowned as he signed another check. It seemed like the time to pay the mortgage came faster every month. The frequent bills never stopped coming. Every time he paid one, there was another one sitting on the desk in the foyer, summoning him as he walked in, waiting to be opened, all asking for a piece of him, his money, his hard work. They asked for his sprained ankles, his bruised knees, his nagging shoulders, the new pain in his back that kept popping up. And it was never enough….

It's not like we can't afford it, Todd, Jessica replied, admiring her freshly polished fingernails as she looked up from the gossip section of the newspaper.

Yeah, but between the car payments, the mortgage, the insurance, we should be saving more.

I work Todd, Jessica huffed as she walked to the hallway mirror, opened her purse and began to apply her passion plum eye shadow. This house isn't going to clean itself.

I'm just saying… well, my Mom worked, and she always managed to keep our house tidy.

And I bet Elizabeth's home is perfect, not a spot of dust, nothing out of place, everything clean…..he said silently, thinking of how Elizabeth wouldn't stand for mess and clutter.

Well, I'm not your mother, Jessica shot him a dirty look at the mention of Emily Wilkins. I'm not going to sit around, picking up toys and cleaning up spills, while you get to go out every night. And this house is way bigger than what you used to live in when you were a kid.

I don't go out every night, Todd countered, I hang out with my teammates after the game. You know it's part of the job. Mingling, team camaraderie, he expanded. And you never even come to my games anymore. Some support from my wife would be nice once in a while.

Well, I hate basketball, Jessica shrugged.

You always seemed to like it before.

That was when I was cheer-leading. I loved going to the games because I got to cheer, show off my skills and be with my friends. Watching a bunch of guys running around, chasing a stupid ball, talk about boring!

Boring? You're calling my games boring,? Todd glared at her, recalling how a few months ago on the night of one of her numerous parties, she had called his occupation stupid. You call my hard work, my daily practices, all the effort I throw in, doing it all to support my son….boring? Nice, he muttered, shaking his head.. In case you haven't noticed, boring is paying the bills.

Todd inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself and avoid another blowup with his wife. Jessica had some nerve. If anyone stayed out all night, it was her. And she had been his biggest supporter when he first started playing professionally.

Look, all I ask is that we cut back a bit, he said after a long pause. You spend money as soon as I put it in the bank.

He glanced over at the Valley News, laid out on the breakfast table. In the society section, there was a picture of Jessica from two nights ago at Verve Nightclub, standing with Jock Vance, his arm wrapped tightly around her as they posed for the camera. Jock was a model, known for his icy grey eyes and not much else. Except maybe the ridiculous thing he did with his lips in all of his pictures. The signature pout that got him contract upon contract that paid over five thousand dollars an hour.

What the hell kind of a name was Jock anyway?, Todd thought, half amused, half irritated. He paused for a moment, and realized he couldn't even summon a hint of envy from seeing Jessica on the arm of another man. She looked beautiful, glamorous, and every bit the celebrity that she was always dreaming of. But Todd had lost the ability to be jealous when it came to Jessica.

And you should think of spending more time with our son than posing with the newest models in Beverly Hills, he continued. You're absent from work so much of the time, it's a wonder Lila's mom hasn't fired you yet! Where is your paycheck going? You promised me you'd pay for Pilar to take care of Jake. Todd folded his arms. She hasn't seen a cent from you! And she doesn't need to be here half of the time that she is. She should only be here while you're out at work.

Jessica tossed her hair flippantly. Todd was beginning to sound like their high school principal, lecturing them on the evils of truancy.

I will have more of my own money soon, as soon as I start selling my own line. And besides. Part of my job is to hang out with everyone in the business. So what if I'm pictured with the models? It's all part of the show. I have to look good. I can't wear the same thing twice! Parties, premieres, as a designer, I want to make a name for myself. Don't you get that?

Todd put his fingers to his temples, as if he felt a headache coming on. He had a lot of headaches these days, most of them from worrying about his son's future and the continuing stress of his parents' finances. You can do a lot of designing at home. How are you going to design from the VIP room in a nightclub?

Are you serious? You want me to sit here all evening? I don't just lounge around holding a sketch pad you know. My job puts me in the presence of lots of important people in the industry. That are always looking for new talent.

Todd picked up the page from the newspaper and slammed it back on the table. If his wife was as talented as she had convinced herself she was, then wouldn't Grace Fowler give her a chance to design by now? Right. This guy Jerk must be a real inspiration to your sketching.

His name is Jock,! Jessica corrected him. And he happens to be one of the most famous models out there. He's worked in Milan, Paris, London. He's worked hard to get where he is.

Yeah, sitting around and getting his makeup done is real hard work, Todd snorted.

Jessica narrowed her eyes. I seem to remember you having a stint in modeling yourself Todd. So don't get all self righteous with me. Does the name Simone ring a bell? She's that skinny witch you were cheating on Elizabeth with.

Todd was slightly taken aback. He hadn't heard Jessica mention her sister's name for such a long time. The way she said it...it was almost like she was taunting him. The mention of Elizabeth's name sent his heart racing.

You really seemed to enjoy modeling back then, Jessica went on. I'm twenty four years old Todd, I'll sit in the house when I'm eighty. Jessica put her hands on her hips. I am sick and tired of having this conversation with you. We've already had it one hundred and thirty seven times! You know how important this is to me. All you ever do is nag. Nag, nag, nag, I'm fed up with it. What happened to the fun guy I married?

I grew up, Todd said simply, his voice lower. His dark brown eyes were suddenly far away. You need to grow up.

We have responsibilities now, this isn't playing house and this isn't all about fun and games. Todd shook his dark head. The party has to end sometime.

The party hasn't started yet, Jessica returned silently. Because I have yet to arrive. But I will,! someday…..

I've had enough of this, Jessica left the room, her pretty face in a scowl. Todd sighed, aggravated with this latest conflict.

What time are you coming home…..? Todd asked as she slammed the front door without answering. He wondered why he even asked. He didn't bother to get up to make sure. Knowing Jessica, she'd take anything but the route straight home. She'd be getting home, after Jake, who had just turned two, was long asleep…..again...


Jessica pressed her foot on the gas, not caring about the potential speeding ticket. Besides, she grinned, I'm usually good at talking my way out of them!

All she had to do was give the police officer her brightest smile combined with her most innocent, sorry look, and eight out of ten times, she got off with just a warning. Jessica frowned as she drove up the highway along the sea. Grace Fowler was in Barbados with her son and husband, and Jessica was left with a mountain load of work in her absence. She pulled into the parking lot of Grace's office building and sat in the car, the aqua blue of the ocean tempting her to start the Ferarri and drive off again. The thought of being in the presence of geeky Stuart Mearns for the entire day was too much! Today was the perfect day to lay on the beach, working on her tan, checking guys out, getting away from her real life. She didn't know what was worse, having Stuart breathing down her neck about deadlines…or having to lay in the same bed as Todd Wilkins, sit across from him at the table, have him as the father of her child…

Divorcing him would be so easy.

No!

Stop it Jessica! You'll stay married to him even if it kills you! Elizabeth wants to treat me like I'm nothing to her. This is her punishment! This is what she deserves for abandoning me! If I have to be miserable being married to Todd, then I'll leave her miserable knowing that I'm married to him. She's the one who was always preaching that twins are supposed to share, so I'm just gifting her with half of my suffering!

Take that sister,! Jessica said aloud in the car. Three Junes had gone by where she had to celebrate her birthday alone! All the happiness of holidays were gone, stolen by her selfish sister, excluding her from everything they once treasured!

I will stay with Todd till I'm ninety, if that is what it takes to pay her back for treating me like this,! Jessica vowed as she got out of her vehicle.

She trudged into the building, ignored Stuart's annoying glare as a result of her perpetual lateness, and went right to opening a mountain high stack of Grace's mail. She read the correspondence distractedly, and within a short time, stretched her arms over her head while she looked at the clock at the front of her desk. The ten minutes she had been sitting there felt more like ten hours.

Her belly growled, and she regretted that she hadn't eaten breakfast that morning. Todd's drivel about her spending habits had ruined her appetite. She eyed the clock again, remembering that she was supposed to be meeting Babette Patman later in the day. Although Jessica had a tinge of envy towards her, Babette was a most welcome distraction. Her old friends were never around, and her new friend hung on to her every word.

Babette seemed impressed with everything Jessica said or did, especially her links to the lifestyle they both desired. It was indeed refreshing to have some admiration for a change, especially from a companion who liked to shop and gossip as much as she did. Jessica frowned as she put some junk mail through the shredder. A lot of the time she felt lonely to the point where she actually missed her school days when she was surrounded daily with hundreds of people, with her being the most popular among them. Gone were the days when she could spend hours upon hours with her friends.

Amy was too busy with her new baby, Lila seemed to have gone into seclusion, and Cara…... with her new job at Fowler Memorial and balancing two young children, her sister in law never had the time. The husband who promised to love and cherish her was doing everything but. She felt no love, and cherish was the last word she would use for his attitude towards her. And on her end, the only thing she cherished was time spent away from him. She even felt abandoned by her own family.

There were numerous visits to the Morrow's huge mansion, plenty of occasions where Alice and Skye lunched together, shopped together… Ned Wakefield, who claimed he never had time for the stuffy games of the idle rich, was suddenly enjoying weekends of golf with Kurt Morrow at the Valley Country Club while their wives snacked on canapes in the ladies' tea lounge. There were frequent trips to the east coast, short ones, but ones that Jessica never failed to notice.

They never told her they were flying out to see Elizabeth, but Jessica knew what was going on. And to make it worse….every time she went to the house on Calico Drive, she was bombarded with new pictures of Elizabeth. Her parents used to be discrete, and kept all her sister's pictures tucked away in albums where they could view the goings on in their daughter's life in private. But now…ever since Elizabeth's marriage, they had them all out in the open. There were several pictures of Elizabeth sitting on a large blonde haired brown horse, elegantly clad in what looked to be a custom made riding outfit. Jessica knew enough about fabric to notice that what her sister wore on horseback must have cost a pretty penny. She gazed enviously at Nicholas to the left of her sister, on his own fine black stallion.

In the Wakefield's kitchen, there was a snapshot on the refrigerator of the most adorable golden retriever puppy laying contentedly in Elizabeth's arms, seemingly aware that the camera was capturing it's cuteness. Jessica watched as the dog grew bigger and bigger in every new photo, till it was almost adult sized, it's cream colored fur almost the same shade as her own hair. A series of pictures especially struck a nerve with her.

The traitors,! she thought two weeks ago, as she examined one fun filled moment after another. Her mother, father, Cara, Steven and their children… they were all on board what was one of the most gorgeous private yachts that Jessica had ever seen. The yacht was practically as big as the Titanic! One of the pictures showed the name of the boat, and she clearly saw Elizabeth painted at the side of the luxurious vessel. The photos were clearly taken just about a month before, soon after she had gone shopping with Cara for a bathing suit, a red floral one piece, which she was wearing that particular day.

Her dark hair appeared wet, like she had just come in from a swim. The two children were both clad in swimwear, and Nathan was outfitted with water wings. They were clearly taken at the very end of summer, when the water was still warm enough for swimming. She remembered calling the house during that time and no one had answered.

If I had known that was what she wanted a new bathing suit for, I would have told her to go to the mall herself! That must have been when they were over there! They didn't even tell me they were going! Despite her anger, Jessica practically drooled, admiring the sleek lines of the yacht. Elizabeth looked especially pretty in a svelte black strapless maillot with strategically placed bands of white, cut in a style that resembled a tuxedo. Nicholas, who stood behind her had his arms tightly around her waist, the fluffy dog at their feet as they stood on deck. Jessica admired her sister's trim physique, and the contrast of the black fabric against her skin. It almost looked as if she purposely chose the suit to match the boat named in her honor. Jessica's eyes focused on their mother who looked carefree and happy, shorter than her daughter, but cut a very fine figure in her retro style apple green two piece.

Well I wish it would have hit an ice burg and sank!, she thought meanly as she looked at the bright smiles of the sailing party. With all of them them in it! I should have been there. In fact, I should have a husband who can buy a whole fleet of yachts and name every damn one after me!

I don't even know why I bother going there, she thought, noting that there were significantly less of her own presence on the walls and side tables of the Wakefields' den and living room. She's always been their favorite! Jessica pouted while stapling some memos.

But she couldn't help herself. She couldn't have stayed away even if she wanted to. It was almost torture, seeing Elizabeth everywhere, in what had practically become a shrine. But Jessica couldn't help but want to see them, to devour every print, to sate her appetite for her sister's world. Every new picture was an opening into her life, into her existence, where even a fly on the wall was more welcome than she was.

Jessica grudgingly found herself seeking alternative friendships. And so by default, Bruce's new wife was soon her most frequent companion. She never had the excuse of work, nor was she fussing over a new baby. She hadn't gotten her license yet, and Jeeves, the family's chauffeur was always on hand to accommodate the young Mrs Patman's whims. Jessica thought of her new friend. It would have been wonderful, to be so rich that she worked only because she wanted to, not because she needed to. However, days spent lounging at the Patman's pool left the young woman with little else to do besides follow her new mother in law on errands.

Babette often complained about the dullness of Marie Patman's friends, and Jessica felt it was her duty to help the less fortunate, friendless girl. Isn't that what Elizabeth was always advocating? About good deeds? Jessica was doing her part by letting Babette into her life, and the privilege of being in her company. Of course, Jessica grinned, it did help that Babette was very generous with her wallet, unlike Lila, who always made Jessica pay her share whenever they were out together. Hanging out with Babette certainly had it's perks, especially whenever she pulled out another of her platinum cards on Jessica's behalf, and when she didn't need to worry about driving home after another wild night on the town.


Six hours later, after a monotonous shift of sending faxes, ordering fabric and dealing with Grace's impatient clients, Jessica left the office and drove to Beverly Hills where she met Babette, dressed in a white pair of shorts and a very expensive looking navy mohair sweater. Her dark red hair hung loose around her shoulders, and was held in place by her exquisite Cartier sunglasses. They settled at having a late lunch at Le Cou Cou, the newest French restaurant, with plans to hit the shops on Rodeo Drive afterwards.

Have you noticed how fat Lila has gotten,? Babette stated in her thick accent.

Jessica giggled in response, but before she could answer, they were startled by a newcomer to their table.

Well well well, if it isn't Elizicca. Or should I say Jessibeth, the words rang out as Jessica was about to dig into her croissant. She looked up from her pastry at the sound of the voice, one that she was very familiar with, one she heard on most days, even though she hadn't seen it's source in person for several years. Her aqua eyes locked with the ones of Brandon Hunter, and she scowled at his arrogant smirk. She was immediately taken back, to when she and Elizabeth won roles on The Young and the Beautiful, one of her favorite soap operas. Brandon had proven himself to be nothing more than a conceited cad, his acting skills no where near the necessary level to justify his unbelievable ego.

And looking as lovely as ever. You've really grown up Elizabeth, he remarked, giving her a one over.

It's Jessica,! she replied, giving him a scathing look. Jessica looked across the table to see if her companion was annoyed with the intrusion as much as she was. But from the looks of it, Babette had frozen on sight, immediately spellbound as Brandon gave her a blindingly white smile.

You're….you're, she began her mouth agape. Jeremy, on the Young and the Beautiful!

Jeremy's my alter ego, Brandon confirmed. You're a fan,? he smiled again. It's always nice to run into fans, especially beautiful ones like yourself, he winked.

The biggest, Babette giggled with too much enthusiasm for Jessica's taste.

Didn't Babette see how phony Brandon was?

I detect an accent, Brandon said, as if it was the most amazing feat on earth. Let me guess, you're French?

Oui, Babette answered. Are you related to Drake Hunter, you know…..he plays Ted on As the Waves Churn..

No, Brandon smirked. We just happen to have the same last name. He's pretty new to the industry. Don't tell me you watch As the Waves Churn? Brandon scoffed while Babette blushed.

That show is nothing but trash,! Brandon continued. They have the worst writers over there. And you can tell their sets are low budget. They give our industry a bad name with their ridiculous plot lines. And Drake cannot act his way out of a paper bag.

Jessica snorted, trying to cover her amusement with a fit of coughing.

Imagine that,! He's about as emotive as a dead tree, and he has the nerve to criticize someone else's acting skills,! she thought, taking a sip of her sparkling water.

A pretty girl like you must have better taste than that, Brandon added, ignoring Jessica. We are number one in the ratings, he bragged.

Jessica squirmed as Brandon laid on the charm. There was no love lost between her and Brandon, but, she didn't like any other woman getting the attention that she felt she was naturally entitled to.

You don't like their show better than ours do you,? Brandon teased.

Oh, no, Babette insisted, I love the Young and the Beautiful, more than anything. Especially when Francis found out that the baby was his, and Mona was lying all along!…..

And when Margaret died and you were sobbing at her bedside!…

Jessica gulped down more water, almost choking as the sharp bubbles tickled her throat. The scene, as she remembered it, showcased Brandon's lack of talent. She remembered him on screen in a hospital scene, trying to squeeze a tear from his eye and failing miserably.

Babette gleamed, her smile radiant. Is Margaret really dead? she queried, her brown eyes large with anticipation.

Well, you'll just have to watch to find out, Brandon raised his brow cockily. I might have a new love interest soon. Actually, he paused, eyeing Jessica, they're looking for young, attractive women to audition for a new role on a new show. Preferably with some soap experience.

At his words, Jessica's heart started pounding.

You must have seen the promos for Nights of Our Lives, Brandon added. That show will be tied in with ours, sort of like our sister soap. Only….. it will be broadcast primetime. It's a great opportunity for the new cast. Most of it's already cast, but there are still some roles for the picking.

The auditions aren't really public knowledge yet, they're keeping it all under wraps for now. Of course, with my name attached to it, the ratings will hit the roof, he boasted. I'll only be making a few guest appearances on the first few shows. And periodically as the season moves ahead. The premiere will be a few weeks from now.

So Jessie... Brandon pulled a chair from another table and sat down, long time no see. I have to admit, you and your sister were pretty impressive for novices. Of course, it takes a really strong actor to bring out the skills in the less experienced. The two of you were lucky that most of your scenes centered around me.

Tell me more about the new show Brandon, Jessica said, trying to downplay her interest. Can anyone audition? Or are they mostly looking for industry regulars?

Brandon cocked his head. Sure anyone can audition. There's one role in particular that I think you'd be perfect for Jessie. Of course, industry regulars are more likely to get contracts. The newbies have to prove themselves before they offer them higher salaries and more airtime...

As Brandon continued, Jessica tuned him out. This was the opportunity she had been waiting for since she was born! Her brief time at The Young and the Beautiful had been one of the best experiences of her life. And also the most exhausting. Balancing her time spent at school and being on the set had sapped away most of her usually high level of energy. It had always been her dream, to be a famous actress. And now, she wouldn't have to worry, there was no more schoolwork or curfew.

No more of her mother asking her if she got her assignments done before driving to the studio in Hollywood. No more falling asleep in English class, all while trying to memorize her lines. She could dedicate all her time to her career! And prime time performers often made a lot more money than the actors in daytime. She pictured herself on stage, the lights flashing, bringing out the contours of her face, her blonde hair gleaming like gold, dressed in haute couture, and holding her winged statuette at the Emmys. She'd thank her family, all her friends, everyone who helped bring her up to the level she was at. She would even be generous and thank Elizabeth. Yes! She'd be so happy that she'd be willing to be the bigger person and forgive her sister!

Her face aglow with excitement, she turned to Brandon.

When are the auditions? She interrupted, as Brandon was telling Babette about his windfalls in Montecarlo's casinos, and his personal invitation to the royal palace, by none other than Princess Stefanie herself.

They're ongoing. Remember, it's still not officially out yet. I'm doing you a real favor by letting you in early. You can drop by the studio, I'll make sure Marve knows you're coming, he said casually.

Isn't Natasha still casting director,? Jessica queried, recalling the gaudily dressed woman who had picked her and Elizabeth to be on the show.

No, Natasha moved to Hollywood Tonight. Marve is actually in charge of casting these days. Remember him?

Of course, Jessica replied, picturing the show's producer. How can I forget,? she added to herself.

Marve Akins had been the one who was in cahoots with Brandon's hideous plan to have it appear that Jessica and Brandon were dating. And at sixteen, she was naive enough to fall for Brandon's spell and was duped into believing he was falling in love with her. It was just another example of the underhanded tactics played in the entertainment industry. Looking back on it now, Jessica understood that sometimes the end justified the means. The story line had been a ratings smash. She didn't like the fact that she'd been led on, but she was willing to let bygones be bygones if it would further her career.

And what better way than to cozy up to Brandon, she thought, giving him her most radiant smile as he entertained Babette with his Amazon river adventure.

Suddenly, being in the presence of Brandon Hunter was not so bad after all…..