Yes, the holidays are always my favorite part of the year. And I am so thrilled when I get to spend more precious moments with my husband.
And I'm ecstatic when I spend time with his credit card! Jessica tossed her golden locks over her shoulder, just knowing that the camera was capturing all the natural highlights in her hair.
He spends so much of the season away from us, she gave an exaggerated sigh as Jake squiggled on her knee, trying to get down to play with the sparkling red and green spheres on the Christmas tree.
It's never enough time, but we do the best with what we've got. We spent Thanksgiving with Todd's parents at their home.
Most unfortunately, she added silently.
Sounds great, Melvin Roberts, the interviewer for Net Dreams magazine replied, nodding his head and taking notes.
Oh it was great alright! I spent most of it trying not to throw up Emily's grease slicked scalloped potatoes while she yapped about her boring bake sale at the church!
And, Jessica….will you be going there for Christmas with them as well?
Hell no! I rather pour battery acid down my throat than sit and eat at Emily Wilkins's table again!
We'll be together. Jessica forced a smile. But I am hosting this time. And with my own family as well. I have invited all of them over for the day.
Minus my holiday stealing excuse of a twin!
It's going to be wonderful, she added.
Especially since Elizabeth won't be here. She Scrooged me over last Christmas. This time, I'm going to Grinch her! This is her payback for making everyone leave me alone last year! She's bound to fly over here from New York, just so that she can show up at the dullest event of the century, AKA, Enid Rollins' wedding.
And Jake... will he be following in his father's footsteps? He looks like he's all set to dribble his way into the NBA, Melvin commented, observing an adorable Jake, clad in a replica of his father's uniform, a gift from Todd's mother.
Hell no again! I don't want Jake to be anything like Todd! As soon as you leave, I'll have Marta burn that stupid outfit. And as soon as he gets old enough, I'll take him to the marina for some sailing lessons! Better to conquer the high seas than to sweat like a pig on the basket ball court! And I used to think Todd looked so sexy when he was playing! I bet Nicholas was an expert sailor before he even went to preschool! And that he always looks cool and collected when he's at the helm of his yacht!
She pictured Nicholas, scrubbing off Elizabeth's name from the boat, and adding on hers instead. Jessica frowned, caught up in her thoughts of her sister, forgetting the reporter was observing her every move. Elizabeth does not deserve Nicholas, with her so pathetically pining after Todd!
Jessica,? Melvin called out, breaking her moment of distraction.
It's hard, she continued, ignoring the question and adding the perfect amount of martyrdom in her voice…raising my son when his father is often away from us, but we all have to make sacrifices in life.
The three of you appear to be the ideal family. So, are there plans to make it four? Melvin glanced at Jake, who had escaped Jessica and was under the tree pulling off the icicles.
Are there plans for little Jake to have a brother or sister soon?
Hell no for the the third time! That would mean sex. What kind of sicko would suggest I have sex with Todd Wilkins and have a baby with him?
Yes, Todd and I are so devoted to each other, we're so blessed with what we already have, she answered with sweetness, hoping that Elizabeth would read her words and eat her just desserts.
But then again, Jessica mused, extending the olive branch might be just what was needed. As long as Elizabeth returned one, with Nicholas sprouting from its buds. An exchange of gifts for this holiday season would be perfect. Elizabeth could have Todd, as long as Jessica could have Nicholas.
We couldn't be happier. Right now, I am focusing on my career, but, she smiled mysteriously, giving the photographer a cover worthy shot, who knows,?…. perhaps soon.
Melvin nodded slowly. Now that you've mentioned it, we can move on to the next topic. Your own career. You've been often ranked among the highest level in the gorgeous basketball wives polls, the reporter said.
I have? Jessica blushed modestly, her eyes wide with innocence. No kidding! I am way prettier that the majority of those frumps!
Well, I hardly have time to pay attention to that, she giggled coquettishly, tossing her hair as the photographer took some shots of Jake under the tree.
Melvin looked through his notepad while straightening his glasses. We know you were Miss Teen Sweet Valley, the captain of your high school cheerleading squad, prom queen, in an exclusive sorority, appeared in a soap opera, and now, you play a very active role in the local fashion scene, and are definitely one to watch on the Hollywood circuit. How do you find time for it all?
Well, working for Grace Fowler Creations is a privilege. She understands what it is to be a busy mom in the style industry. Not for long though. Not after I become a prime time star!
And I've always been skilled at balancing my life, getting my priorities in order. Like tanning, partying, having a good time….
We often see reports of your infamous nightclub jaunts. Are all the stories true?
Of course, those things are exaggerated. They're mostly job related, Jessica explained, not wanting to come off as a desperate pub crawler. My priority is my son, and yes, work takes up so much of my time, but I always put him and Todd first. Why just last week, I took Jake to see Santa at the Valley Mall. The line was two hours long! But it was worth it to see the huge smile on his face.
The reporter followed Jessica's eyes to the frame on the mantelpiece, where a very bewildered looking Jake sat on an overly stout man in a red suit, a huge white flossy beard hanging off his chin. The photo had been taken just last week.
Anything for my baby, she continued graciously as Melvin nodded in approval, picturing the scene.
I have children myself, I know how chaotic the Santa line can be, but it sounds like you're a trooper, the man told her admiringly, taken with her devotion.
Had he been there he would have seen that Jessica had driven to the mall and dashed inside, while Pilar strapped Jake into his stroller, wheeled him to the the mall's version of the North Pole, then stood on the never ending queue while the ever dedicated young mother made her way to Bibi's….. And Lisette's.
I must say, Melvin looked around, this is a beautiful home. The decor is very stylish, modern, and because of all the glass, you can see the most gorgeous views from right here.
Yes, Jessica agreed. Todd and I love sitting by the pool and watching the sunset together.
Actually, I love when the sun sets so I can go to my closet and find an outfit to wear. Then I can go out on the town and get away from Todd and his lame Blockbuster nights!
Isn't it romantic,? she gushed, as she and Melvin got up and moved towards the sliding glass doors and her chic, half circle shaped pool with it's inviting azure water.
Jake ran out to meet them, always looking for an opportunity to go out on the patio, where he was mostly forbidden. Todd had recently installed a pool alarm that could alert the entire neighborhood if necessary.
The cameraman followed behind, instrument in hand, capturing Jessica against the backdrop of the valley and mountains beyond her.
How about a couple of shots of you and Jake by the pool?
Good idea, she replied, as she held Jake's hand and led him to the edge of the water.
So when will the issue be printed?
It should be on the newsstands right before Christmas, Melvin replied. And, I can't guarantee it, but between you and me, you're a shoe in for this issue's cover.
Perfect, Jessica smiled happily.
Important interview and magazine cover in December, show premiering in January. A very merry Christmas and an even happier new year. And it's all for me!
Alice grabbed a sheet of paper towel, using it to wipe up the drops of olive oil that were scattered on her kitchen counter. She turned around and pulled out a bag of romanine lettuce from the refrigerator, took it to the sink and started washing the large green leaves. The timer beeped, alerting her that is was time to take the squash out of the oven. She turned off the tap as she glanced at the clock above the stove. Her husband and son would be home in another hour. Cara was working the evening shift at Fowler Memorial, and wouldn't be home until midnight.
A fit of giggles caught her attention and she looked down just in time to catch her granddaughter tossing a small plastic ball at her brother's head. Her grandson Nathan was sitting under the small breakfast table at the corner of the kitchen, scribbling with yellow chalk and making a mess on the tiles while his younger sister began amusing herself by throwing her lettered blocks at him. Alice watched as Nathan, irritated by his sister's antics, grabbed a crayon from the floor and threw it at her head, missing her eye by a couple of centimeters.
Karen, Nathan. You play nice, ! Alice said, as she walked over to the children, picked up Karen and placed her in her high chair. A bowl of sweet potatoes and diced chicken sat on the tray, and the small child immediately grabbed a handful and placed it in her mouth as Alice secured Nathan in his own seat. As soon as she had him settled, an orange chunk of the mashed treat flew past her head and onto the floor.
After I finish making this salad, and you've had your dinner, the two of you are going straight for your bath. And then to bed!
No! Nathan answered, his large blue eyes defiant.
Yes! Alice returned. Good girls don't throw toys and food at their brother. And good boys don't throw them back! And good children take their baths before bed!
No!, Nathan repeated, struggling in his chair and trying to get out of it.
If you continue this, neither of you will get a present from Santa this year, Alice warned, folding her slender arms. Karen looked at her grandmother, ignored her scolding and tossed a piece of chicken at Nathan's head. But I guess that doesn't matter since neither of you understand who or what Santa is, Alice sighed, her mind drifting. If only he were real. I only have one true wish this year…..
Watching the two innocent toddlers romping happily and listening to their impish laughter always brought a surge of warmth to her heart, and she couldn't help but reflect on another time, when she was on high alert for the combined mischief of a stubborn, but handsome dark haired little boy and two of the cutest blonde girls who, to this day, still occupied the biggest piece of her mind.
Alice frowned as she scooped up the food from the floor. Christmas was not going to be easy this year. If Santa was real and she could ask him for a present, it would be to have a wonderful Christmas with all three of her children under the same roof. The same way it used to be.
The way it's supposed to be, she mused. Nothing would make her happier. But…she sighed. It was not meant to be. News of Enid Rollins' wedding had reached Jessica's ears. And, Jessica would not have to be Nostradamus to know that meant Elizabeth would be in town. Elizabeth would never miss her best friend's wedding.
But she did miss her own sister's. Who happened to be marrying her ex boyfriend….Alice shook her head.
She was tired of the whole sordid mess. And she had come to a decision. They were going to sit down and talk about it as a family.
Yes,! Alice vowed. I have to do something about it. I've got to make Elizabeth come to her senses. For Jessica's sake more than mine.
Her ever restless daughter was throwing herself into every fad and every trend, trying in vain to distract herself. There was always a party, always a gathering to attend to, but the look of dissatisfaction never left her beautiful features, the signs of emptiness never gone from her blue green eyes. She would come by often, showing off her new clothes, talking about her newest schemes and grand designs, and then, unaware that her mother was watching, silently retreat to her sister's old room, as if hoping she would be there.
It was all too evident that her marriage was on life support, only held by a meagre string that was only as strong as Jessica's obstinance, one that refused to flatline. She did her best to hide it, but Alice knew her daughter only too well. Everything she did was an attempt at ignoring the unmistakable loneliness, and from the misery in her head. Jessica was obviously holding onto this sorry excuse of a marriage to Todd in an attempt to spite her sister, who she believed abandoned her.
All Alice wanted was for both of her girls to be happy. But, how could they be if they were so far apart, not only in miles, but in spirit? Whatever ties they had were severed, and as their mother, it was her job to bring them back together. As excited as she was for Elizabeth's impending arrival, she also felt a sense of foreboding. In one of her usual bouts of selfishness, Jessica had invited the family to her home for Christmas day, knowing that Elizabeth would not set foot in her house.
This was her way of one upping her sister, by giving her a Wakefield-less Christmas. As soon as she learned about the wedding, Jessica had insisted that they would spend Christmas at her home on Valley Crest Drive, and nowhere else. What Jessica didn't know was that Alice had already accepted an invitation from Skye Morrow to spend the holiday with them. Alice ran her hands through her hair. If she went to Jessica's, then what time would she have to celebrate with Elizabeth? Elizabeth, the daughter who lived on the other side of the continent, who she missed dearly, who she felt she was never able to spend enough time with….
I have a good mind to not go anywhere, to force them to come here and spend time with us,! she thought, as she pushed a blonde lock behind her ear. They need to spend time together. How else are they going to make up? They need to get to know each other again, to understand why they love each other.
Elizabeth is flying in tonight, tomorrow, I'll approach her, I'll get Jessica here, sit them down, tie them up if I have to, she pledged to herself. She had a flash of memory, both towheaded girls in their playpen, talking a secret language that no one else understood.
I have to do this, Alice vowed. They need to communicate with each other, and it will work out. Elizabeth is not leaving Sweet Valley unless they call a truce!….
Elizabeth looked through the rounded glass at the abundance of grassland, prairies, carpets of snow, all from over forty thousand feet. They were somewhere over Missouri , or was it Kansas? She had forgotten where the captain said. It seemed fitting, her flying over the Great Plains, with a copy of the Grapes of Wrath in her hands. The story had always been one of her favorites, and right at this moment, she couldn't help but compare her situation to the Joad family, their moving towards California with all the possessions they could cram into their pitiful jalopy, while she flew high in the sky, luxuriating in the lap of opulence.
She leaned over and gave her sleepy pet a pat on her fuzzy neck, assuring her that she was pleased with her behavior. This was Vixen's first time on a plane, and the first couple of hours after takeoff she had been restless and whiny, confused about this new sensation. But she had calmed herself and was settled in a position under Elizabeth's seat, wagging her tail whenever she was petted, and perking her ears whenever she heard a strange new sound. It was December eighteenth, two days before Enid's wedding, and Elizabeth was trying hard to not let anxiety get the better of her. The last time she had been in Sweet Valley, she had stayed less than a week. This time, her stay would be longer. Her emotions were running high, her nerves unsettled at what was to come.
And my father says he's coming, Enid had told her, between descriptions of the flowers and the color she had chosen for the embossed cake stand. He promised to walk me down the aisle….
Give me another one with less ice this time Elaine, Skye requested from the uniformed stewardess, as she removed a damp, menthol and lemon soaked linen from her forehead. She was the picture of elegance, her long legs stretched out on the luxurious cream leather divan, her dark head propped with a trio of plush navy silk velvet cushions.
Elizabeth sat upright and across from her, trying to listen to her conversation while focusing on the words in her novel. Nicholas and his father were in the cockpit, enjoying the full frontal view of the sky from the large plexiglass windows. Elizabeth looked up from her book and around at the mahogany accents and brass fittings of the storage cabinets, feeling more like she was in a hotel suite, than in a plane. The server returned with Skye's mixture of champagne and pineapple juice, handing it to her on a small silver tray.
More ginger ale Mrs Morrow,? she smiled and asked Elizabeth.
No thank you, Elizabeth smiled in return.
We'll be serving lunch in twenty minutes. Have you decided what you'd like?
Lunch? Elizabeth looked up at her. It seemed like less than an hour had passed since an exotic fruit and cheese plate had been placed in front of her. She picked up her gourmet menu convinced that her jitters had ruined her appetite. Which would you suggest?
Well, the black bass with shitake white sauce is excellent, but so is the marinated lamb with orange plum sauce, Elaine replied. There's also the stuffed filet mignon with creamed spinach.
Surprise me, Elizabeth said. I can't decide.
Elaine nodded politely turning to Skye. And are you feeling better Mrs Morrow? Ready for lunch?
I'm feeling a lot better, Skye announced. The first couple of hours always make me light headed, she said, taking a sip of her drink as Elizabeth handed Elaine her menu. I think I'll have the lamb.
Very good choice Mrs Morrow, Elaine replied, excusing herself.
We're going to have a wonderful Christmas, much better than Thanksgiving for sure, Skye went on. I don't have to experience my other favorite holiday with that insufferable woman! My headache's gone, she whispered wickedly,and Elizabeth giggled, knowing exactly what….. or whom she was referring to.
Elizabeth looked at Skye curiously. She had first noticed the light tension, the polite reservedness between her mother in law and Nicholas's grandmother at her wedding, but didn't think it was her place to pry. Plus, the last few weeks at work were busier than ever, and she and Nicholas had spent the majority of it in the city, leaving her with little time to observe the domestic unbliss. Nicholas' grandparents had stayed in Connecticut till well after the holiday ended, forcing Skye to entertain them in the Belle Haven mansion.
I'm always happy to see the back of her.
But… Elizabeth bit her lip, putting the book down on the table next to her. John Steinbeck was going to have to wait.
She was so nice to me. And Nicholas adores her. She seems like a such a sweet lady, very generous, she continued, picturing the elder woman with her china blue eyes and greying light brown hair .
Ha! To you maybe, Skye stated, with a light smirk on her face. She likes you Elizabeth, she added. She hates me. She didn't think I was good enough for her son.
But why,? Elizabeth cocked her head. It's not about money is it?
No, not at all, Skye explained. My parents left me a fortune that significantly surpassed theirs when I married Kurt. It's because I committed the grave sin of marrying her son. She had his entire life mapped out for him, and I ruined her plans. I was not who she hand picked for him and she's despised me ever since.
I find it hard to believe that, Elizabeth countered.
Skye's shook her head. Well it's true. She thought I was too much a New Yorker, which is ridiculous, because the only city experience I had was modeling shoots and weekend trips with my parents. They wanted him to marry a nice girl from Beacon Hill, who went to Radcliffe, one whose family they had known forever….. his own kind. Hmmmh! When we were dating it was horrible, she continued. I remember the first day I met them, his parents, and all the extended family. She laughed suddenly, her brown eyes reflective.
I could barely understand the lot of them and their dreadful accents! Her eyes glinted with mischief. You should have heard my husband speak when we first got married. Because of me, he's improved tremendously, she insisted. It's not as heavy as it used to be. I've seen to that! And Nicholas! Well, he had one too, but not as bad as his father's, and it got better when we sent him to boarding school.
Well, I think it's charming, Elizabeth smiled lazily as she adjusted the recliner of her seat. I love the sound of his voice.
Well it was my idea to send Nicholas to school in Connecticut, Of course, Mother dearest disapproved. And you should have seen her reaction when we decided to move to California. She took to her bed for a month! She has an issue with everything I do, blames me for everything, Regina's deafness, Nicholas's disaster of a first marriage, Skye took a sip of her drink, her eyes far. Everything….
Elizabeth nodded, understanding Skye's unspoken thoughts immediately. Family can hurt us the most, she replied, her mind again on her own situation.
You're thinking about your sister aren't you,? Skye eyed her thoughtfully. Have you considered seeing her?
I've been trying not to think about it, Elizabeth told her. The last time we spoke, I hung up on her. This trip is all about Enid. Everything else comes second. I want be there with my best friend at her wedding and spend time with my family. But that's it! Whatever else happens…will happen, she shrugged as the galley door opened, and Elaine appeared, rolling in a cart heaped with covered silver trays and ending the turn in the conversation...
