Where were you Liz? Enid asked as Elizabeth walked towards her, having escaped from her mother's interrogation. I got ambushed in the bathroom by Caroline of all people, Elizabeth replied.

Enid shook her head from side to side as Elizabeth giggled.

It's like an art form, how she has a knack for knowing the story before it's even written, she continued. She tried to get more out of me, about Jessica…. but I wouldn't let her. And then my mother….

There she is! That's her! An enraged voice bellowed, interrupting them. Elizabeth watched in confusion as Enid's mother approached them, accompanied by a short blonde woman, her face an angry red, her eyes shooting accusatory darts directly at her.

You did this,! she screeched, while pointing a manicured mauve fingernail. This is her,! she yelled, capturing the attention of the party goers at the bar.

Could you keep your voice down please, Adele scolded her, trying to pacify the woman's rising anger. Let's go somewhere quiet, where we won't have an audience, she whispered, as she noticed the hired cameraman nearby with his state of the art video recorder. She gently took hold of her shoulders and motioned for Enid and Elizabeth to follow them. I'm sure there must be a good explanation for this.

Enid, this is Myra, who was supposed to do your hair.

Oh? Enid gazed at her coolly. How nice of you to show up. Five hours later than expected.

That's not my fault,! Myra insisted. Ask your friend here,! she continued, her accusing eyes never leaving Elizabeth's face. They moved closer to the back exit and out of the hearing of the guests.

What seems to be the problem,? Elizabeth eyed her…. perplexed, folding her arms. What exactly have I done,? Can you please explain what's going on?

Oh you know what's going on, Myra huffed. I was at a show in LA, and I got stuck in the bathroom. For well over three hours, until someone heard me screaming and called maintenance.

She held up her hands and flipped them over, giving an eyeful of the red welts on her skin.

My fists are aching from pounding on the door! But you already know that don't you! She turned to Adele, her ire not waning.

She's the one who sent me up there, she must have known the lock mechanism was broken. I should sue! I should call the police! You! Yes you Jennifer!

Jennifer?….At her words, Elizabeth began putting the pieces together. She and Enid looked at each other, their eyes confirming an understanding of the origin of the debacle.

I'm so sorry. But I'm not Jennifer, Elizabeth said in her calmest voice.

What kind of show were you at?

As if you don't know, Myra replied, her hands on her hips. Grace Fowler's Christmas show in LA.

We're so sorry about this. But you have got to be mistaken. Elizabeth was with us for most of this morning, Enid said, putting a soothing hand on Myra's arm. There are no hard feelings, it's all just a big misunderstanding. I'll be happy to compensate you with whatever it is you were owed for today. She smiled encouragingly. Now go out there and enjoy the party, she continued. There are plenty of refreshments that I hope will tempt you.

But… Myra interjected …..

Now let's forget it shall we, Adele interrupted leading her away. The bartender is making the most delicious daikiris and I see a raspberry one with your name on it. Or anything else that you may want….

Elizabeth watched as they walked away, her cheeks red while the blood rushed through her veins.

Well, that certainly explains things. At least this time she didn't use my real name like she usually does. She put her palm on her forehead, her eyes flashing as she moaned in frustration. My sister is once again up to no good. I should have known she'd find a way to interfere!

Can you believe this? This time, I should go over to her house and strangle dear Jennifer! She sees it as a harmless prank, a childish antic, just like everything else. What if there was a fire, and that poor woman couldn't get out? She never thinks, she never sees beyond the length of her her own petty and catty desires, never thinks about the consequences of her actions.

She was though… Enid responded, thinking about the consequences I mean. She wanted to wreck my day and she almost succeeded. It's more about hurting you, because she's hurting. Don't you see? She's only doing it to get your attention. To send a message, that even though you have excommunicated her, that she can still instill her miserable presence in your life. Upsetting me by ruining my day would ultimately upset you. I won't give her a second thought and neither should you. It's just another of her stunts. She doesn't want anyone to be happy. Don't give her the satisfaction of acknowledging her tricks and ruining what's left of the day.

You know, you're right. Elizabeth conceded, lowering her voice when her mother emerged from a flower canopy set up for the occasion. As Alice approached them, Elizabeth bit her lip, changing the subject. She's been trying to corner me ever since I landed, she whispered to Enid. I think she's scheming to get me and Jessica together. But it's not happening, especially after her latest performance.

Enid, you look lovely, Alice remarked, giving her a kiss on her cheek as she took in the bride's high waisted dress and plump cheeks. The entire ceremony was beautiful and I can't thank you enough for inviting us. Your mother did a wonderful job organizing the entire event. She opened her pale pink leather purse and pulled out an envelope, then handed it to Enid.

Thank you…Enid said, smiling graciously. But you're not leaving are you? We haven't even cut the cake yet.

Ned and I are taking the children home, Alice explained apologetically. Nathan is sleepy and if he doesn't get his afternoon nap….well…

She patted Enid's protruding stomach gently.

Just you wait till you have a little boy. They are forces to be reckoned with.

Elizabeth, she said, turning to her daughter and leaning over to kiss her cheek. I expect you tomorrow, she said in her most no nonsense tone, her blue eyes unrelenting.

Yes Mom, Elizabeth said weakly, unable to put up a fight.

Good, then it's all settled, Alice declared, her eyes brimming with satisfaction…...


Later that evening, Elizabeth stood at the window, blotting her freshly washed wet hair while the smell of burning coals wafted through the air. She had thrown on a pair of denim shorts and was just about to join her family on the patio where her father in law was making use of his brand new duel fuel heavy steel grill, a gift from one of his investors in appreciation of many lucrative returns for the year.

She peered out the window at the vast lawn and smiled as Nicholas pierced what she knew to be jumbo prawns with wooden skewers. She hadn't had a chance to tell him her suspicions yet. Although…the truth was, she was afraid to tell him, afraid to say it. To say it out loud would mean that it was true, and if it was true, it could be taken away….taken away like the last time. She could never forget the haunted look in his eyes when she had woken up in the hospital bed, frail and shattered with an intravenous line attached to her arm.

She shuddered as she put on a fern colored tank top, the chill caused by her own anxiety more than anything else. As if sensing her disposition, Vixen rushed in, using all her energy in giving her a hug and almost knocking her over in the process. Elizabeth laughed at her dog's hesitance to let go, her tongue hanging out as she put a fluffy paw on her stomach and cocked her head to the side.

Do you suspect something Vixen? No wonder you've been acting so strangely. Sniffing at me more than usual.

It all began to make sense. The extra clinginess that she had thought was her dog's natural reaction to being in a new place suddenly required no further explanation. Although now that she thought about it, she had noticed her pet's changed behaviour before they left for California. Why didn't you tell me? she whispered while scratching her floppy ears. I have to find out for sure. Then I'll tell him. She put her fingers to her lips. It will be our secret for now…..


Alice looked at the clock on the microwave for the third time. The digital numbers seemed to be increasing at a snail's pace. But that did nothing to help the sensation that her time was running out. She frowned, tapping her fingers on the counter as all her plans slipped away one by one. She grabbed the phone and punched in Jessica's home number. Her maid answered the phone and her voice was apologetic when she once again promised to tell Miss Jessica to call her mother as soon as possible.

Alice slammed the phone in irritation when a third try to Jessica's car phone went unanswered.

Where is she? She was supposed to be here an hour ago.

She eyed the clock again. Almost four. Both of her daughters were trying her nerves today. First Jessica with her lateness, and Elizabeth…. her ever reliable first born daughter was doing everything to avoid coming to the house.

Why don't you come over here? Elizabeth had asked her when she had called at nine this morning to demand her presence. I have to help Skye today….. was her excuse!

Skye….. always Skye,! Alice huffed. Since when does Skye, with her army of servants not get anything done without Elizabeth there?

And Elizabeth!

The daughter who had been appropriately meek and repentative yesterday at her mother's disappointment had grown a backbone and was daring to tell Alice no. But it was easy to say no to her mother and to negotiate terms from the Morrow's fortified castle in the sky.

Jessica should already be there, she said to herself as she looked at the clock again. And Elizabeth, who was supposed to be there at four should be showing up soon. Her plan was to lock the twins in the basement, let them hash it out and bury the hatchet. And definitely not in each other's backs. She would not let them emerge until they were playing nice again.

Nana! A childish voice pealed through the silence of the kitchen and her grandson Nathan called out running towards her.

Cheese?

Alice put her hand on her hip and looked down at his dark head. Cheese what?

Cheese please,? he said as he threw his little arms up, trying his best to encircle her with a hug. She couldn't help but smile at his effort. Cheese was one of the few things he liked to eat. She moved to the refrigerator and opened a fresh package of white cheddar rounds wrapped in red wax. Nathan grabbed one from her hand and before she could remind him to say thank you, he had scurried off into the living room, making noises like a siren that were sure to wake his sleeping sister. Under normal circumstances, she loved looking after her grandchildren. Two of Cara's coworkers had called out sick and she needed help with the children. Of course Alice couldn't say no. But she wanted to be alone with her girls this evening. No distractions while her daughters were battling it out. A sudden cry came from the living room indicating that little Karen was up. Alice looked at the clock again…...


Elizabeth drove down the hill at the minimum speed, purposely taking the more scenic route that added five minutes more to her destination on Calico Drive. It was exactly four when she arrived, just as she promised. She used her key and entered the side door. Although nowhere near the scope of impressiveness of the Morrow's estate, her childhood home was spruced and decorated, and she felt a stir of happy memories as she stared at the familiar ornaments on the Christmas tree. It was on the tip of her tongue to storm in there and tell her mother about what had transpired yesterday before the wedding, but she couldn't bring herself to even mention Jessica's name.

You're doing it again Elizabeth…, by not saying anything you're just as bad. You're letting her get away with it. But…... do you really want Mom hurt by this? Jessica is no longer a teenager. She can't be grounded, not that it ever worked anyway. And it's Christmas. Try to put it aside for Mom's sake.

Hi Mom, she greeted, observing her niece and nephew. Where is everybody?

They're all at work, Alice replied, looking her over.

She put her hand on Elizabeth's chin and tilted her face to the side. Are you wearing blush? Your cheeks are flushed.

It must be the heat, Elizabeth explained, her emotions suddenly welling up and unable to confide in her mother that she might be pregnant. Nathan was on the floor, playing with a soft plastic dragon while Karen was on her mother's hip, her thumb in her mouth. Her eyes were drowsy and she hid her face in Alice's shoulder, clearly not done with her afternoon slumber.

She's just woken up from her nap, Alice remarked, her voice lowered as she laid Karen back in her playpen. She gets really cranky after she wakes up. Give it a half hour and she'll be in a much better mood.

Nathan do you know who this is? The little boy stared at Elizabeth for half a second, a hint of shyness in his big blue eyes.

Yeah, Aunt Jessie. Jessie Jessie Jessie, he repeated loudly.

No, Alice corrected. Aunt Elizabeth.

Lizziebeth, ? he called as he started jumping towards her.

Something like that, Elizabeth laughed as she pulled him towards her for a hug. You saw me yesterday. You remember me don't you? You flew on the plane to see me and then we went on the boat and went swimming.

Yeah, Nathan repeated. Lizziebeth Lizziebeth Jessibeth, he laughed.

I give up , Elizabeth shrugged, as he ran from her yelling the name over and over again.

Shhhhhh! You'll wake your sister, Alice chided…...

After almost an hour of chatting Elizabeth noticed her mother fidget over and over while eyeing at the clock.

Is everything OK Mom?

Everything's fine, Alice lied.

Will you stay for dinner,? she continued, her eyes hopeful.

Well, I'd like to but…Nicholas is taking me to the Cote d'Or tonight. It's where we had our first date. This time, I intend to enjoy it to the fullest, she said, smiling wistfully. Whoever thought that she would end up where she was now? Despite her initial misgivings, on that special night, she had spent a wonderful evening in his company…... Until Todd showed up.

Are you sure you're alright Mom?

Well I …Alice sighed loudly. It's about Christmas.

She took a deep breath. Your sister invited us for dinner. So we won't be able to eat with you. And you know…. we spent last Christmas with you, so it's only fair that we spend most of this one with her.

She observed Elizabeth's face, pale and beautiful, yet with stone cold piercing aqua eyes that were void of emotion.

Well? Aren't you going to say anything Elizabeth?

Elizabeth took hold of her mother's hand, her gaze softening. I understand Mom. Maybe you can stop by for a drink or two before you go over to Jessica's?

You're sure?

Of course, she said, folding her slender arms. I'm not so selfish that I can't share my family, she said pointedly, her eyes hardening again. And I know you all have enough love to pass around.

Now Elizabeth…. Why don't you give your sister a chance? Maybe you can walk down the hill to see her? She's supposed to be here now, Alice confessed, trying to gauge Elizabeth's reaction.

You invited her here? At the same time you invited me? Elizabeth's face reddened, her eyes stormy.

Yes I did, and I am not sorry, Alice replied stubbornly. The two of you will talk and make up. She shook her head. Jessica was supposed to be here over an hour ago. But she's late.

Elizabeth folded her arms, her back stiffening. What else is new?

Right when she was about to start a lecture about Christmas spirit and forgiveness, Karen woke up, the sounds of little whimpers increasing rapidly as she demanded attention.

Her cries soon permeated the silence of the living room as Alice looked hopefully at Elizabeth for a sign of softening. She got up to calm her her fussy granddaughter and as if on cue, the phone rang and she sprung to get the cordless receiver.

Hello? She said in anticipation just knowing it was Jessica. But it wasn't. It was her secretary Irene who couldn't have called at a worse time.

What do you mean you can't find the blueprints,? Alice demanded. You think you left them where? If they were in the car then someone had to have taken them out. Well, if no one broke into the car and stole them then you must have put them somewhere else. Of course I have more copies. Hold on a minute.

Liz, she motioned, calling her forward.

She handed Elizabeth her sluggish niece as she covered the mouth piece. Do me a favor. Could you get her bunny? It's a huge yellow bunny. She's always happiest when she has it. It's in Jessica's room. They play in there sometimes.

As Karen began to wail, Alice's blue eyes were challenging, and Elizabeth didn't dare say no. She picked up her niece and made her way up the stairs, holding her breath as she opened the door slowly. She sat on the bed and rubbed circles onto the baby's back, and kissed her softly on her ears until she was laughing, forgetting about her gloomy episode moments earlier. The big yellow bunny was on the bed, but little Karen clearly had other ideas of what she wanted to play with.

A transparent opalescent ball sat on the floor and the small child pointed to it. Elizabeth grabbed the bunny and got down on the floor watching as she walked to the ball on newly skilled legs, picking it up and giving it a bounce that caused it to light up and a butterfly to appear. She bounced it again, and a blue frog appeared, this time with the appropriate croaking sounds. As Karen amused herself, Elizabeth's eyes roamed around the familiar space. It looked to be in better condition than the last time she'd been here.

Uh oh. Karen declared as the ball rolled under the bed.

You can talk,? Elizabeth smiled with encouragement, knowing that those were one of the few phrases her niece made good use of.

That's a good girl. OK, I'll get it, Elizabeth told her as she moved her self in a position under Jessica's bed. She found the ball behind a box, one bigger than the shoe sized ones in every corner of the room. She handed the ball to Karen, and pulled the box out from beneath.

I wonder what she has in here?

Her curiosity got the better of her and she took off the lid. A red and white pom pom greeted her, and she held it, turning it over and over in her hand, attracting Karen's eyes. Beneath the large sparkled tuft lay an album that she instantly recognized, and Elizabeth opened it, poring through the photos one by one.

Sentimental feelings of the camaraderie and love between them poured into her soul and she was transfixed, trapped in her sisters bedroom by the memories she held in her hands. The minutes spent going over the pictures erased all time, and recollections from long ago seemed just like yesterday.

And what's this,? she said as she spotted a purple notebook. Elizabeth flipped through the pages, her brows raised as she understood what she held.

A dairy? Jessica kept a diary? Her sister, who seldom willingly wrote anything down that wasn't a new guy's phone number had a diary?

She leafed through the slightly aged paper, trying to get some insight into her sister's mind. She read through, not quite sure what she expected to find. To a casual reader, Jessica was a teenage girl with a bit of an ego, nothing new or shocking. As she read along, she started to feel sympathetic as she understood a bit of her sister's jealousy, of her feeling second best, of constantly being the B twin. In Jessica's mind, she, Elizabeth, was the A twin that she could not compete with, born first, with perfect grades, loved and respected by everyone, mature, responsible, thoughtful, selfless and sensitive.

Well I cannot help the way I am, Elizabeth thought to herself. It's not my fault that twin B, born a mere four minutes later, is careless, immature, self centered, and shallow.

I guess she can't help it either, she said aloud as a tear escaped from her eye, imagining her sister's feelings when she expressed her intentions to run away. You've always loved her in spite of it.

The temperature in that portion of her heart that held her sister's entire being showed signs of increasing, perhaps bringing on a slight thawing of her feelings. Jessica had been feeling left out and unwanted, never being able to measure up to Elizabeth. She remembered the helpless feeling of arriving at Sweet Valley's bus station with Steven, only to find the the heavy vehicle just pulling out with her sister on board, and unable to stop it from leaving. More tears pooled in her eyes, and she let them drop freely, as her head and heart collided with conflicting emotions.

Should I forgive her? Will I give her a chance? I'll talk to Nicholas about it. But not tonight. Tonight is about us.

She put her hand on her stomach. I have so much to tell him. Maybe…..

I'll tell Mom I'll consider it, she thought out loud, as Karen, tired of the ball, made her way to her battery operated xylophone. She pressed one of the buttons and "Old Mc Donald Had a Farm" played through the small speakers.

Elizabeth continued to read until she stumbled upon an all too familiar name.

Jeffery French, a name she hadn't thought of for a while. She pictured him instantly, his hair had been almost as blonde as hers, with sexy green eyes and a smile that made her melt. Their relationship had been short, but sweet, and she had loved him…..loved him as much as a sixteen year old girl could. Her tears forgotten, a warm smile covered her face, and she was back in a more innocent time where life's problems could be instantly wiped out with a session at Casey's Place, a hot fudge sundae, and her best friends by her side.

Elizabeth twirled a lock of her hair, deep in thought. Should I really be reading this? These are her private thoughts. You're invading her privacy.

Is it time to go down,? she asked Karen, who was busy mimicking the animal sounds on her colorful instrument. Her eyes moved back to the pages. A series of lines caught her attention and she gasped, her chest instantly pounding as she read them again.

What? In love with Jeffery?

She threw the book on the bed and she began to see red.

Kissing my boyfriend! she fumed as she read her sister's written admissions, secret barbs that she had no idea existed, sharp welts that immediately inflicted wounds on her already delicate soul.

Contemplating breaking us up after she almost ruined Steven and Cara? Is nothing sacred to her?

Bitter shards of betrayal once again pierced her heart, sweet recollections from just a minute ago were now rancid. She slammed the pages closed and shoved the small book back in the box, then used her foot to push it under the bed.

That is it! I am done!

Elizabeth felt like a fool. Her relationship with Jeffrey, had not much more than puppy love. She remembered briefly how devastated she had been, thinking that he preferred Jessica to her.

But you broke up with him remember,? a little voice said it her head. You left him for Todd.

I don't care. She's managed to trash my memories again! She has ruined things for me again! She can't let me have anything, nothing can ever be mine alone.

As the bile rose in her throat, she rushed to the bathroom. She leaned over, her elbows on the sink holding herself up while she opened the tap and gathered enough water to splash her face. She looked into the mirror, her face covered with hurt and betrayal.

You let your guard down Elizabeth, she berated herself. She almost had you. She has reminded you of what she is….again.

She heard her niece cry out for her and thought of her mother downstairs, her eyes so hopeful so expectant. She walked back into the room to see Karen amusing herself on her toy piano, stamping on the notes with her little fists.

I did my duty, she reassured herself as she picked up the baby along with the yellow bunny. I came over just as I promised. And now I am leaving. I have the right to be mad and I don't want to see her!

I have to go now Mom, she announced solemnly after planting herself downstairs. She watched as Karen trotted away to join her brother, now fully enthralled with the cartoons on the TV screen.

But…..aren't you staying a bit longer? You just got here, the disappointment was clear in her mother's voice.

No Mom, Elizabeth replied with all the firmness she could muster. The answer is no.

She suddenly felt cold, betrayed and wanted nothing more than to be with Nicholas, to feel his warm skin against hers, his caresses, his whispers in her ear.

Liz , are you sure you have to go? Elizabeth hugged Alice, hating herself for hurting her mother. I love you Mom, she said, suddenly feeling tired. Sorry Mom, but I can't stay.

But Elizabeth! I thought you'd stay for us to continue our talk. Is everything all right? she asked, her voice full of concern when she noticed small hints of unshed tears. We didn't finish talking. What about your sister? And what about Christmas?

She looked at her mother with sad eyes as she grabbed her keys at moved towards the threshold of the door….. I just can't... I've suddenly lost my Christmas spirit…