Elizabeth pulled into the parking lot, her heart racing as she pulled the brake up and opened the door. The familiar Valley Drug Mart beckoned her with its bright blue flashing cinema style marquee. She entered the automatic door, suddenly feeling very conspicuous as she noticed a couple of familiar faces at the front prescription booth.

In no mood for chit chat, she made a beeline for the central corridor and towards the back, past the first aid section and the shelves of candies. Relax Elizabeth,! she chided herself as she moved through the aisles. After several minutes of drifting through a sea of feminine hygiene brands, she didn't notice that she was being watched, that she was being followed.

She located the desired products and zeroed in on the array of choices, Know Now, Be Sure, Stork Report, and grabbed them all to read the instructions. As she examined the expiration dates, she felt something crawling up her leg, startling her out of her concentration. She looked down and her vision locked with a pair of soft, large brown eyes staring up at her, a state of curiosity and fascination on his infantile features, features that she couldn't help but notice were so familiar to her own.

The upper half of his face was shaped just like hers, with the promise of prominent cheekbones that were sure to appear with time. She examined him, noticing the small indent on his left cheek, the exact spot where hers was. Hers….and Jessica's. She had never seem him this close before, but she instinctively knew who he was. He held her gaze with eyes that were both expectant and so innately trusting, and put his short, plump arms above his head, as if he wanted her to hold him. She was suddenly spellbound, an inexplicable urge took hold of her to embrace him, to caress his angel soft skin and smooth the soft brown curls on his head. Right at that moment, a voice yelled out alerting her to reality.

"Senior Jake! Ven aca!"

A dark haired figure walked determinedly down the aisle pushing a stroller with one hand while holding a shopping basket with the other. She took her stern eyes away from the object of her frustration and looked up in wonder.

Miss? The short middle aged woman stared at Elizabeth, while pulling the child's little hand firmly into hers. Her little charge was fast on his legs and she was having a hard time keeping up with him. He had become more adept in unbuckling himself and running off, and she only had to turn away for a few seconds for him to escape her watchful eye. After a brief bewilderment, she came to her senses. She didn't have to ask who the young woman was. Miss Jessica's estranged sister….. the one who looked remarkably like her, the one she had caught glimpses of every time she went to Miss Jessica's mother's house. Gracias Miss, Pilar sighed in relief.

Elizabeth watched as she strapped her nephew into his seat and led him away….


Senor Jake, you know it's naughty to run away from me, Pilar scolded as she made her way to the register. His reply was to toss one of his toys out of his stroller, his hand on the strap with the intention of unbuckling himself again. She patiently picked up his dinosaur from the floor and handed it to him, almost snickering at the look of mischief on his face. She knew she had to be strict with him, and attempted to muster enough solemnity in her features to make him realize that she didn't approve of his behavior.

I won fifty bucks, an excited man's voice broke into her thoughts and her attention fell towards the front of the store at the lottery line, where the jumbo Christmas scratch off card promised a potential three million dollar payout. Pilar fantasized about winning that money, getting a new place to live, paying off all her debts, saving for her children and quitting her job. She looked down at Jake, now pointing at the elf wrapped chocolates at the register, his eyes pleading for her to buy him one.

As much as she loved being with him, she was always short of time for spending with her own children. Her children, both teenagers, who seemed to have grown up with the blink of a eye, often felt the loss of her presence especially around the holidays. It was soon to be Christmas and she thought she would have been at her own apartment that evening. She still had her own shopping to do, presents to buy…..Pilar sighed.

She hadn't even had the time to help put up her own tree. Miss Jessica was at home that evening, but Miss Jessica had sent her off on errands and insisted that she take Jake with her to the stores. Miss Jessica claimed she had a lot of work to do, but….Pilar frowned. By the time she had left the house, the sum of Miss Jessica's work included putting on a skimpy bikini and lounging out by the pool, a cocktail in one hand and her cordless phone in the other. Whatever work she had to do included painting her nails and falling asleep on her chaise…...


No Vixen that one, no, the one over there….. good girl, Skye called out, as the dog placed pieces of folded up cardboard one after the other in a clear recycling bag.

Excuse me Mrs Morrow, a voice rang out as a uniformed woman walked in.

Yes Lorena?

Mrs Butler is busy with the roast. She wanted to know if you'd prefer the grasshopper baked Alaskan tonight? Or the bananas foster?

Skye shrugged casually.

Let's go with the baked Alaskan, it's one of Nicholas' favorites.

She looked around the large reception room, dressed up with festive lights and pine scented garland. She cut out a piece of tape and attached it to a large red bow, and pressed it on the overly large green metallic envelope in her hand. Holidays always brought on a mixture of emotions. She usually preferred Christmas on the east coast, but with the coolness of the air circulating from hidden vents, she almost forgot that she was in sunny California. She looked over the grand mantle, her brown eyes meeting with the blue ones of her daughter.

Sometimes she felt guilty, enjoying everything so much, while her daughter would never have another Christmas. But her son was home, here with her this year, and she could imagine, the times gone by, her children's laughter, their legendary fights, their eyes lighting up when their father dressed in a Santa suit, too young to notice the cotton stuffing falling out of his pant leg, their squabbles at the dinner table… their attempts at being on their best behavior when their grandparents were around…

Can I help you finish those Miss? What time will they be picking them up?

Hmmmmm? Oh no Lorena, Skye smiled, remembering herself. I always like to do them myself. And Elizabeth will be here soon. She promised to help me. She was busy sorting and wrapping gifts for Sweet Valley's Little Miracles Christmas Eve Sparkle Fest, an event supported by one of her favorite charities. This one was near and dear to her heart, the center catered to Sweet Valley's special needs children. A specially arranged van would be arriving within an hour or so to pick up all the presents and bring them to the youth center where parents could pick up toys for their children.

Skye laughed as Vixen put a paw on her knee, demanding her attention. She patted her head, noticing how her fur had darkened considerably since she had been a puppy, the cream turning into a warmer gold. The adorable look of anticipation lit her furry face every time she dropped something into the plastic bag.

I know you want another treat. But you've already had two. I can't give you another one. Elizabeth says you'll get too fat. And you won't be able to fit into your new Christmas pajamas. Yes you are going to wear them and you are going to look extra cute in them. Her eyes grew languid with memories of family pictures, she and her husband, and her two children all dressed in matching sleepwear.

Skye examined the gifts in front of her. She had been working at it all day and there were probably over ten of them that she was still supposed to wrap. There was a miniature helicopter, complete with it's own ladder, flashing lights and special sound effects that was sure to annoy any parent but make a child very happy this year. A toy oven stood in the corner awaiting its turn behind the dollhouse she had specially chosen the replica Louis XVI furniture for. Vixen trotted into the large room again, another box in her mouth. Skye laughed as she dropped it at her feet, and sat patiently, expecting another pat on the head. She picked up the box and examined it, her heart alerted at the writing on the box.

This is a…... Vixen, where did you get this? she asked as the dog's pink tongue made an appearance. She got up, and practically ran into the east wing corridor. She made her way towards Nicholas' suite and saw that the door was ajar, perhaps intentionally left open by the servants so Vixen could move freely in and out.

The sound of running water reached her ears upon entrance. She made her way to the bathroom where the door was half shut. Elizabeth's clothes were laid out neatly on the bed, just waiting for her to step out of the shower. She hated to invade her privacy and didn't want to intrude, but was unable to subdue her overwhelming surge of curiosity. She peeped into the room and on the pale marble countertop where the object in question sat innocently, daring her to examine it.

There were two of them, different brands, bits of plastic thrown together, each not much bigger than a pen….. small pieces both detailed with two bright stripes that were a clear sign of what she had been praying for. She had seen enough of these herself, used them herself when she still had hope…. but her own results were always the same disappointing single line over and over again.

But not today, Skye thought as her pulse quickened. Two bold lines were indeed happy news.


We're sorry Mrs Wilkins, an embarrassed voice said over the receiver, a low tone that emphasized discretion and sympathy. But the card you gave us was ummmm declined. You might want to contact your bank. Would you like to try the transaction again with another card? Or perhaps pay via check? You can drop it off until four this afternoon.

Four,? Jessica twirled a lock of hair, her eyes thoughtful.

Yes four. It's our cutoff time for holidays. The season is so busy that we cannot take orders after four. It gives up enough time for food preparation and staff allocation.

Declined? Jessica grimaced, her features taking on the look of annoyance.

How can I be declined? Okay, I did spend a lot at the toy store. And the outfits at BiBi's were just too gorgeous to resist. Lila is out of commission with her butt getting bigger every day and I needed those daisy drop diamond earrings as a new best friend!

No, Jessica answered, reaching into her purse for another card.

Her American Express platinum was snugly laying in the left pocket, the Roman soldier beaming like a valiant knight to her rescue.

Hello handsome, Jessica grinned at the small male figure on the card. You don't want me to slave away at the stove in this heat do you?

Oh I don't have time to drop off a check, she told the caller on the line. I'll just use another card.

She called out the numbers and the voice on the other end suddenly grew chipper at the acceptance of the charge. After going through the details and finalizing the menus, the conversation came to a close.

They will be arriving around two to help set things up, the manager concluded. Is that OK?

Perfect, Jessica replied.

Well, that's done. Jessica said aloud to herself.

Food….. check, decorations….. check, presents….. check… Now what else do I have to do? Besides looking fabulous.That won't be too hard, she giggled as she caught a glimpse of herself in front of the fireplace mirror.

That extra half hour of laying in the sun had bronzed her skin to perfection. She pouted her lips in a sexy pose. The premiere of Nights of Our Lives had been rescheduled to the first week of January. Jessica could hardly resist blabbing the news all over that she was about to be a star, but she wanted it to be a surprise for her friends and family. She was actually proud of herself. She had never managed to keep a secret this long. Her patience was wearing thin. Of course she understood why the decision had been made. The sultry new nighttime soap was not exactly warm and fuzzy family entertainment. Christmas movies and G rated holiday programming would have to come first.

But not for long, Jessica grinned foxily while ruffling her thick wavy hair. Those fat housewives, one of the show's targeted demographics would be a lot more inspired to keep up with their New Years resolutions after they caught a glimpse of her in the sexy black bikini she had worn in the pool scene.

She peered at her face, removing the minute speck of dried mascara that had found itself on her cheek. She flitted around the living area, realizing that she was bored. The house was pretty quiet, adding to her restlessness. Todd had come home from a game in Oklahoma or was it Orlando? this morning and they had gone through their usual routine of ignoring each other.

She could not have been bothered to watch him on ESPN. Pilar had left earlier in the afternoon, and Jake was within the beginning of his terrible twos….. acting up as he was prone to these days. Todd had grabbed his car seat and mumbled something about taking their son to see the Christmas lights down town.

Good riddance, she had said silently to his retreating back. The only thing that she was not looking forward to tomorrow was having to sit down to dinner with him. That and his parents coming over. If not for her family coming over it would have been a waste. Especially since she had worked so hard on decorating the house! She looked in approval at the bright red and gold sash that draped the iron balustrade leading up the stairs.

Her home was beautiful. The glassy structure allowed for plenty of views from the road, and, with the number of bulbs and glimmering ornaments she paid the professional holiday decorating company to install, she was sure you could see the house from space! Christmas had to be good this year. That's why she was going all out. Her party was going to include the best gourmet food outside of Le Cordon Bleu as well as extra staff to serve it. The Wakefields typically had a warm and intimate holiday, with home cooked food, Ned's own special eggnog, Alice's stuffing, Elizabeth's Christmas cookies and Steven's appetite. But she wanted to be different this year. She was going to impress!

The most important thing was to make Elizabeth green with envy at what a good time their family would be having without her there. And what a good party Jessica could throw. She wanted to make it up to her mother as well. Just three days ago, she had promised her mother that she would show up to her home on Calico Drive, but she had wanted to make the most of the late afternoon sun to deepen her tan. Daylight hours were so short these days.

It wasn't her fault that the warm sun on her bare skin was like a gentle caress that lulled her to sleep. By the time she woke up it was already six. She had turned the phone's ringer back on and had awakened to a barrage of her mother's messages. By the time she returned Alice's calls, her mother was obviously cross enough with her to dump some coal in her stocking. I'll make it up with her tomorrow, she promised.

She went into her dressing room to examine her new outfits. She held up a bright silver mini skirt, and decided right away that it would be great for New Years. Especially with her black silk cowl neck halter top from Lytton and Brown. Jessica sat at her bereau, opened the small compartment where Marta had arranged her "not so sure I like" lip glosses. None of them inspired her and she shut the drawer in frustration. Why am I so antsy? The promising magazine covers that were splayed over her bed were not capturing her attention like they normally did.

On the spur of the moment, she grabbed her keys and headed to her car. As if automatically, she found herself climbing up the winding hill. She took a side and rarely used dirt road behind the Patman's property and brought the car to a halt on the grass. Jessica walked along for several minutes until she reached a walnut brown split rail fence, the estate border that most of the larger homes used in the neighborhood. She climbed over, her heart thumping, as if expecting an intruder alarm to announce what she knew was her unwanted presence.

This place is huge, she thought as she surveyed her surroundings. You practically need a golf cart to cover the whole area. She moved along till she spotted it. It loomed beautifully in the distance, taunting her, calling her, goading her to come closer. She advanced further and further, grateful for the numerous hedges and vegetation surrounding it and hoping that there were no gardeners doing some last minute Christmas Eve sprucing. She managed to find herself on the buff colored flagstone patio of the east wing, the large windows begging her to look into them.

Like a stalker, she gazed into the home, taking in the tasteful furnishings and elegant, yet practical decor. A side door into the billiard room was temptingly open and she was drawn to it like a magnet. Right when she was about to creep inside, an angry bark burst out of nowhere, and she looked in horror as a fluffy creature charged towards her. Jessica yelped and dashed away, just knowing that she was about to get caught. The golden retriever chased her for several yards till she found herself at the down slope facing the valley below. She ducked behind the tall thick hedges, knowing it was pointless as she saw the dog's nose moving rapidly, leading it directly to her hiding spot.

Vixen cocked her head in confusion. Something was not right. This was not Elizabeth! She didn't understand what was going on, but she knew she didn't like it. Her overwhelmed canid brain was by far too stimulated with all these new scents, new sounds and now identical tricksters that liked to lurk behind bushes!

Hi… hi there, Jessica whispered gently, as the barks turned into growls. Everyone knew that golden retrievers were the world's most lovable dogs, so why did this one suddenly take on the demeanor of a rottweiler?

Hi boy, I mean girl, she continued, remembering that the dog was female. She put her finger to her lips. Shhhhh. Come here cutie, she flattered,coaxing the hesitant dog towards her. She smiled and put her hand out, relieved when Vixen offered her a paw. I just know you want to be friends. She patted her head and ran her hand through the gorgeous waterfall of fur that cascaded from her throat.

Aren't you sweet,? she said, fluffing up the silky coat with ease as the anxiety ceased and the dog rolled over, licking her hands. You see? I knew you would like me. Good girl. I'm going to leave now. You won't tell anyone I was here will you? You're so pretty. She grinned wickedly, wrapping her arms around the warmth of the soft fur. I bet you shed all over Elizabeth's clothes. You have my full permission to drool all over her bed. It would serve her right if I took you with me. What do you think of that,? she said, looking into the large brown eyes as she tickled her belly. Do you want to come to my house instead? Suddenly, Vixen turned around sniffing wildly. She darted out of Jessica's arms and ran across the grassy mound, barking up a storm.

Oh no, Jessica gasped, dropping for cover again when Elizabeth came into view. Jessica crouched down, looking through the dense vegetation as her sister moved closer. Her long hair was braided loosely and her features were fresh scrubbed, pale and rosy. There was something different about her, that was somehow eerily familiar that Jessica couldn't quite figure at the moment.

She looked young, vibrant and happy, not the miserable shell of existence that Jessica was secretly hoping for. She was captivated, unable to move.

Right when she had summoned enough courage to emerge from the hedges, another figure appeared traipsing down the grass. It couldn't be anyone else. He came closer and immediately grasped at Elizabeth, his hands circling her waist.

Dammit, Jessica screamed silently as she felt a piece of twig poking her thigh.

Nicholas! How she wanted to run her hands through his rich dark hair and drown herself in the pool of green eyes….. as green as she remembered them from the first night she met him. Trace her finger along the strength of his jaw. How humiliating would it be if they knew she was there. They were so close, she could almost reach out and touch them.

Jessica's eyes pricked with tears and longing. But she imagined the harsh words, the accusatory looks, the disdain they would surely have if they caught her. She remained frozen on the spot, her eyes squeezed tightly shut, expecting them to discover her at any moment. The dog started up again, wagging her tail frantically at her hiding spot, determined to alert them to the intruder. She almost hollered as a squirrel darted right from beneath her scampering away on tiny feet, it's bushy tail motioning through the air. Jessica almost fainted and breathed a sigh of relief as Vixen's ire was directed at a new victim.

What's the matter girl? Vixen, you silly, Elizabeth laughed as the dog went berserk. It's just a harmless Douglass squirrel. Relax!

She smoothed the fur on her neck and patted her thigh, prompting their pet to follow them away from the hedges. Jessica let out her breath as they walked away towards the mansion in the distance. Vixen ran into the house, the squirrel forgotten. She watched them move along, closer to the edge and the wide vision of the Valley below. Now's my chance, Jessica thought as she silently slipped away, trying to ignore the scratches on her legs from the bramble.

That was strange. Elizabeth remarked. In addition to her pet's peculiar behavior, she had an odd feeling, not quite fear, but one that was all too well-known to her. It was an energy she hadn't felt in such a long time. It was almost as if…...No, she thought. Jessica wouldn't dare show her face here. It must be hormones.

What was strange? Nicholas questioned, pulling her closer as they watched the town' lights gradually filling up the darkened spots below.

The way Vixen's acting. So fussy about a little squirrel.

Nicholas laughed. I think she's anxious about wearing her pajamas tomorrow, she's horrified at what Mom's making us wear. Can you believe her? She acts like I am no more older than five sometimes.

Awwwwww, Nicholas, Elizabeth protested. I think it's really sweet. Family tradition. And speaking of which…. She looked up at Nicholas wanting to tell him, not being able to part with the words. Remember our little tradition from last year. When you pulled me away and gave me my present on Christmas Eve?

What present? The twinkle in his eye told her he knew exactly what she was talking about.

She wrapped her arm around him frisking until she giggled feeling something hard in his back pocket. A ha,! she exclaimed, yanking it out.

She carefully pulled away the wrapping to reveal a small leather bound book.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning! Elizabeth shrieked. She opened the first page, seeing the publication date of 1844. The yellow worn out pages and faded gilt decorated spine were beautiful to her.

Nicholas, her eyes shone with happiness. Where did you get this? This is extremely rare. An original copy. I've been scouring used book stores forever.

I have my sources, he smiled mysteriously.

Well, I have something special for you too. Your real present is for tomorrow, she whispered in his ear, her emotions almost getting the better of her, wanting nothing more than to make him happy. She bit her lip. But before that…she pulled out a box from her sweater pocket. Your turn…

Nicholas opened the box to find a turn of the century compass pocket watch, the aged patina brass engraved with St Elmo.

The patron saint of sailors, Nicholas remarked turning it over in his hand.

Do you like it?

I love it, he stated kissing the top of her head.

I got it at South Street Seaport at the nautical antiques store. She nibbled his ear. I have something else for you that you'll love even more, she promised.

How are you going to top this?

You'll see, she hinted mysteriously as they watched the sun, almost dipping into the ocean.

Now, Nicholas looked into her eyes and laid soft kisses along her neck… Let's go take that swim you promised me.


The next day, amidst the merry carols chiming from the stereos and the noise of gift wrap tearing, the sound of sirens blared as they climbed up the gentle hill, clanging in her ears as she lay hunched over on the floor, holding her belly and gasping in agony, as one of the maids held her hand, wiped her brow, and tried to reassure her. She could see her husband, her spotted vision saw him burst into their bedroom, his eyes filled with torment and confusion. He crouched over her, his face full of shock, almost like he was feeling the anguish within her body. At the lower level of the house, their guests looked on as the three medical workers ran into the foyer and up the grand staircase, guided by the servants to their wing of the large mansion. Concerned faces met her eyes, but the pain was too much for her to explain. They brought her downstairs as she blacked out, but not before she saw him looking at his mother, her face white against her dark hair, clutching the priceless set of pearls around her neck. The paramedics placed her on the stretcher and into the ambulance, shooting off a string of questions that her husband had no answer to, the confusion on his face overpowered by the horror in his eyes at the sight of red between her thighs and staining the rich silk fabric that covered her.