Lila smiled at her belly. In nine months, little Fowler was going to make his or her debut. She already bought Bruce's ring. Twenty four karat platinum gold ring with flawless black diamonds and rubies. She didn't find a dress, but she wanted to wait till after the baby was born. She was already seeing it. Vera Wang, exclusive limited edition. Or even a designer from Italy.
Lila was having a blast. New York was amazing. They went shopping, seen the sights, went to Central Park and rode a horse and carriage and even went to New York fashion week. They had tickets to a WNBA game, New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks. Jessica's old friend from the now defunct Sweet Valley Junior High school was now was a player on the Liberty team, Bethel McCoy.
Lila met Bethel years ago while visiting Jessica. That was during their eighth grade. At first Lila didn't like her, she found her boring and weird. Bethel found Lila stuck up and snobby. They became mild rivals, always trying to outdo each other for Jessica's friendship. But eventually came to a truce. Jessica was different, she was more athletic than the year before, and wasn't the same person back at SVMS. She greeted Lila and introduced them to one another. It was a chilly reception. They never became friends, not even after they went to SVH in ninth grade, but respected each other.
Lila remembered Jessica being depressed when Bethel moved away to Rochester, New York. It was about the time Bethel was being bullied for her sexuality. Rumors were spreading around that Bethel was a lesbian. Bethel never denied it, but never confirmed it either. The bullying was bad. Charlie Cashman, Rick Andover, Molly Hecht and Betsy Martin were the meanest tormentors.
Lila felt ashamed she took part in it. The bullying got so bad, Bethel was taking home classes. Then her dad got transferred. She left but not before telling Jessica and Abbie Richardson, Jessica's former best friend before they drifted apart, that she was going to miss them. Lila regretted it everyday that she bullied Bethel. She hoped to meet her at the game and apologize in person.
Later at the game, they all were at the game screaming at the Sparks to make the shot. When they first got there, Elizabeth, Maria, Johanna and Julie were cheering for New York. Jessica, Lila, and Billie were calling them traitors. Cara had no preference. It wasn't serious, it was good fun. But when they saw who the Spark's star player was they screamed in excitement. Shelly Novak was the center. When Shelly saw them she waved.
It was a close game. Everyone cheered as Shelly made that shot. Well, at least in their section. The spectators from New York threw popcorn at them for cheering on a rival team. Afterwards, Elizabeth used her press pass to get them to meet the players. When they saw Shelly, they congratulated her. When they saw Bethel, Jessica hugged her. Lila walked up to Bethel and apologized deeply for the bullying. Bethel forgave Lila, saying they were just kids.
Bethel had to go, she was meeting her girlfriend at her apartment. She came out last year, she was campaigning against bullying against LGBT teens. She gave Jessica her email and agreed to a interview with Elizabeth for her magazine article. Elizabeth wanted to interview her about her cause. After she left, they waited for Shelly to take her out for drinks.
Shelly barely changed. She was a successful basketball player, same with Bethel. She lived in the LA area, playing for the Sparks. She was recruited after college graduation at the state university. She was still single, her career kept her busy. If she wasn't playing, she was busy teaching basketball for underprivileged girls. Plus working hard to get funding for girls athletics. She turned down Elizabeth's request for a interview, saying a up and coming magazine already contacted her for their first issue.
Billie was curious. She asked about the magazine's name. Shelly said it had no name yet, but it was already creating buzz. Apparently the owners were interviewing famous actors and directors. The magazine was looking for editors, including one for the coveted editor-in-chief. Billie told Elizabeth she should apply. She was pleased when Elizabeth said she would.
Hearing that Jessica squealed. Her and Elizabeth the dynamic duo together again. Elizabeth loved New York, but she hated being away from home. She was ready to make a change.