Jessica the Genius Read online

  JESSICA THE GENIUS

  Written by

  Kate William

  Created by

  FRANCINE PASCAL

  Copyright © 2015, Francine Pascal

  To Nicole Pascal Johansson

  Jessica slammed her bowl down on the table and stood up, her nose inches from Elizabeth's. "In this country people are innocent until proven guilty. If you were a little smarter, maybe you'd understand that."

  Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. "I'm smart enough to know that you walked all over my hard work to get what you wanted. You know perfectly well that no one believes you could have gotten those scores without cheating," she yelled.

  Jessica clenched her hands into fists. "So it's true!" she screamed. "Everyone, including my own twin, thinks I'm stupid. Well, you're going to discover otherwise when the truth finally comes out!"

  Jessica glared at her sister, then turned on her heel and stalked out of the cafeteria.

  CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 1

  My entire future depends on this exam. Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Wakefield sat hunched over the oak desk in her bedroom on Calico Drive. Sighing with frustration, she clutched her pencil so tightly, it broke in half.

  Elizabeth leaned over and picked up the broken-pencil pieces from her off-white carpet. She gazed at her cluttered desktop. Usually, she liked to keep her desk impeccably neat, but now it was covered with math and English workbooks.

  It was Friday night, and she was glued to her chair, studying for the SAT—the Standard Aptitude Test. Elizabeth sharpened a new pencil and turned to a fresh vocabulary list. She began copying words and committing them to memory. Allude . . . antecedent . . . antediluvian . . .

  For several minutes the ticking of Elizabeth's clock was the only sound in the room. She closed her eyes, trying to visualize the definition of "antediluvian."

  "I have nothing to wear!" she suddenly heard Jessica yell from the hall. Elizabeth's door banged open and Jessica rushed into the room. She immediately headed toward Elizabeth's closet.

  "Knocking is considered common courtesy in most civilized nations," Elizabeth commented dryly.

  Conscientious . . . circumstantial . . .

  "Knocking takes time, and time is of the essence," Jessica responded. She yanked open the louvered door of Elizabeth's closet. "I need to borrow something—fast. Ken is picking me up in ten minutes."

  "I can't believe you're even thinking about going out tonight." Elizabeth stared at her sister in disbelief.

  Jessica pulled out a lavender silk tank top. "Why not? It's Friday." Jessica added the top to a growing pile on Elizabeth's bed.

  "Jess, the SATs are tomorrow. You should be studying."

  "You really are a nerd, Liz. Since when do I ruin my weekend with studying?" Jessica said, holding an embroidered denim shirt in front of her. "How does this look?"

  "Let me repeat myself. The SAT—the exam that determines our entire college career—is tomorrow morning at eight o'clock."

  "What's your point?" Jessica asked.

  Elizabeth drummed her fingers on the desk. "My point is that our future is at stake. Don't you care?"

  "Liz, I suggest you worry less about the future and enjoy the moment. It's called joie de vivre." Jessica leaned toward Elizabeth's full-length mirror, applying lipstick.

  "You might wake up someday and realize that if you don't plan your future, you're going to end up with one that's not worth having." Elizabeth turned away from her twin and flipped the page of her workbook.

  Jessica pulled on a black jacket over the denim top. "But no matter how much you plan, the unexpected always happens anyway. Right?"

  "Sometimes you can expect the unexpected," Elizabeth said seriously. "But not always."

  "Well, right now I expect to have dinner with my boyfriend at the Box Tree Cafe." Jessica arched an eyebrow at Elizabeth. "As for the next seventy years, I'm sure they'll turn out just fine."

  "How can you be so confident?" Elizabeth asked, leaning back in her chair.

  "I just know," Jessica responded lightly. "Don't I always get what I want, one way or another?" She turned and left the room, shutting the door behind her.

  Elizabeth groaned with frustration. Although the rest of Sweet Valley High had been talking about nothing but the SATs for weeks, Jessica barely knew what the test was. And while Elizabeth had spent every afternoon of the last week taking a crowded preparatory class, Jessica had divided her time between the beach and the mall. Typical, Elizabeth thought, shaking her head.

  Although the twins looked exactly the same, with turquoise-blue eyes, trim athletic figures, and silky blond hair, they couldn't have been more different. Elizabeth, who was four minutes older, was always considerate and hardworking. Her dream was to be a writer, and as a step toward that goal she wrote "Personal Profiles," a weekly column for The Oracle, Sweet Valley High's newspaper. Jessica, on the other hand, lived for fun, sun, and romance. She never thought more than five minutes ahead about anything.

  Elizabeth gazed out her bedroom window, watching Jessica bound out of the house and jump into Ken Matthews's white Toyota. She slowly tapped her pencil on the desk and tried to concentrate on an algebra equation.

  Elizabeth had worked too long and too hard to let Jessica's attitude affect her own drive. After years of getting straight-A's, she was going to make certain that the national college board knew she was an exceptional student. Then she could go to one of the best colleges in the country.

  The highest possible score on the SATs was 800 in math and 800 in English. And I'm going to get perfect scores on both test sections, she promised herself. I'll study all night if I have to.

  But what about Jessica? If her twin sister couldn't get into a prominent university, would Elizabeth just abandon her after they graduated from high school next year? Jessica thought she'd always be able to get what she wanted, but what did she know about the real world?

  For both our sakes, I hope Jessica decides to get serious about her life, Elizabeth thought gloomily.

  Todd leaned back in his desk chair and yawned. Don't fall asleep, he commanded himself. The numbers changed on his digital clock: 9:00 P.M. He'd been studying hard for the SATs since he'd walked in the door from basketball practice.

  Time for a short break, he thought, stretching his arms. He reached for the unopened mail he'd tossed onto his bed that afternoon.

  He'd received a postcard from a schoolmate back in Vermont, a note from his grandmother, and a newsletter from an athletic association. Then an envelope dropped into his lap from the University of Michigan. Todd frowned, puzzled. He didn't know anyone at the U of M. Who would have sent him a letter?

  Todd ripped open the envelope and scanned the page inside. His eyes widened in shock and his jaw nearly fell into his lap. He blinked. Was he dreaming? He carefully read the letter again, soaking in each astonishing word:

  Dear Todd,

  It is our pleasure to inform you that the University of Michigan is very impressed with your combined academic and athletic records. Our basketball scout has seen what you can do on the court, and he has highly recommended we recruit you for the University of Michigan team. We boast one of the highest-ranking teams in the NCAA.

  If we like you on the court as much as we expect to, we may be able to offer you a full basketball scholarship for your entire four years of college. There is one condition, however. In order to qualify for the scholarship, you must score above 600 on both sections of the SAT test. We wish you luck on the exam.

  Sincerely,

  Admissions Department,

  University of Michigan

  Todd stared at the letter, allowing the unbelievable words to sink in. A basketball scholarship! A jolt of energy swept through his body, completely melting his fatigue. Could this really be happening to him?

  His heart pounded as he reread the letter. His gaze lingered on the last few lines. You must score above 600 on both sections of the SAT. He raked a hand through his dark-brown hair. That was a pretty high score.

  Todd took a deep breath and clenched his fist. He was absolutely determined to get those scores. Nothing in the world had ever been so important.

  Nothing, except Elizabeth, he thought. He glanced at the framed photograph on his desk. Todd never ceased to be amazed by the incredible, beautiful girl who'd stood by him through so much.

  Todd slammed shut his workbook. He had to see Elizabeth that night. They would celebrate his good news together.

  Elizabeth opened her window and breathed in the sweet scent of freshly cut grass. Outside, it was a beautiful southern-California night. A light breeze ruffled her hair as she looked up at the star-filled sky.

  Suddenly Elizabeth's heart-shaped face lit up. Todd was pulling his BMW into the Wakefield driveway.

  When he climbed out of the car, Elizabeth leaned farther out the window so she could call to him. "Just come on in," she yelled.

  She stepped into the hallway outside her bedroom door and watched him bound up the stairs. "I didn't expect to see you until tomorrow," she said, her sparkling blue e
yes filled with love.

  "I had to see you tonight," Todd said. He lifted her off the carpet in a bear hug.

  "Somehow, I never get tired of hearing you say things like that," she laughed.

  His lips brushed against hers and he held her tightly. Elizabeth hugged him back, savoring the warmth of his body. After a long moment, he tilted her chin up with one hand and looked into her eyes.

  "Liz, everything I've ever wanted is coming together."

  Elizabeth withdrew from the embrace and placed a hand lightly on Todd's arm. She led him into her room. "What's going on?" she asked, pulling her bedroom door shut.

  Todd threw off his letterman's jacket and tossed it onto a chair. Then he took both of Elizabeth's hands in his. "The University of Michigan has offered me a basketball scholarship," he said slowly.

  Elizabeth gasped and her eyes widened. "Todd, that's incredible!" She threw her arms around his neck and held him closely. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered.

  "Liz, if the University of Michigan wants me so much, maybe I'll get more offers from other places." His warm coffee-brown eyes shone brightly.

  "Then we could choose which university would be best for both of us," Elizabeth said excitedly.

  "Won't it be great when we're in college together?" Todd said, pulling her toward him for another embrace.

  Elizabeth nodded. "Just imagine. There won't be anyone waiting up for us," she said quietly.

  Todd bent his head and kissed her hair, her throat, and finally her lips. The kiss deepened, and she felt his strong arms wrap around her, drawing her closer to his strong body.

  Finally, Elizabeth pushed him back. "Well, for the time being, my parents are still just a floor away."

  "I see," Todd murmured, kissing her neck.

  "I'm not kidding," Elizabeth giggled. "And besides, we both need to get back to the books."

  He tenderly caressed her cheek. "I suppose you're right. Michigan said I have to score over six hundred on the SATs to qualify for the scholarship."

  "Piece of cake." Elizabeth smiled, her arms clasped around his waist.

  Todd grinned and kissed her cheek. "Don't study too late, Liz. I'm picking you up early."

  "I can't sleep. I'm too nervous," Elizabeth said, pulling away from Todd. She felt a sudden chill and wrapped her arms across her chest.

  "You have nothing to be worried about—you're a genius," he said, kissing her forehead. Todd took her face in his hands and lightly touched her full lips with his fingertips. "Our lives together are just beginning. Now, go to sleep and dream about the future."

  Saturday morning Elizabeth stumbled into the kitchen at seven thirty A.M. She tripped over Prince Albert, the Wakefield's golden retriever, who gave a small yelp when she stepped on his foot.

  "Sorry, Albert," Elizabeth said with a sigh, scratching him behind the ears. "I had a rough night."

  Elizabeth had stayed up studying until midnight, then tossed and turned for hours. She hadn't actually drifted off until four or five o'clock in the morning. Now she was so nervous and exhausted, her stomach felt as if an army were marching through it.

  "You look like a train wreck, Liz," Jessica observed cheerfully. She was sitting at the kitchen table, and she looked wide-awake. Jessica leisurely munched cereal, reading the back of the box.

  "Thanks, Jess," Elizabeth said irritably, slumping into a chair. She poured herself a cup of coffee. "Have you seen my keys?" she asked as she peered under a few papers on the table.

  "I think Prince Albert had them for breakfast." Jessica put aside the cereal box and started reading the milk carton instead.

  "Very funny," Elizabeth said. She leafed through a pile of mail.

  Giving up on her keys, Elizabeth pulled the rubber band off the unopened newspaper next to Jessica. She scanned the headlines and distractedly tossed the paper down again.

  "You can probably stop cramming. I doubt they'll ask about today's front page on the SATs."

  "Laugh while you can," Elizabeth said, glowering. She rapped her fingers on the table. "I wish I could remember where I put my keys. My head feels like a sieve."

  "Try some of this cereal," Jessica offered. "Pure sugar. Good brain food."

  "No time for breakfast," Elizabeth responded. "Todd's picking me up in about one minute to drive to school for the—my keys are on the counter! How did they get there?"

  "Admit it, your mind has turned into a swamp of vocabulary and math problems," Jessica said. "All practical information has sunk to the bottom."

  A car honked in the driveway.

  "I've got to run." Elizabeth grabbed her keys and pulled on her jacket. "You'd better hurry up, too, or you'll be late."

  "I can take care of myself, which is more than I can say for you," Jessica remarked. She walked to the refrigerator and took out a carton of orange juice.

  "I hope you still feel that way when we get the test results back," Elizabeth said. She checked in her purse to make sure she had two number-2 pencils.

  "You better bring a pillow to the test. You look like you're going to pass out in the middle of it," Jessica commented, stretching languorously.

  "Thanks for the advice," Elizabeth said testily.

  "Anytime." Jessica stood up and sauntered toward the stairs. As usual, she left the cereal box open and her breakfast dishes strewn around the table.

  Elizabeth shook her head, then slung her purse over her shoulder. As she turned to leave the kitchen, she caught sight of herself in the glass oven door.

  She had to admit that she did look tired—and she saw that she'd forgotten to brush her hair. Elizabeth quickly pulled a comb from her purse and ran it through her snarled blond mane.

  "Get a grip," she whispered firmly to her reflection. Then she ran toward the front door. Todd was waiting.

  The click of the test proctor's heels echoed on the linoleum classroom floor. In tense silence, rows of Sweet Valley High juniors and seniors sat bent over their SAT tests. Elizabeth wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead and tried to keep focused. Unfortunately, her head felt as if it were stuffed with cotton.

  She glanced up at the clock. It was eight twenty A.M. For a moment Elizabeth watched the other students furiously filling in answer boxes. Then she forced herself to turn back to her own test. But as she resumed reading questions, a sudden chill gripped her spine. She took another slow look at the people concentrating intensely all around her.

  Where's Jessica?

  Just then the door opened. Its loud squeak sliced through the atmosphere in the classroom. Jessica casually strolled in, smacking a piece of chewing gum. Seeing her, Elizabeth quietly clapped a hand to her forehead. My sister has oatmeal for brains, she groaned inwardly.

  Elizabeth caught Jessica's eye and pointed at the clock. Jessica glanced at the time, then turned back to her sister and shrugged. She walked up to the proctor's table.

  The proctor eyed Jessica disapprovingly and handed her the test materials.

  "I don't have a pencil," Jessica said loudly. She blew a huge bubble, popped it, and sucked the gum back into her mouth.

  "Shhhh!" whispered the proctor. "People are trying to concentrate." She handed Jessica a sharpened pencil.

  Jessica gave her a big smile. "Thanks."

  "No gum chewing is permitted during testing," the proctor whispered sternly. "Spit it out and get to work."

  Elizabeth momentarily squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath. Why didn't Jessica just sit down and stop making a spectacle of herself? At this rate, she was going to score about a negative fifty on the SATs.

  When Jessica dumped her gum into the trash, it made a loud thud as it hit the bottom of the metal container. Elizabeth gripped her head with both hands.

  Unzipping her jacket, Jessica slouched into a chair. Elizabeth glanced around the room and saw people shift in their seats. She wanted to wring her sisters neck for disturbing the other test takers. And how could anyone in her right mind show up late for this exam?

  Elizabeth was shaking her head as she heard the sound of the second hand click across the clock face on the wall. Eight minutes had passed. A jolt of fear ran through Elizabeth as she realized that time was rapidly slipping away.

  I have to concentrate.

  She willed herself to focus her attention back on her own test. Logic problems and literary analogies swirled before her eyes. Jessica might not care about doing well on the SATs, but Elizabeth had worked her whole life to get to this point. She was determined to do better on this test than she'd ever done on anything.