Starring Jessica! Page 3

  "Filming a show here is great PR for Sweet Valley," Bill Chase pointed out. "It's just good politics to give the guy the key to the city and all that."

  "I wish it was the key to my house," Lila said rapturously.

  "So do I," declared Jessica. "Then he'd see where you live and realize that your application is a bunch of baloney and that you're not Little Miss Average after all!"

  Lila gave Jessica a cool, superior look. "Do I detect a trace of anxiety, Jess? Afraid Eric Parker's not going to give your feeble application a second glance?"

  "I'm not in the least bit anxious," Jessica swore. She wasn't either. But she was angry about Lila's outrageously false application for the guest spot on the special broadcast.

  Before the news had come on, they had all compared notes about their applications. From what Jessica could tell, nobody else's was as solid as hers. Her fellow cheerleaders like Robin Wilson, Maria Santelli, and Cara were not all that well-rounded. Ken Matthews and Aaron Dallas were just jocks; Aaron's girlfriend, Dana Larson, lead singer for the rock band The Droids, was a little too wacky. Surfer Bill Chase was too Californian, and his girlfriend, DeeDee Gordon, was too arty. No, none of her friends came across as well-balanced or as interesting as she did—of that Jessica was certain. Only Lila appeared to pose a threat, and that was only because of her padded application.

  "You can't deny it, Li," pressed Jessica. "I saw your application at lunch the other day. It didn't exactly portray the real you."

  Lila crossed her heart and smiled apologetically. "I didn't tell a single lie."

  "Maybe not, but you exaggerated like crazy, and you left out a lot of stuff. That's the same as lying!" Jessica protested.

  "What did she leave out?" Cara asked curiously.

  "She conveniently forgot to mention that her dad's a multimillionaire who practically owns the town of Sweet Valley," Jessica informed Cara and the rest of the group. "And what about your zillion and one vacations to Europe and the Caribbean?" she demanded of Lila.

  Lila shrugged. "I said I liked to travel. I just didn't say how often I actually do travel. And the application didn't ask me to list my father's assets."

  Bill laughed. "She's got you there, Jess."

  Jessica stuck her tongue out at him. "Who asked you, Bill?"

  Lila abandoned defense for offense. "You know, I think this is a case of—what's that cliché?—the pot calling the kettle black," she countered. "Who's the one claiming to be a feature writer for the school newspaper all of a sudden? I, for one, am highly skeptical."

  "It's the absolute truth. Ask Penny Ayala! My article will be in the next issue of The Oracle." Jessica smiled slyly. "And believe me, you won't be able to overlook it."

  "It still sounds kind of cheesy to me," Lila complained. "One wimpy article, and all of a sudden you're passing yourself off as Jessica the Journalist. You probably had Liz write it for you, didn't you?"

  "How dare you—"

  Aaron interrupted their squabbling. "Shh. Eric's making a speech."

  The handsome celebrity was squarely facing the camera. For a moment, Jessica forgot about Lila's unjust accusation. She was conscious only of the way Eric Parker's magnetic gray eyes seemed to be looking right into hers.

  "Nothing could make me happier than this warm welcome back to my beautiful hometown," Eric declared. His rich, deep voice sent a tingle up Jessica's spine. "I enjoy life in the Big Apple, but I've got to say, Sweet Valley still holds first place in my heart. I'm looking forward to spending ten days in sunny Southern California. This Friday, we'll be taping the show live from Hollywood."

  "Get to the point!" Lila barked impatiently at the TV.

  "And a week from Friday," Eric continued, "we'll broadcast live from my own alma mater, Sweet Valley High. This town has good reason to be proud of its young people. I've already begun reviewing the applications submitted by students vying for the guest spot on my program, and I can see it's going to be very difficult to choose just one. And because I want to announce a winner tomorrow morning, I'd better return to my hotel and get back to work!"

  Eric Parker's face was abruptly replaced by a weather map. Lila flicked off the TV with the remote control. With another push of a button, she turned on the stereo system, indicating that everyone present was to shift into party mode.

  Jessica hopped up from the couch and bounced over to the table where the Fowlers' maid had arranged soft drinks and snack food. She couldn't sit still knowing that Eric Parker was on his way back to his hotel and that he would soon be reading her application.

  Squeezing her eyes shut, Jessica sent a fervent message to Eric Parker: Choose me, Eric! Please choose me!

  There were a number of cars parked in the lot by Secca Lodge that evening when Elizabeth and Enid pulled up in the red Fiat convertible Elizabeth shared with her twin. As they got out of the car, both girls were struck by the beauty of the setting sun, which was causing the surface of Secca Lake to glimmer like molten gold.

  Elizabeth thought of all the fun she had had with her friends and family at Secca Lake over the years: the picnics, the swims, the moonlit nights when she and Todd would drive around to the far shore of the lake to be alone with the silence of nature and each other. It was a special place.

  Suddenly Elizabeth was very glad Enid had told her about the junior ranger meeting. It could lead to a meaningful involvement in a worthwhile cause; it could give her a whole new outlook on the world. I could make a difference, Elizabeth thought.

  "I love the lake," Enid said to Elizabeth as they entered the community room of the lodge, which also housed changing rooms and a snack bar. "I'd love to help preserve it so that Sweet Valley can enjoy it forever."

  "Me, too," Elizabeth agreed. "And it looks like we're not the only people who feel that way."

  About two dozen teenagers had already gathered in the lodge for the meeting. Elizabeth and Enid were just in time. As soon as they were seated at one of the rough-hewn tables, a tall young man in jeans and a work shirt stood up and faced the group.

  His tanned face creased in a friendly smile. "I've got to say, I'm really pleased by this great turnout. I'm glad to meet so many kids who are willing to take time to work for the park."

  Enid nudged Elizabeth with her elbow. "He's pretty cute," she whispered.

  "Cute—and taken," Elizabeth whispered back. "Note the gold band on the ring finger of his left hand."

  Enid pretended to be disappointed. "Aw, shucks!"

  "Before we get talking about the junior ranger program, I want to do the old go-around-the-room-and-introduce-yourself routine," he continued. "Only fair for me to start. I'm Don Wolff, and I've been a ranger at Secca Lake since I graduated three years ago from the University of California with a degree in forestry. My particular interest is environmental education, which is why I've been put in charge of the junior ranger program. Now let's hear from you."

  Elizabeth was impressed by how enthusiastic most of the students were. A few hoped to use the Secca Lake training to prepare for summer jobs at state parks or with environmental organizations.

  Elizabeth and Enid were the last to speak. "I'm Enid Rollins, and I'm a junior at Sweet Valley High," Enid began, smiling shyly. "I'm not an Eagle Scout or anything, but I like outdoor activities. I like the idea of getting a tan and doing something educational at the same time!"

  The other kids laughed. Now it was Elizabeth's turn. "My name's Elizabeth—Liz— Wakefield, and I go to school with Enid. I've spent a lot of time at the park, but I'll admit I don't know much at all about how things happen behind the scenes. I'm eager to learn, though."

  "And that's all I ask," said Don, giving her an encouraging smile. "You guys provide the desire and the energy, and I'll provide the experience. The goal is to make an informed conservationist out of each of you, and through you to reach the other people, old and young, who come to the park. Through tours and workshops we'll work to get the word out about what the community at large can do to help preserve the natural resource of Secca Lake."

  Don walked over to some large cardboard boxes in the corner of the room. Reaching into the first box, he pulled out a khaki shirt and a pair of trousers. "These are the ranger uniforms, tops and bottoms." From another box, he drew a bright, flame-colored jacket. "I'll distribute the uniforms next time. I have to warn you all, though—they're not just for show. Before you get to wear one, you have to earn it."

  From a third box, Don grabbed a handful of little booklets. "Park rules and safety procedures," he explained as he passed them around. "You'll have two days to memorize them. We'll meet here again Thursday evening, same time, and there will be a quiz on the information in these booklets."

  Somebody groaned, and Don grinned. "Being a junior ranger will be fun, but it's also an important responsibility. For that reason, only those who score one hundred percent on the quiz will move on to the next phase of training—an all-day park orientation that will be held this Saturday."

  "One hundred?" repeated a sandy-haired boy at Elizabeth and Enid's table. "Isn't that a little stiff? Everybody makes mistakes sometimes."

  "Just make sure one of those times isn't when you're taking the quiz," advised Don good-naturedly. "Any more questions? No? See you on Thursday, then."

  The moon had risen while Elizabeth and Enid were in the lodge. It was a breathtaking night. Instead of getting into the car, the two girls headed to the lakeshore.

  Enid took off her sandals so that she could walk barefoot in the sand. "So what do you think?"

  "It sounds like it'll be a challenge."

  "Right up your alley, I'd say," said Enid. "You'll ace the quiz, no problem. I'm not so sure about my chances, though."

  "You'll do fine," Elizabeth predicted. "I found Don's talk inspiring."


  "I found Don inspiring," kidded Enid.

  Elizabeth skipped a stone across the calm surface of the lake. She was already planning to dash off her weekly gossip column for The Oracle so that she would have more time to prepare for the quiz. She did not want to risk getting a single answer wrong and having her junior ranger career end before it had even begun. "The park, and the whole issue of conservation, is so important," she said with conviction. "I'm really excited about becoming a part of the movement, aren't you?"

  "Ready to change the world already, Liz?"

  Elizabeth joined in her friend's laughter, but she was serious. She was excited about the program. She realized that it had been a long time since her writing had made her feel as alive as she felt at that moment. She had come to this meeting tonight almost on a whim. She had been looking for a way to grow, for a new direction in which to head, and now she had found one. She could not wait to get started! And she could not help but wonder if volunteering for the park service would replace her first love.

  Four

  "Where did you get that gorgeous photo of Jamie Peters?" Lila said with a gasp.

  "This month's Flipside magazine," answered Jessica. "I can't believe you didn't see the article! His new album is coming out really soon. It's supposed to be his best yet."

  It was Wednesday morning before school, and the two girls were gazing raptly at the glossy picture taped inside Jessica's locker. The legendary rock star stared back out at them, his long hair tossed back over his shoulders and a sexy half-smile on his rugged face.

  "It can't be any better than the last one," Lila said. "I haven't stopped playing that CD since I bought it."

  "Tell me about it." Jessica laughed. "I've driven everybody at my house crazy playing that one song, 'Barefoot Girl,' over and over again!"

  "I love that one," Lila agreed, kissing her fingers and then touching them to the picture of Jamie Peters. "I like to pretend he's singing about me."

  "But he can't be singing about you," Jessica pointed out, "because he's singing about me!"

  Lila frowned, and for a moment Jessica thought she was about to argue. But when Lila turned to face her, she laughed.

  Jessica dug a notebook out of the mess at the bottom of her locker, then slammed the metal door shut.

  "Did the story in Flipside say anything about when Jamie's going to start touring for the new album?" asked Lila.

  Jessica shook her head. "No concert dates yet. But he's got to come to Southern California. Where else is he going to find so many barefoot girls?"

  "So many barefoot girls who are ready to lay themselves at his feet and become his love slaves," Lila added with a sly smile.

  While the two girls were talking, the hallway had become crowded with students waiting for the first-period bell to ring. But instead of the sound of the bell, the students were startled by the voice of the principal, Mr. Cooper, nicknamed "Chrome Dome" because he was virtually bald. The principal's voice crackled over the loudspeaker. "Students, may I have your attention, please. I have a special announcement to make. Eric Parker presented me with an envelope just a few moments ago." Jessica and Lila, who had been leaning against the lockers, stood up straight.

  "A few moments ago?" Jessica said in surprise. "But the winner isn't supposed to be announced until lunchtime!"

  "Because there were so many outstanding applicants for the guest spot on his program," Mr. Cooper continued, "Mr. Parker has opted to hold preliminary interviews with six students before making a final decision. The preliminary interviews will be held after school on Friday, and a winner will be announced on Monday."

  Lila grabbed Jessica's arm. "Six of us!" she shrieked. "He's going to interview six of us!"

  Jessica held her breath.

  Mr. Cooper cleared his throat. "The six finalists are . . . Jessica Wakefield—"

  "That's me!" screamed Jessica, leaping into the air with jubilation.

  "Way to go, Wakefield!" exclaimed a couple of students who had paused nearby to listen to the announcement.

  Jessica beamed joyfully at Lila. Lila frowned in return. Some best friend, Jessica thought. That's the second nasty face this morning. Lila could at least try to look happy for me.

  As Mr. Cooper read through the rest of the list at a painfully slow pace, Lila's scowl deepened. "Winston Egbert . . . "

  "Winston! No way!" Jessica giggled. "Ha, that's a funny one! Wait till Eric Parker meets him."

  " . . . Olivia Davidson, Patty Gilbert, Jim Roberts . . ."

  "Jim Roberts?" Jessica wrinkled her forehead. She wasn't sure she even knew who Jim Roberts was.

  By now, Lila's expression was positively murderous, her body tense with frustration.

  ". . . and Lila Fowler," concluded the principal.

  A self-satisfied, ear-to-ear grin spread across Lila's face. Jessica gave another exuberant bounce. "Li, we both made it!"

  The girls threw their arms around each other and whirled in a giddy circle. Suddenly they stopped cold and stepped apart. Jessica eyed Lila; Lila eyed Jessica. Jessica felt her elation deflate.

  "So who's our competition again?" asked Lila coolly.

  "Winston, Patty, Olivia, and Jim Roberts," Jessica recited.

  Lila ticked them off on her fingers dismissively. "School clown, dancer, arts editor, photography buff. A classic bunch of nerds."

  Jessica had to agree. Sure, they were all nice people, but someone as cool as Eric Parker was bound to recognize that each one was missing something crucial. He might want to feature a typical American student on his show, but he would also want the student to have some flash and sparkle. Jessica was confident that she could provide the sparkle. But she also knew that Lila could provide the flash.

  "Nothing to worry about there," Lila predicted. She crossed her arms. Her expression had turned to stone. "It looks like it's going to come down to you and me."

  Lila was right. Only a few minutes ago, she and Lila had been gushing about Jamie Peters's new album. But this was not the same Lila. Jessica knew that she was now looking at a hard-hearted competitor, not a friend. They had both survived the first skirmish, but the battle wasn't over yet. It had just begun!

  That afternoon Elizabeth and Enid stopped by the library on their way to lunch. By the time they arrived at the cafeteria, there wasn't an empty table in sight.

  "We could try outside," Enid suggested.

  "I really need to study the Secca Lake rules book, though," said Elizabeth. "If we sit outside, I'll be tempted to sunbathe instead. Not that it isn't just as distracting in here," she added. The noise level in the cafeteria was pretty intense.

  "Well, there's your sister and her friends." Enid nodded toward a table by one of the big windows. "It looks as if they have a few empty chairs at their table."

  Balancing their trays carefully, Elizabeth and Enid made their way to the table Jessica was sharing with Cara, Amy, and Lila. The three girls were Jessica's closest friends, and she had lunch with them almost every day. But that day something was different about the otherwise familiar scene. Elizabeth could feel the tension as she approached. Something's wrong with this picture, she thought as she set down her tray.

  "Hi, everybody," she said cheerfully.

  "Hi, Liz," said Amy. Cara gave her a smile. Lila and Jessica, who were sitting on opposite sides of the table, grumbled hellos without looking in Elizabeth's direction. Afraid they might end up looking at each other by accident, Elizabeth figured. She exchanged a glance of amusement with Enid; she had a hunch she knew what this was all about.

  Elizabeth looked toward Cara and Amy. "So you two must feel pretty privileged, being best pals with two potential celebrities."

  "Yeah, it's a real privilege." Amy rolled her eyes heavenward. "We're all just bubbling over with joy."

  "It could be fun," Cara said pointedly, "if certain people didn't take it all so seriously."

  "Well, I'm proud of you, Jess." Elizabeth patted her twin on the back.

  Jessica did not look at her twin. "I'm proud of myself," she said airily in the direction of the next table. "I think Eric Parker picked good finalists. With one exception. Too bad he didn't see through the utterly falsified application of one particular person. Too bad he has no way of knowing that one particular person neglected to mention several essential facts about herself and that she just isn't what she seems, eh, Cara?"