Starring Jessica! Read online

  Jessica smiled. She couldn't wait to see Lila's face on Monday when Lila learned that her nasty trick had backfired.

  Six

  "I'm so glad that we both scored one hundred on the quiz," Enid said as she climbed into the passenger seat of the Fiat on Saturday morning.

  "Me, too," said Elizabeth warmly. "It's going to be fun being junior rangers together."

  Enid rolled down her window, allowing the fresh breeze to tangle her curly brown hair. "And what a day to spend out by the lake!"

  "It's absolutely gorgeous." Elizabeth turned onto the road that led to Secca Lake. "I'm going to feel a little guilty about enjoying myself at the park, though."

  "Why?"

  "Well, in order to do this ranger orientation, I had to give up an assignment for The Oracle," Elizabeth explained. "Penny wanted me to cover the student government fund-raiser this afternoon."

  "Penny has other reporters," Enid reminded her friend. "And you'll get other assignments."

  "True." Elizabeth sighed. "It's just that this is the first time in all the years I've worked on the newspaper that I've turned down an assignment. I just feel funny about it, that's all."

  "You shouldn't," Enid insisted. "You do more than your share for The Oracle, and Penny knows it. I'm sure she's glad to cut you some slack for once."

  Elizabeth knew that Enid was probably right. Penny really doesn't seem to mind—but I do, she thought. Elizabeth was not happy shirking her responsibility to the newspaper. But to be honest, she had not wanted to write about the fund-raiser in the first place. In fact, she did not feel much like writing about anything these days.

  "Don't worry about Penny and the newspaper," Enid suggested as Elizabeth looked for a parking space at the lake. "The Oracle's not your whole life. You should be celebrating—you made it into the ranger program! Isn't that what you wanted, to expand your horizons and be more well-rounded and all that?"

  Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, it is. Thanks for reminding me!" Enid was right. She was here to enjoy a beautiful day and to learn about conserving the environment. That was what was important right now.

  Elizabeth and Enid found the other ten students who had been admitted into the junior ranger program inside Secca Lodge. They were trading their street clothes for ranger uniforms. Elizabeth noted with a grin that the sandy-haired boy who had complained about Don's one-hundred-percent rule was there. He must have gotten his act together enough to ace the quiz!

  A few minutes later, the two girls emerged from the changing room. "Watch out, litterbugs," kidded Enid. "It's Ranger Wakefield."

  Elizabeth shook a finger at her. "Don't feed the bears, if you know what's good for you!"

  "C'mon." Enid started for the door. "Everybody else is already outside with Don."

  "I hope you're ready for a long day," Don announced when the girls had joined the group and he had everyone's attention. "There's a lot of ground to cover, and I mean that literally. We'll start out by taking a tour of the park ourselves—we'll cover every foot of trail. I'll explain the trail-marking system as we go and identify some common plants, both poisonous and nonpoisonous. We'll also take a careful look at the lake itself. Pay close attention—you'll be leading your own nature walks soon. Finally, I'll review the history of the park—more information you'll need as tour guides. We'll finish up with some recreation—a swim and a snack. How does that sound?"

  The new recruits unanimously expressed their enthusiasm. But by the end of the day, Elizabeth observed that some of the group were not as gung-ho as they'd been when they started out. She could understand why. By the time they had made a complete circuit of the trails around the lake and returned to the lodge, Elizabeth was tired and dusty. Her head was spinning with the names of what seemed like hundreds of different plants, birds, and animals. She had not realized there would be so much to learn! It was a pleasure to sink onto the sand. The other junior rangers collapsed on the beach.

  "My muscles are going to be sore tomorrow," she predicted to Enid. "That was some hike! It was no mean feat just keeping up with Don."

  "Tell me about it," Enid groaned. "I had no idea how out of shape I was. What a workout!"

  "It was fun, though, wasn't it?" Elizabeth gazed out at the sun-dappled lake. "I liked learning how to mark and read trails. It's like knowing a secret code."

  "I liked meeting the lifeguard staff," Enid said with a smile.

  "I think they were impressed with you, too." Elizabeth winked at her friend.

  "Speaking of being impressed, Don certainly was when you were the only one who knew that bit about Secca Lake being fed by a stream that passes through an industrial area and about how ten years ago Sweet Valley residents lobbied for a big cleanup. Their efforts actually helped make the lake safe for swimming again."

  "I learned that when my dad was campaigning for mayor," Elizabeth reminded Enid. "He researched a lot of facts like that. It's a great story, isn't it?"

  Don passed out soda and bags of chips to all the junior rangers. Then he sat down in the sand beside Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth gulped down half the can in just a few swallows. "All of that walking sure made me thirsty! I'll have to get a flask for water like yours, Don."

  "It's a necessity," he agreed. "So what do you two think about the junior ranger program so far? Are you going to stick it out?"

  "I'm happier than ever that I decided to get involved," Enid told him.

  "I feel like I'm seeing Secca Lake and the park in a whole new light," Elizabeth said sincerely. "We're so lucky to have a beautiful place like this in our town. I never thought about it as a natural resource—it was just a place to hang out and have a good time. Now I realize that Secca Lake needs preserving just like any other place of natural beauty."

  "You're both going to make good volunteers, I can tell." Don smiled as he tore open a bag of potato chips. "You learn quickly, and you have the right attitude, which is just as important. In fact," he said pulling a clipboard out of his backpack, "I wanted to appoint one of the twelve junior rangers to be the informal chief of operations. Someone I can count on to help me coordinate your schedules—someone to call when I need a backup."

  Enid and Elizabeth exchanged an excited glance. Was Don going to ask one of the two of them?

  Don looked up from the clipboard. His gaze settled on Elizabeth. "How about it, Liz? Would you be willing to take on the extra responsibility?"

  Enid elbowed Elizabeth in the side. Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Well, I don't—maybe. . . ."

  Elizabeth was taken aback by Don's offer. Already, with the ranger program and school and the newspaper, she was stretching herself a little thin to take on any more responsibilities. And Elizabeth knew that she couldn't accept the position from Don unless she was sure she could come through for him and for the program.

  The offer was flattering, though. Don had singled her out from a dozen talented kids. It made her feel good. Elizabeth suddenly remembered the way Penny had gushed over Jessica's story at The Oracle the other day. When was the last time Penny had given a rave review to a piece of Elizabeth's writing?

  That doesn't really have anything to do with this, Elizabeth told herself. Still, she could not deny that it felt great to have her abilities recognized. Don appreciated her; the park needed her. Why shouldn't she devote more of her time to the junior ranger project, even if it meant spending less time on her writing?

  "Sure, Don," Elizabeth said cheerfully. "I'd be glad to."

  "Great! OK, gang." Don raised his voice. "A little more work, then we can cut loose and hit the water. I'm going to ask you all to take on two shifts a week, one after school and one shift on the weekend. I need two people on Mondays—one for the four o'clock nature walk and one for the sunset tour. Who'll volunteer?"

  As the junior rangers volunteered for shifts and Don took notes, Elizabeth sat down quickly.

  "Lucky you, Liz, being made Don's assistant."

  Elizabeth smiled at her friend's enthusiasm. Still, she could not help but wonder what she had gotten herself into: two shifts a week plus nature workshops and now extra duties at the park. It might not be long before she was forced to turn down another reporting assignment.

  "Liz, I'm so nervous, I could scream!" Jessica gripped her twin's arm so tightly, it hurt.

  "Let go of me!" Elizabeth yelped. "Really, Jess, you'd think you were up for an Oscar or something."

  "That'll be next," Jessica said. "First I'm going to win this TV spot!"

  An assembly had been called before the first class on Monday morning in order to make various announcements. Avoiding her own friends—specifically, Lila—Jessica had grabbed a seat next to Elizabeth and Todd. Now she craned her neck and found Lila in the crowd. She hadn't talked to Lila since last Friday, before the preliminary interviews. For all Lila knew, her note-stealing prank had worked, and Jessica had missed her appointment with Eric Parker. She's in for the surprise of her life, Jessica anticipated gleefully. Maybe I should have sat with her so I can see her face when Eric announces I'm the one he's picked to be on his TV show!

  Jessica barely listened as Mr. Cooper made a few remarks about upcoming school events. But when he introduced Eric Parker, Jessica sat forward in her seat, her hands clasped tightly together. Several groups of students jumped to their feet, clapping and whistling.

  Eric, looking as dashing as usual, waved for silence. Then, declining to use the microphone and podium, he stepped forward to the edge of the stage.

  "It's great to be back at Sweet Valley High," he began. There were more cheers. "I'm sorry to say that not many of the teachers remember me—it's been nearly fifteen years since I graduated. But talking with some of you has helped me get back in touch with my own high school days. Thanks to you, I think I'm ready for my special, 'Growing Up in America.' To that end, how about a hand for my guest star"—Eric paused dramatically—"Miss Jessica Wakefield!"

  That's me, Jessica realized, stunned. He picked me!

  Her dream had come true, and she was paralyzed. "Get up there!" Elizabeth hissed. When Jessica still didn't budge, Elizabeth pushed her up out of her seat and into the aisle.

  Jessica took a first awkward step. He picked me! She didn't even feel the floor beneath her feet as she proceeded to the stage to shake Eric's hand. Even tripping over the microphone cord and nearly falling on her face didn't seem to faze her. She was still marveling. He picked me!

  Eric shook Jessica's hand, then faced the auditorium. "It was a tough choice," he said. "I wish I could have featured all the applicants on the show. But I will bring one more special person to your notice. I'd like to ask Lila Fowler to serve as Jessica's alternate. If for any reason Jessica can't make the broadcast on Friday, Lila will take her place. Congratulations, Lila!"

  An alternate? Lila? As the audience applauded once more, Jessica's deliriously happy smile widened. This victory was a hundred times sweeter than she had ever imagined it could be! Eric was actually inviting Lila onstage to congratulate her for coming in second!

  As Eric shook her hand, Lila beamed as if being named runner-up had been her goal all along. But when Eric turned away from her, Lila's smile faded into a look of fury and jealousy.

  Jessica savored the moment to the fullest. She'd beat out Lila fair and square. Lila would never be able to act superior again. Jessica was going to be a TV star!

  Without giving away the role she had played in delaying Jessica's interview on Friday, Lila got the whole story from Amy after the assembly. So Jessica had made it to her appointment with Eric Parker after all!

  But that didn't explain how Eric could have preferred Jessica over Lila. She seethed every time she remembered Jessica's gleeful, gloating grin onstage that morning.

  Lila had successfully avoided Jessica after the assembly, but now that it was lunchtime, Lila supposed she would finally have to face her. She decided she would assume the upper hand and act totally happy for Jessica. She would not show one ounce of jealousy. That would shut Jessica up.

  Jessica was seated at the center of an animated group at one of the first tables in the cafeteria. Lila could not very well pretend not to see Jessica, who was waving energetically in her direction.

  Lila joined the group, pulled out a chair, and with a sweet smile launched into her graceful loser speech. "I want to tell you how happy I am for you, Jess—"

  "I know, isn't it absolutely fantastic?" Jessica gushed, looking around the table for reconfirmation. Amy, Bruce, Aaron, Dana, and Cara all nodded like puppets. "I'm on cloud nine. Make that cloud nine hundred and ninety-nine. I can't believe I'm going to be on TV with Eric Parker!"

  "It's great, Jess," Lila said dryly.

  "Maybe I'll get discovered by a talent scout," Jessica continued. "Wouldn't that be awesome, Li?"

  "Oh, yes. Just awesome."

  "So what do you think—will my first offer be to star on a daytime soap opera or to act in a commercial, or do you think I'll get a movie offer right away?"

  Jessica winked at the others, then turned her sparkling eyes on Lila. She was clearly reveling in Lila's humiliation. Lila felt her cheeks grow warm with anger. How dare Jessica rub it in like this in front of absolutely everyone!

  Keep your cool, Fowler! she commanded herself. They all know Jessica's trying to antagonize you. Don't let them see you sweat.

  "Maybe a TV commercial," Lila replied, her voice cool and even. "For something totally outrageous. Like dog food," she added, "or nasal spray."

  Everyone but Jessica laughed, and for a second Lila imagined she had put her uppity friend in her place.

  But Jessica was just taking a breath before delivering her next verbal dagger. "Of course, I'm sorry you can't be on Eric's show, too, Lila." Her voice was so sugary sweet that Lila had an urge to gag. "It's too bad that only one of us could win and that the other had to be the alternate."

  Lila clenched her fists in her lap and resisted the urge to reach across the table and slap the self-satisfied look off Jessica's face.

  For the remainder of the lunch period, Jessica chattered on about her amazing opportunity. Lila did her best to ignore her friend's blatant taunts, but by the end of the period, she had been pushed to the limit. Whatever it takes, Lila vowed, glaring at Jessica and wishing that looks could kill, whatever it takes, I'm going to show Jessica Wakefield what an alternate is good for!

  Lila was determined. She would get the Eric Parker TV spot away from Jessica if it was the last thing she ever did.

  Seven

  "This is really a big week for you, Jess," Elizabeth noted as the twins drove to school on Tuesday morning. "Yesterday you found out you won the guest spot on Eric Parker's talk show, and today your feature article comes out in The Oracle."

  "I know. I can't wait to see it," her twin replied. "So step on it, Liz!"

  "You are prepared, though," Elizabeth continued. "I mean, when this hits the halls and people figure out who's who in 'The Worst Dates of My Life'—"

  "Liz, you know I changed the names to protect the not-so-innocent," Jessica reminded her. "So what if a couple of guys get mad? The rest of the school will be laughing their heads off."

  Elizabeth was silent as she turned into the Sweet Valley High parking lot. She certainly hoped that her sister was right.

  As usual, the hot-off-the-press editions of The Oracle were stacked in the main lobby of the school. In her eagerness to get her hands on a copy, Jessica practically knocked a skinny freshman off his feet. "Sorry," he mumbled in confusion.

  Jessica ignored the blushing boy and flipped rapidly through the pages of the newspaper. "Here it is, Liz!" she shrieked with delight. "Page four. Right next to 'Eyes and Ears'! They look great together." Jessica scanned the first paragraph of "The Worst Dates of My Life" and giggled. "I forgot what a scream my article was!"

  On an impulse, Elizabeth had asked Penny to print Jessica's article alongside her own regular column. Now, as she looked at the two pieces, she wished she had not had the idea of teaming up her journalistic efforts with those of her sister. Next to Jessica's spicy, irreverent anecdotes, "Eyes and Ears" seemed dry and uninspired.

  "Your article is the funniest thing that's been printed in The Oracle all year," Elizabeth said, looking up from her own copy of the paper. And it bothers me, she had to admit to herself.

  "Hey, Jessica!"

  Jessica turned to see Ken Matthews waving a copy of The Oracle at her and grinning. "Guess I'm a pretty lucky guy—I didn't get mentioned in your story!"

  "I thought I'd spare you for Terri's sake. I didn't want her thinking she'd hooked up with a bozo," she teased.

  "Not everybody got off so easy, though," Ken observed. "I know one guy who's going to be pretty steamed."

  "Who?" Jessica asked innocently.

  "I won't mention any names . . ." Ken began.

  "And neither did I," Jessica countered. "So no one has any reason to be offended."

  Ken laughed as he turned to leave. "Tell that to Reginald Rich!"

  As Jessica and Elizabeth walked to their lockers, Jessica was delighted to see that the hall was crowded with students scanning the newspaper—and laughing over what had to be her story. And every few feet, someone stopped her to comment on it.

  "Hey, Jess, kissed any dead jellyfish lately?" Winston asked.

  "Not since I washed up on that deserted island with you!"

  "I could be mad at you, you know." Winston faked an elaborate scowl.

  "I didn't say anything bad about you," Jessica pointed out. "It was the circumstances that made it a 'worst date.' "

  "Well, I've got to say, it's a hilarious article," Winston complimented her. "You're almost as funny as me, Wakefield!"

  "Jessica!" Jessica turned to see Danny Stauffer, a boy she had dated a few times in the past. "I really liked your article."