blue828 (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} blue828) wrote in ![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} 1bruce1,@ 2008-03-10 20:10:00 |
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SVT #58, Elizabeth and The Orphans
I'm pretty clueless about how to add the book cover onto a post, maybe someone can help me out. In the meantime, if you can see from my userpic, Elizabeth is rocking the sympathetic shoulder pat she is so well known for in SVH. It is also worth noting that both girls and the older boy are all wearing the exact same Tshirt, but in different colors.
I'm pretty clueless about how to add the book cover onto a post, maybe someone can help me out. In the meantime, if you can see from my userpic, Elizabeth is rocking the sympathetic shoulder pat she is so well known for in SVH. It is also worth noting that both girls and the older boy are all wearing the exact same Tshirt, but in different colors.
So, this book starts out as the twins are in social studies, and the topic of the day is Family. Yeah, when I was in 6th grade we had to read about wars and history, and how to read maps in social studies. However, I do believe the Sweet Valley education has been snarked on enough on this website so I'll move on. Anyways, we soon learn that Jessica and Steven have been fighting a lot lately and Jessica asks the teacher's advice on how to divorce her brother. In front of all her classmates. The class finds this funny, but that's only because they have yet to witness all the creepy ways Jessica and Steven will behave towards each other in SVH and SVU.
Ms. Arnette dismisses this question and tells the class their latest assignment--they will pair up and interview their partner's family and write a report based on their findings. OK, what? I had to pretend to be grandpa during WW2 and write letters to my grandma about what it was like fighting in Germany for nearly 9 whole months, and these chicks have to write a paper about how many siblings their classmates have? What friggin ever. In a nice (and rare) moment of continuity, Ms. Arnette references the last class project they did, <a href="http://community.livejournal.com/1
So, Jessica and Lila are paired together, and Elizabeth gets Melissa McCormick for a partner. Melissa McCormick is a shy girl in their dance class that they have never spoken to at length. McCormick, by the way, is an Irish name, and I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know she has red hair and green eyes. Anyway, Elizabeth walks up to Melissa and tells her she's looking forward to working with her. She notes how uncomfortable Melissa gets when asked about her family. What could Melissa's secret be?
As we find out a page later, Melissa is ashamed because her father does not live with them. Shocker. That isn't scandalous even for Sweet Valley, but whatever, Melissa. Her father wrote them a letter saying he loved them but love just wasn't enough. Love may not be enough for some things, but I think it should be enough to arrange visitation with your children once or twice, Mr. McCormick. Loser. Anyways, Melissa's mother has a heart condition, is has been feeling weak lately, and Melissa is worried.
Wow, this is going to be kind of a long recap. I'll try to move it along. The next chapter features Jessica and Steven arguing over the phone. Steven talks to Cathy Connors all evening, and Jessica is annoyed because she wants to bitch about ugly, fat people call Lila. They have a pretty funny exchange where Steven calls Jessica's friends the loonycorns and candycorns and I'll admit I laughed. The scene ends with the parents (who have, in the grand parent Wakefield tradition, decided not to get involved) suggesting Jessica make a phone schedule. Yeah, that'll work. Jessica creates a 24 hour schedule, and gives Steven 2 one hour blocks and Elizabeth 3. Surprisingly, her siblings do not go for it. In less funny news, Melissa's mother dies in this chapter, and Melissa leaves school abruptly to go to the hospital. Before dying, her mother asks that she and her brother take care of each other. Aww.
Melissa and Andy return home in a daze. After awhile, Andy asks Melissa not to mention that their father is estranged and they have no other family. He explains they'll likely be split up and put in foster care, and they can take care of themselves. Melissa agrees. So of course, immediately they hear a doorbell and surprise!, it's a social worker. Andy tries to tell her to piss off, but she's having none of it. Andy lies and says their father is on his way back, and they will stay with the neighbors in the meantime. The neighbors are glad to help, but are leaving on vacation in a week and the social worker insists the father contact her before then or she will be back. Elizabeth shows up as Melissa is packing to move next door and Melissa repeats the lie to her. Elizabeth buys it and takes off.
Next chapter. Andy tells the neighbors he has been in contact with his dad and that they speak on the phone often. Once they are alone, Andy tells Melissa that a guy he knows is going to pretend to be their dad on the phone, will convince the neighbors everything's fine, and the neighbors will leave none the wiser. You know, I think the social worker might not be stupid, Andy, and may want to meet with him. I mean, you're probably the only person in Sweet Valley needing social services at the moment, I imagine that chick's pretty bored right about now. Oh yeah, and Ms. McCormick was nice enough to leave them all her checking account information so they're okay for money right now.
On to the fun part of the book! Jessica has been doing some artwork lately, and she's made some signs that announce each area to be a Steven Free Zone. The sign depicts an ugly boy with sweat stains, blackened teeth, and severe acne. Burn, Jessica. However, this won't really affect him as she only puts one up on her bedroom door and another on Elizabeth's. Better save that sign Jess. You'll probably need it once you turn 16. Elizabeth is annoyed.
The next chapter, Andy's loser friend has called the neighbors and convinced them that he's Mr. McCormick and the kids will be fine. The neighbors buy it and are off. Andy and Melissa go over the finances. No mortage payments, FYI (the house was paid for) but plenty of utility bills. Andy is worried.
The next day, Melissa returns to school. Afterward, Elizabeth invites her over to the Wakefield house. Melissa accepts, and Jessica brings Lila. Lila continues to be awesome by letting Melissa know she's without a mom as well, and life can suck, but they can talk about it sometime, if Melissa wants. Lila is so cool. Jessica and Steven get into an argument over which one will host a pool party the next weekend. Jessica and Lila close out the chapter by pushing Steven into the pool and Melissa sadly wonders when her and Andy will have fun like that again. Aww.
The next chapter Andy and Melissa both decide to get jobs. It is sad. Andy quit the basketball team so he could work. Melissa cries. Over at the Wakefield house, Jessica makes a ham sandwich and a peanut butter sandwich and plans on eating them both, but throws one at Steven instead. God, this book makes me long for an older brother. And a ham AND a peanut butter sandwich Jessica? Who are you, Lois Waller?
The next chapter Melissa is talking to Elizabeth about her father and starts forgetting the lies she's already told. When Elizabeth calls her on the inconsistent stories, Melissa gets rattled and leaves abruptly. She finally breaks down and tells Elizabeth the truth, and Elizabeth promises to keep quiet for now. The girls clean the house and Melissa finds letters from her father to her mother. The letters convince her that her dad really did love them. Just evidently not enough to pick up the phone and call them ever. Or try to visit. Sometimes love just isn't enough, Melissa. Andy comes home and is furious that Melissa told their secret and even more annoyed that Melissa is having good thoughts about their father. Andy knows what's up.
Next chapter, Andy's loser friend makes another appearance as he fields a call from Andy's principal. Loser Friend is very creepy and gives off serious sexual predator vibes. When he reminds Andy that he is owed a favor now, I was seriously worried Loser Friend was going to insist on taking a crack at Melissa. Then I remembered that this is Sweet Valley, and no one ever gets past first base here. Still, after all Melissa has been through, even giving Loser Friend a kiss on the cheek would probably put her over the edge. The next day, Andy tells Melissa that Loser Friend is blackmailing him into doing something illegal, but he won't say what. I'll admit, reading this at 9, I was super worried for Melissa.
Well, before we get all Lifetime movie, let's take a break and check in with Jessica. She has made a "jerk-o-meter" of Steven and keeps track everytime he annoys her. Seems he put his feet on her side of the couch the previous night and she's still pissed about it.
Back to the sad stuff (almost done guys!). Melissa is looking out the window when she notices someone breaking into the neighbor's house. She calls the cops, they nab the guy, and it's...Andy!! Who would have seen that coming? Anyways, the shit hits the fan, Andy is arrested, him and Melissa are split up, and Andy is awaiting trial. Oh come on--a minor kid going to trial for breaking and entering? I don't think so.Mr. Wakefield posts bail for Andy and Elizabeth goes to sleep determined to fix Melissa's life (Oh, Liz, you never disappoint).
Elizabeth's awesome plan involves writing a letter to the last return address from Melissa's mother's letters. I'm unclear as to whether Liz just memorized the address from several days ago or actually stole one of the letters, but I have to say, neither would surprise me. I'll just spoil the surprise for you right here-- the dad gets the letter (in TX) hightails it over to CA, takes the kids in, and they are happy. Evidently, since Andy now has a deadbeat dad, they dropped the trial. Mr. McCormick is a great father, and Elizabeth saved the day. Life is good.
Ms. Arnette dismisses this question and tells the class their latest assignment--they will pair up and interview their partner's family and write a report based on their findings. OK, what? I had to pretend to be grandpa during WW2 and write letters to my grandma about what it was like fighting in Germany for nearly 9 whole months, and these chicks have to write a paper about how many siblings their classmates have? What friggin ever. In a nice (and rare) moment of continuity, Ms. Arnette references the last class project they did, <a href="http://community.livejournal.com/1
So, Jessica and Lila are paired together, and Elizabeth gets Melissa McCormick for a partner. Melissa McCormick is a shy girl in their dance class that they have never spoken to at length. McCormick, by the way, is an Irish name, and I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know she has red hair and green eyes. Anyway, Elizabeth walks up to Melissa and tells her she's looking forward to working with her. She notes how uncomfortable Melissa gets when asked about her family. What could Melissa's secret be?
As we find out a page later, Melissa is ashamed because her father does not live with them. Shocker. That isn't scandalous even for Sweet Valley, but whatever, Melissa. Her father wrote them a letter saying he loved them but love just wasn't enough. Love may not be enough for some things, but I think it should be enough to arrange visitation with your children once or twice, Mr. McCormick. Loser. Anyways, Melissa's mother has a heart condition, is has been feeling weak lately, and Melissa is worried.
Wow, this is going to be kind of a long recap. I'll try to move it along. The next chapter features Jessica and Steven arguing over the phone. Steven talks to Cathy Connors all evening, and Jessica is annoyed because she wants to
Melissa and Andy return home in a daze. After awhile, Andy asks Melissa not to mention that their father is estranged and they have no other family. He explains they'll likely be split up and put in foster care, and they can take care of themselves. Melissa agrees. So of course, immediately they hear a doorbell and surprise!, it's a social worker. Andy tries to tell her to piss off, but she's having none of it. Andy lies and says their father is on his way back, and they will stay with the neighbors in the meantime. The neighbors are glad to help, but are leaving on vacation in a week and the social worker insists the father contact her before then or she will be back. Elizabeth shows up as Melissa is packing to move next door and Melissa repeats the lie to her. Elizabeth buys it and takes off.
Next chapter. Andy tells the neighbors he has been in contact with his dad and that they speak on the phone often. Once they are alone, Andy tells Melissa that a guy he knows is going to pretend to be their dad on the phone, will convince the neighbors everything's fine, and the neighbors will leave none the wiser. You know, I think the social worker might not be stupid, Andy, and may want to meet with him. I mean, you're probably the only person in Sweet Valley needing social services at the moment, I imagine that chick's pretty bored right about now. Oh yeah, and Ms. McCormick was nice enough to leave them all her checking account information so they're okay for money right now.
On to the fun part of the book! Jessica has been doing some artwork lately, and she's made some signs that announce each area to be a Steven Free Zone. The sign depicts an ugly boy with sweat stains, blackened teeth, and severe acne. Burn, Jessica. However, this won't really affect him as she only puts one up on her bedroom door and another on Elizabeth's. Better save that sign Jess. You'll probably need it once you turn 16. Elizabeth is annoyed.
The next chapter, Andy's loser friend has called the neighbors and convinced them that he's Mr. McCormick and the kids will be fine. The neighbors buy it and are off. Andy and Melissa go over the finances. No mortage payments, FYI (the house was paid for) but plenty of utility bills. Andy is worried.
The next day, Melissa returns to school. Afterward, Elizabeth invites her over to the Wakefield house. Melissa accepts, and Jessica brings Lila. Lila continues to be awesome by letting Melissa know she's without a mom as well, and life can suck, but they can talk about it sometime, if Melissa wants. Lila is so cool. Jessica and Steven get into an argument over which one will host a pool party the next weekend. Jessica and Lila close out the chapter by pushing Steven into the pool and Melissa sadly wonders when her and Andy will have fun like that again. Aww.
The next chapter Andy and Melissa both decide to get jobs. It is sad. Andy quit the basketball team so he could work. Melissa cries. Over at the Wakefield house, Jessica makes a ham sandwich and a peanut butter sandwich and plans on eating them both, but throws one at Steven instead. God, this book makes me long for an older brother. And a ham AND a peanut butter sandwich Jessica? Who are you, Lois Waller?
The next chapter Melissa is talking to Elizabeth about her father and starts forgetting the lies she's already told. When Elizabeth calls her on the inconsistent stories, Melissa gets rattled and leaves abruptly. She finally breaks down and tells Elizabeth the truth, and Elizabeth promises to keep quiet for now. The girls clean the house and Melissa finds letters from her father to her mother. The letters convince her that her dad really did love them. Just evidently not enough to pick up the phone and call them ever. Or try to visit. Sometimes love just isn't enough, Melissa. Andy comes home and is furious that Melissa told their secret and even more annoyed that Melissa is having good thoughts about their father. Andy knows what's up.
Next chapter, Andy's loser friend makes another appearance as he fields a call from Andy's principal. Loser Friend is very creepy and gives off serious sexual predator vibes. When he reminds Andy that he is owed a favor now, I was seriously worried Loser Friend was going to insist on taking a crack at Melissa. Then I remembered that this is Sweet Valley, and no one ever gets past first base here. Still, after all Melissa has been through, even giving Loser Friend a kiss on the cheek would probably put her over the edge. The next day, Andy tells Melissa that Loser Friend is blackmailing him into doing something illegal, but he won't say what. I'll admit, reading this at 9, I was super worried for Melissa.
Well, before we get all Lifetime movie, let's take a break and check in with Jessica. She has made a "jerk-o-meter" of Steven and keeps track everytime he annoys her. Seems he put his feet on her side of the couch the previous night and she's still pissed about it.
Back to the sad stuff (almost done guys!). Melissa is looking out the window when she notices someone breaking into the neighbor's house. She calls the cops, they nab the guy, and it's...Andy!! Who would have seen that coming? Anyways, the shit hits the fan, Andy is arrested, him and Melissa are split up, and Andy is awaiting trial. Oh come on--a minor kid going to trial for breaking and entering? I don't think so.Mr. Wakefield posts bail for Andy and Elizabeth goes to sleep determined to fix Melissa's life (Oh, Liz, you never disappoint).
Elizabeth's awesome plan involves writing a letter to the last return address from Melissa's mother's letters. I'm unclear as to whether Liz just memorized the address from several days ago or actually stole one of the letters, but I have to say, neither would surprise me. I'll just spoil the surprise for you right here-- the dad gets the letter (in TX) hightails it over to CA, takes the kids in, and they are happy. Evidently, since Andy now has a deadbeat dad, they dropped the trial. Mr. McCormick is a great father, and Elizabeth saved the day. Life is good.
