Growing up in a family that relocated frequently, I often found solace in the pages of books. As the new kid in school, I would rush home to immerse myself in the adventures of my literary friends, like the feisty Ramona Quimby and the charming Sally J. Freedman. As I transitioned into my teenage years, I encountered Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, the stunning twin sisters from Sweet Valley High, and I must confess: we clicked instantly, becoming BFFs for life.
With Francine Pascal employing a team of ghostwriters to craft the escapades of these sun-kissed twins, I was continually whisked away to the picturesque (if somewhat surreal) California town of Sweet Valley. Sure, the descriptions of the twins were often repetitive—perfect size 6 figures, heart-shaped faces, wavy blonde locks, and sparkling blue eyes—but the over-the-top, cheesy plotlines didn’t deter millions of girls like me from consuming the series with fervor. And let’s be honest: we all had a crush on Todd Wilkins, right?
The series concluded with Elizabeth and Jessica stepping into their twenties, but I can’t help but feel a sense of loss. I’m eager to know if the beloved twins are now 40 and thriving in Sweet Valley. Is Elizabeth still tight with her friend, Enid? Is Bruce Patman still the same arrogant character? Are Ned and Alice Wakefield embracing their roles as doting grandparents? Fortunately, I have a few ideas in case anyone wants to recruit me as a ghostwriter for “Sweet Valley High: 40 and Thriving.”
Where Are They Now?
Elizabeth Wakefield now manages the Sweet Valley Gazette, a publication aimed at keeping parents informed about the latest in parenting trends. She serves as the PTA president, accessorizes with pearls, and has a single martini at 5 p.m. sharp each day—always with one olive. She shares her life with her husband, Avi, an Israeli she met during her journalism days covering the Middle East, and they have two children together.
Jessica Wakefield has collected stamps from 32 countries and is the founder of a successful fashion brand, JW Designs. She treats relationships like fleeting fashion trends, often texting Elizabeth in a whirlwind of travel chaos. Now a size 2 and rocking a chic black bob, she is currently on a soul-searching journey in Tibet while playfully annoying local monks.
Todd Wilkins lives a few streets away from Elizabeth, unable to move on from their breakup. Once a high school basketball star, he is now married to a picture-perfect debutante and finds himself secretly gazing at Elizabeth’s photo during lonely Saturday nights after a few drinks. He spots her at soccer games and regrets letting her slip away—though Elizabeth is considering a restraining order.
Enid Rollins remains Elizabeth’s closest friend, embracing an organic, bohemian lifestyle. As a mother of six, she manages a website called Organic Bliss, where she sells handwoven cloth diapers. Known for her natural approach to wellness, Enid’s home is often cluttered and carries a faint hint of marijuana.
Bruce Patman, once the epitome of confidence, has seen better days. He’s added weight and lost his hair by the age of 25. With his finances and allure dwindling, he now works as a blackjack dealer at the local casino, driving a beat-up Toyota Camry—wistfully reminiscing about his former black Porsche.
Lila Fowler has become a social media sensation, thriving on the retweet culture. Living in Los Angeles, she mingles with Hollywood elite and shares her glamorous life with 40 million followers, often accompanied by her partner, Anastasia, and their two Pomeranians.
Winston Egbert struck gold with a tech startup he launched in his garage, selling it for a staggering $10 billion. He’s married to a supermodel and now enjoys a quiet life in Sweet Valley, joining Elizabeth for cocktail hour every week while avoiding Jessica’s calls.
Cara Walker had a scandalous romance with Ned Wakefield in the early ’90s. After Alice threw Ned out of their beautifully decorated home, he proposed to Cara. However, she accepted his diamond ring, cleaned out his bank account, and vanished without a trace. Ned now resides in a Motel Six, spending his days engaging in vague social media posts.
Jeffrey French provided comfort to Alice following Ned’s betrayal. Together, they now operate a successful bed and breakfast in Vermont. Alice frequently visits Elizabeth, managing to tolerate Ned’s presence at the annual Wakefield Christmas gathering.
The fictional band, The Droids, had a hit in 1987 but has since faded into obscurity. They perform regularly at the local casino where Bruce works, and lead singer Dana has developed a crush on him, leading to awkward encounters over cheap drinks.
I genuinely believe there’s potential here. Francine, if you’re reading this, I’d love to discuss my vision for “Sweet Valley High: The Grandparent Diaries.”
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Summary: This article reflects on the iconic series “Sweet Valley High” and imagines the lives of its characters as they reach their forties. It explores their current adventures and transformations while maintaining a lighthearted tone.