As a child who moved around frequently, books became my refuge. Often feeling like the awkward new kid in school, I would rush home to escape into the worlds of my favorite characters. Ramona Quimby and Sally J. Freedman were my best pals, but as I grew older (yes, when my body started changing), I discovered the enchanting world of Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, the stunning blonde twins from Sweet Valley High. It’s safe to say we became instant best friends for life.
Thanks to Francine Pascal and her team of ghostwriters, I always had a chance to dive into the picturesque (albeit somewhat Stepford-esque) town of Sweet Valley. Sure, the twins were consistently described as having perfect size 6 figures, heart-shaped faces, wavy blonde hair, and sparkling blue eyes. And yes, the storylines were often cheesy and over-the-top. But millions of girls, including myself, eagerly devoured countless books in the series. And let’s be honest: who didn’t adore the cover art and find themselves crushing on Todd Wilkins?
The series wrapped up with Elizabeth and Jessica in their twenties, but I can’t shake the feeling of being shortchanged. I’m dying to know what these twin beauties are up to as they hit 40. Is Elizabeth still tight with her best friend? Is Bruce Patman still a jerk? Are Ned and Alice Wakefield indulging in grandparent life? Thankfully, I have some creative ideas for a potential new installment: Sweet Valley High: 40 and Fabulous.
Where Are They Now?
In my vision, Elizabeth Wakefield now runs the Sweet Valley Gazette, a publication focused on parenting news. She’s the PTA president, rocks pearls, and enjoys exactly one martini with a single olive every night at 5 p.m. She’s married to her Israeli husband, Avi, whom she met while covering stories in the Middle East, and they have two kids.
Jessica Wakefield, on the other hand, has stamps from 32 countries in her passport and is busy managing her thriving fashion line, JW, Inc. She’s been known to toss men aside like hair products and sends frantic texts to Elizabeth from her international escapades. Now a flawless size 2, she’s swapped her signature blonde locks for a chic black bob, currently seeking inner peace in Tibet while still keeping her playful persona alive.
Todd Wilkins lives a few blocks away from Elizabeth, still haunted by their breakup. Now a high school basketball has-been, he’s married to a picture-perfect debutante but secretly finds himself staring at Elizabeth’s photo after a few drinks on Saturday nights. Their occasional encounters at soccer games leave him wishing he could turn back time. Elizabeth, however, is considering a restraining order.
Enid Rollins remains Elizabeth’s best friend, leading a bohemian lifestyle with six kids. She runs Rollin’ in Organic, a website selling cloth diapers she weaves herself. Her home is a chaotic mess, perpetually smelling faintly of, well, you know.
Bruce Patman? Let’s just say he’s changed quite a bit. Once the epitome of charm, he’s now a blackjack dealer at the local casino, having lost all his wealth and appeal by his 30s. He drives a beat-up Toyota Camry and reminisces about his glorious past with a heavy heart.
Lila Fowler has become a social media sensation, known for her glamorous lifestyle shared with 40 million followers. Living in Los Angeles, she’s mingling with Hollywood elites and enjoys the party scene with her partner, and their two Pomeranians.
Winston Egbert hit the jackpot with a tech startup, selling it for a staggering $10 billion. He’s married to a supermodel and barely has time for Jessica anymore, though he still manages to catch up with Elizabeth for cocktails every week.
Cara Walker made headlines with her scandalous affair with Ned Wakefield back in the ‘90s. After a tumultuous end to his marriage with Alice, she accepted his diamond ring only to vanish after cleaning out his bank account. Ned now resides at a Motel Six, posting vague updates on social media.
Jeffrey French stepped in to comfort Alice post-Ned and the two now run a cozy B&B in Vermont. Alice still visits Elizabeth regularly, while Ned makes an obligatory appearance at the annual Wakefield Christmas gathering.
The Droids, the once-famous band that peaked in 1987, play at the local casino where Bruce works. Lead singer Dana is still trying to rekindle her chemistry with Bruce, who is more than willing to indulge her with drinks.
I genuinely believe I’m onto something here. Francine, if you’re reading this, let’s chat—I would love to expand on my concept for Sweet Valley High: The Grandparent Diaries.
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In summary, the world of Sweet Valley High has evolved, and the characters we once adored are now navigating the complexities of adulthood. From Elizabeth’s PTA meetings to Jessica’s globetrotting adventures, their stories are ripe for a refreshing revival.
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