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Sweet Valley High: 40 and Thriving
Growing up, I moved around a lot, which made books my go-to escape. Often feeling like the awkward new kid surrounded by unfamiliar faces, I would rush home to dive into the adventures of my beloved pals, like Ramona Quimby and Sally J. Freedman. As I blossomed into my teenage years (you know, when I finally developed curves), I stumbled upon the fabulous Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, the dazzling blonde twins from Sweet Valley High. Let’s be real: we were instant besties for life!
Thanks to Francine Pascal and her talented ghostwriters, I always had a way to escape into the picture-perfect, albeit slightly surreal, town of Sweet Valley. Sure, the twins were described in the same cheesy way (perfect size 6 figures, heart-shaped faces, flowing blonde locks, and sparkling blue eyes), and the storylines were often ridiculous, but millions of girls, including me, devoured every book in the series. And let’s not forget those iconic covers and the secret crush we all had on Todd Wilkins!
The series wrapped up with Elizabeth and Jessica in their twenties, but I can’t help but feel a bit robbed. I want to know if the twins are still fabulous at 40! Is Elizabeth still tight with Enid? Does Bruce Patman still have that obnoxious attitude? Are Ned and Alice Wakefield the doting grandparents we hope they are? Luckily, I have some fun ideas if anyone wants to hire me as a ghostwriter for Sweet Valley High: 40 and Thriving.
What’s New in Sweet Valley?
So, here’s the scoop: Elizabeth Wakefield is now at the helm of the Wakefield Weekly, a newspaper that keeps moms updated on parenting news. She’s the PTA president, rocks pearls, and enjoys one martini at exactly 5 p.m. every evening—just one olive, please! She’s married to her Israeli husband, Avi, whom she met while covering the Middle East crisis back in her journalism days, and they have two kids.
Meanwhile, Jessica Wakefield is living her best life, with stamps from 32 countries in her passport and a flourishing fashion line, JW, Inc. She’s like a whirlwind, discarding men like old hair products, and sends frantic texts to Elizabeth as she globetrots. Now a sleek size 2, she’s swapped her long blonde hair for a chic black bob and is currently in Tibet searching for enlightenment—while still managing to annoy the monks!
Todd Wilkins lives just down the street from Elizabeth and still hasn’t quite moved on from their breakup. Now a once-promising basketball star, he’s married to a picture-perfect debutante, but after a few drinks on the weekend, he finds himself staring at Elizabeth’s photo, lamenting what he lost. Elizabeth, on the other hand, is considering a restraining order.
Enid Rollins remains Elizabeth’s best friend and fully embraces her organic, hippy lifestyle. With six kids and a website called Rollin’ in Organic, she sells homemade cloth diapers and practices holistic yoga. Her house is a chaotic mess, with a faint scent of…well, let’s say “natural” aromas.
Bruce Patman, once the epitome of cool, has hit a rough patch. He’s gained weight, been bald since his mid-twenties, and lost his fortune in his thirties. Now, he deals blackjack at the local casino, drives a beat-up Toyota Camry, and misses his flashy Porsche dearly.
Lila Fowler has become a social media sensation, known for her glamorous lifestyle and her countless celebrity connections. With over 40 million followers, she shares her fabulous life in Los Angeles with her partner, Anastasia, and their two adorable Pomeranians.
Winston Egbert, on the other hand, struck it rich with a tech startup he launched from his garage, selling it for a whopping $10 billion! He’s now married to a supermodel and rarely takes Jessica’s calls but does manage to catch up with Elizabeth for cocktails weekly.
And remember Cara Walker? She had a scandalous affair with Ned Wakefield back in the ’90s. After Alice kicked him out, Ned proposed to Cara, who accepted the diamond ring before disappearing with his cash! Now, Ned lives at a Motel 6 and spends his days aimlessly posting vague updates online.
Jeffrey French consoled Alice after Ned’s affair, and now they run a successful B&B in Vermont. Alice still visits Elizabeth, while Ned shows up once a year for the family Christmas gathering, where things get a bit awkward.
As for The Droids, the once-famous band has faded from glory but now performs regularly at the local casino where Bruce works. Lead singer Dana has a crush on Bruce, who happily buys her drinks in hopes of a little romance.
Honestly, I think there’s something here! Hey Francine, if you’re reading this, let’s chat about turning this into Sweet Valley High: The Grandparent Diaries!
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Summary
This playful take on the beloved Sweet Valley High series imagines the twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield at 40, navigating life, love, and parenthood. From their careers to their friendships, we explore how the iconic characters have evolved in their adult lives, highlighting the humor and nostalgia that made the series a favorite.