When I was a kid, my family moved around a lot, and books became my sanctuary. Often the shy newcomer surrounded by unfamiliar faces, I would rush home after school to escape into the pages with my pals, the quirky Ramona Quimby and the imaginative Sally J. Freedman. As I transitioned into my teenage years (you know, when I started developing curves), I discovered the glamorous Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, the iconic blonde twins from Sweet Valley High. It’s safe to say we became lifelong BFFs—forever bonded.
Thanks to Francine Pascal and her talented roster of ghostwriters, I was never short of adventures in the picture-perfect (or perhaps too good to be true) town of Sweet Valley. Sure, the descriptions of the twins never varied (yes, we know they’re a perfect size 6 with heart-shaped faces, flowing blonde hair, and sparkling blue eyes), and the plots were often over-the-top and cheesy, but that didn’t stop countless girls from devouring every volume in the series. And let’s be honest, we all had a crush on Todd Wilkins, didn’t we?
The saga wrapped up with the twins in their twenties, but I can’t help but feel a bit cheated. What about their fabulous forties? Are Elizabeth and Jessica still the queens of Sweet Valley? Is Elizabeth still tight with her best friend? Is Bruce Patman still living up to his reputation? And are Ned and Alice Wakefield now doting grandparents? Fortunately, I have some thoughts on how Sweet Valley High could evolve into a new chapter: Sweet Valley High: 40 and Thriving.
Imagined Update
In this imagined update, Elizabeth Wakefield is now the editor of the Wakefield Weekly, a local newspaper focused on parenting trends and tips. She’s the PTA president, enjoys her daily martini at 5 p.m. sharp—one olive, of course—and balances her life with two kids and her husband, Avi, whom she met while covering international news.
Jessica Wakefield, on the other hand, has stamps from over 30 countries in her passport and runs a successful fashion brand, JW, Inc. With a size 2 figure and a chic black bob, she’s living the high life, sending frantic texts to Elizabeth as she jet-sets around the globe. Currently, she’s on a quest for inner peace in Tibet, all while keeping the monks entertained.
Meanwhile, Todd Wilkins lives just down the street from Elizabeth and has never truly moved on from their high school romance. Now a basketball coach, he finds himself glancing at Elizabeth’s picture on the wall after a few too many drinks. Elizabeth has put a restraining order on him—awkward!
Enid Rollins is still Elizabeth’s best friend, embracing a holistic lifestyle with her six kids and a website called Rollin’ in Organic, where she sells hand-woven cloth diapers. Her house is a delightful chaos, always infused with a hint of incense.
Bruce Patman, once the epitome of high school charm, has since lost his looks and wealth. Now a blackjack dealer, he drives a worn-out Toyota Camry and reminisces about his glory days while contemplating his past decisions.
Lila Fowler has become an Instagram sensation, sharing her glamorous life with 40 million followers. She’s living large in Los Angeles, rubbing elbows with A-list celebrities, all while juggling her two Pomeranians and her partner, Anastasia.
On the tech front, Winston Egbert launched a successful startup and now lives a quiet life in Sweet Valley with his supermodel wife, occasionally catching up with Elizabeth for drinks.
And let’s not forget Cara Walker, whose scandalous affair with Ned Wakefield shook the foundation of Sweet Valley. After taking him for a ride, she vanished, leaving Ned to wallow in his choices.
Jeffrey French, who consoled Alice after Ned’s indiscretion, now runs a charming B&B in Vermont with her, where they regularly host Elizabeth during the holidays.
The Droids, the band that once had a hit in the late ’80s, now plays at the local casino where Bruce works. The lead singer, Dana, is trying to win Bruce over with cheap drinks and her attention.
I truly believe there’s potential in these ideas! So, Francine Pascal, if you’re out there, I’m ready to collaborate on Sweet Valley High: The Grandparent Diaries.
Resources for Expanding Families
For those interested in expanding their family, check out this excellent resource about fertility treatment. If you’re looking for more information on home insemination, consider visiting here or learning more about privacy policies related to these topics here.
In summary, Sweet Valley is still as vibrant as ever, with all your favorite characters navigating their fabulous forties. From parenting and career changes to unexpected twists in relationships, it seems like the adventures have only just begun!