The Whittaker Saga

As Christmas comes around, Sydney decides it's time for them to throw a big party. A caterer and mixologist are hired, people invited, the house decorated. By the time the guests arrive, Sydney is so ready for their first party, especially as they have invited their very prominent neighbors. She is really excited that they all agreed. The party goes, overall, well. The caterer is a mess, has no uniform and insists on interrupting her cooking in order to try to join the party, but with some work she's kept in the kitchen. Her food is good, luckily, and the guests seem happy enough dancing, drinking and eating.   But Carl is restless. He's happy that all his siblings have come, and he tries to enjoy himself, but guilt is eating away at him. He knows he should have told Sydney everything before they married, but every step of the way, every week and month, he finds excuses not to. This party is only the latest in the string of excuses he has had. As the party dies down, he hid...

1980 goes by fast. In November Ronald Reagan wins the presidency, in December John Lennon is shot and killed in New York. Vigils are held across the country, across the world even, especially in San Seqouia where Barbara lives. She and Susan speak often on the phone in the months to come, as Susan opens up about her life in the shared grief of someone they both admired. But winter passes and a new year begins. Ronald Reagan is sworn in and life moves on. By spring its time for Barbara to celebrate her 50th birthday. "Mum, were you present when they signed the declaration of independence." Abby asks as she helps her mother prepare for her party. "I'm only turning 39!" "And exactly how many times can a person turn 39?" "Oh hush or I'll make you vacuum." Soon the house fill with people. The family, friends, even Gordon comes to celebrate Barbs as she turns fifty, even though they haven't seen each other in years. Outside the rain is po...