Author Note: This is my first attempt at a Donna/Eric fiction – it wasn't as easy as I thought – hope ya'll like – if not, let me know!!! Rated T for some language
Chapter 1 – Home Again
New Year's Eve 1979 and Donna was not in the party mood. She just broke up with Randy who was way too cool about it and now Eric missed his flight, proving once again that he was an inconsiderate jerk. Donna was supposed to finish packing because her Madison classes started on Monday. When Kitty Forman announced that Eric was coming come and the Forman's weren't moving, Donna decided she'd show him that even though he broke up with her, Donna Pinciotti was fine. She was going to leave this sad little town and make something of herself. Yes, she was perfectly fine.
It was cold but at least it wasn't snowing. He had been flying all night long and his Dad wasn't at the airport to pick him up, so all of his spare cash was used on a cab ride home. Eric came up the drive to find Donna sitting on his car, the Vista Cruiser. She looked just as beautiful as he remembered – maybe more so.
He put his hands in his pockets and stepped up closer. "Hey - Happy New Year."
Donna shook herself out of a daydream – was that really Eric? Her Eric from a year ago - he looked exactly the same and she was so glad. She didn't know what to expect but if she thought about it, 12 months wasn't really that long. She smiled tentatively, "Eric…"
Eric replied, "Donna, I'm sorry I'm late. This is awkward…I caught the last flight out so…."
They looked into each other's eyes for some kind of confirmation or feeling that they both understood each other – Donna laughed it off, there was too much emotion in the moment to say anything. Eric reached out and grabbed her hand, "So…how are you?"
Donna stood up a little straighter, "I'm good. I start college next week." She said proudly.
Eric hadn't been expecting that bit of news. "Oh, well that's awesome."
Donna looked down at their joined hands and wondered where the flutter in her stomach disappeared to. She looked back into his emerald colored eyes. "Yeah it is pretty awesome. Me. College. Madison – just like we planned so long ago. So what, you just came back for New Year's Eve?"
Eric covered her hand with his, "Look Donna – when I left Point Place I was so positive that I was doing the right thing and now that I've been gone for so long…"
Donna pulled her hand away. "Eric, things are different now. A lot different than you remember."
Eric looked down at his worn sneakers, "I know." He looked back up into her beautiful face, "It's just that Donna, I thought about you every day – and you know what? Red was right, I am a dumbass!"
Donna chuckled and heartened to hear her laugh Eric chuckled too. "Donna, I'm very sorry."
Donna looked at his dark eyes and relented for the moment then leaned forward for a second while he kissed her. Where was the magic? She pulled back and touched her lips. Nothing.
Eric had been waiting for that kiss for the last year. Donna didn't move to hug him or anything and it got awkward again. "So it sounds like there's a party?"
Donna looked back towards the kitchen. "Yeah, your mom's really drunk." Eric grinned – at least some things never change. Donna shrugged her shoulders, "I gotta go. So…Happy New Year Eric."
Eric could only watch as she slipped past him and disappeared into the Pinciotti house. What just happened?
*
Donna crept up to her room leaving the lights off. She pulled the curtains away from the window so she could see down into the Forman's driveway. Eric was still there sitting on the Vista Cruiser. She felt like kicking herself. There she was all excited that Eric was coming home, she put on her make up so perfectly, even Jackie complimented her, and when he gets here, it was all a disappointment
She watched him wipe his face with his hand and she knew instantly that she hurt him. It didn't feel good and yet she had wanted to him to feel some pain for the hurt he put her through. Damn him – would it have killed him to act like he was excited to see her? Maybe show some passion for a change?
Donna sighed and sat down on her bed looking at the shadows of all her packed boxes. Well, she was going to college; she had a future planned out with or without Eric Forman. Look out Madison – Donna Pinciotti was coming to town!
*
Eric wiped his face. Well that was a disaster. Small talk – after all of the rehearsing on the plane all he could say was, "Donna, I'm sorry I'm late?" What kind of sorry excuse was he? But she kissed him – no wait, he kissed her. It was a one sided kiss. This was so messed up!
He pushed himself off the hood of the car. It was time to face the music – his mom would be glad to see him and she was as she screamed his name. He put on a happy face and walked into the kitchen to see the faces of his friends. It was weird to be home.
*
Eric woke up on the floor of his bedroom. What was in that punch he drank and why did it feel like an elephant trampled his head? Damn, this was not the way to start 1980! He pressed a palm to his forehead and looked around for his pants. What was Fez doing in his bed and why were his slacks hanging from the bookshelf. Maybe he didn't really want to know!
Eric hastily got dressed and struggled down to the kitchen. "Eric - honey!" His mom's voice was like a drum pounding in his head. "Mom, hey what was I drinking?" He sat in the old comfortable kitchen table.
Kitty laughed, "Ahahahaha, oh honey you were drinking everything! How's my little boy doing today? I'm so glad you're home! Let me get you some aspirin."
Eric dropped his head on the table. Ahh, nice and cool and he could see his mother sideways. Was she always so happy and cheerful? A glass of orange juice made its way to the table and a huge aspirin sat on a plate next to it. "Thanks mom."
Red came into the kitchen adjusting his belt and kissing his wife on the cheek. "Great party and look who actually got out of bed on time. Do you know how many times I circled the airport looking for you dumbass?"
"Good morning to you too, Dad." Eric mumbled. He swallowed the aspirin and chased it down with the orange juice. Wow, he hadn't had a glass of good OJ since he left. Well there were some things worth coming back for!
Kitty set a plate of pancakes in front of Eric and Red. A scuffling sound from the basement brought up Hyde and his latest girlfriend. "Hello Steven," Kitty greeted her other son. "Did you have a great time last night? And who is this young…unkempt lady friend of yours?"
Hyde gave the gothic dressed girl a pat on the rump and pointed towards the door. "See ya babe!" He pushed his aviators up on the bridge of his nose and sat down to a plate of hot pancakes. "Forman- heard you got wasted last night!"
Eric moaned; he barely remembered last night with the exception of blowing it with Donna. "I can't drink like that anymore." He groaned.
Red smirked, "Son, did I say, Welcome Home?""
*
Donna was headed to a new life in Madison and she quickly put the miles behind her in the new VW Jetta convertible Bob bought her for Christmas. She had money from the house sale to start a checking account and all her clothes were packed. Her dad arranged for some furniture to be shipped after she got her dorm room – this was the start of something big. The little nothing with Eric last night would not deter her from doing something with her life! She was resolved to graduate and make her dad proud.
Eric finally got motivated to take a shower and clean up then go next door to see if Donna would talk to him. He didn't end his sponsorship early for nothing. He made a mess of the reunion last night and now he needed to make things right. He nudged Fez awake with his foot, "Hey man get up."
Fez lifted his face and peered at Eric with a sloppy grin, "Oh Eric – I was on top of Sugar Mountain! I think I have found my destiny in life. I must be a candy taster. I must be the inspector of candy. "Fez scrambled off the bed and threw on his pants. "I will see you later Eric! Good day!"
*
After Fez left, Eric spent the rest of the morning revisiting the basement; Hyde still slept down there and it looked exactly the same. Eric felt a little nostalgic when he looked at the old coach where he had spent countless hours with Donna.
Hyde came down and sat in his regular chair and propped his feet up on the coffee table. "So Forman, what are you plans today?"
"I'm gonna go talk to Donna. I didn't make a good impression when I came home last night."
Hyde smirked, "Well, I don't see that happening man. Donna left for Madison a couple of hours ago. If you're lucky, maybe Bob knows where she's staying."
"Shit! I gotta run!"
"See ya man!" Hyde yelled as Eric jammed out the door.
*
"Mr. Pinciotti – could you please tell me where Donna's staying? I have to go see her."
Bob Pinciotti smiled sadly at Eric. "Son, she doesn't have a formal address yet and even if she did I wouldn't tell ya. You broke her heart Eric. Why would I let you do that to her all over again? Do yourself a favor – if you love my daughter, leave her be. Let her concentrate on her studies and you do something with your life." Bob put a hand on Eric's shoulder.
"I would stay and chat, but I have a flight to catch. That warm Florida sunshine is calling my name. Imagine, no more snow – ever! Say hi to your folks for me!"
The door shut in Eric's face and now he was screwed. The best he could possibly do would be to scour Madison and find out where she was staying. Wait – Jackie would know! But he didn't like Jackie all that much. He might be selling his soul to the devil!
*
"Hey Eric - welcome back!" Eric allowed the small girl to give him a hug. "Did you have breakfast? I'm making Pop tarts if you want one."
"No thanks Jackie. " Eric looked around the tiny apartment. Jackie lived alone in the same building as Fez. She was neat and tidy, quite unlike he expected. Where were the hearts and unicorns?
He looked at the wall that separated the living room from the kitchen and found a long forgotten picture of Jackie and Donna in bathing suits sitting in his driveway. Eric remembered how beautiful Donna looked with the halter and sarong wrapped around her hips. God, he was so in love – what happened to those days?
Jackie came out with a paper towel wrapped around the hot Pot Tart. She sat cross-legged on the end of the couch. "So Eric, what brings you to my apartment?"
Eric felt uncomfortable. He and Jackie never really got along that well but they didn't hate each either so that was where Eric thought he would take this chance.
"Jackie, I need to win Donna back."
She looked at him with a wary expression on her face. "Why?"
"I screwed up badly. I left Africa to come back for her and now she's left for Madison." Eric confessed. He sat down on the other end of the sofa. Jackie looked at him and bit her lip. "Eric, I don't know if you are aware, but Donna and I aren't that good of friends either. When Ste-Hyde, ugh, married Samantha, Donna found a better friend, I guess you could say."
"But Hyde isn't married or wasn't really married to Sam." Eric argued.
Jackie shrugged her shoulders, "Doesn't matter – Donna and Sam were best friends. So... if you want exclusive Donna information, you'll have to find her."
Eric frowned. He didn't know Samantha and had a suspicion that she was back in Las Vegas. "Jackie, I came here because you knew Donna longer and you are the only other girl I really know."
Jackie touched her heart, "Oh Eric, I'm touched. Not really – but you're desperate so what is that you want from me?" She looked at his miserable face and realized that he didn't have that many friends either. "Sorry if I sound bitchy. So what happens if you win Donna back?"
Eric looked up hopeful. "I want to marry her. I want to have a family."
Jackie held up her hand. "Stop – I asked what happens if you win Donna back and you want to marry her and have a family – have you thought that maybe Donna doesn't have the same plan? I mean she's going to college to get a degree. Maybe she wants a career?"
Eric had thought about that but couldn't she have both - Eric Forman and a career? "Jackie I love her and I'll do whatever I have to."
The dark haired girl bit into her Pop tart. "Well, I do know she's going to be staying on campus in a dorm but it's not co-ed so don't go thinking you can just bust in there." She warned.
"That's okay. I can stay in a motel." Eric said thankful for the information.
"Can I ask you a question?"
Eric looked at the midget. "Sure. Ask away." He was slightly unnerved by her mismatched eyes.
She stared at him for a second. "Besides an offer of marriage, which every girl wants, what do you have to offer her? I mean, you came back from Africa but you don't have a job and you are not in school – do you want Donna to think she has to support you?"
Pow! Right between the eyes! Jackie hit him with a whopper question. What did he have to offer her? Nothing – nothing at all. Hating to admit that Jackie Burkhart could possibly be insightful, he shook his head exhaling loudly. "When did you get so smart?"
Jackie giggled. "I'm a girl – I just know what girls think and if I were Donna, I would think you were a bum. But that doesn't mean you'll always be a bum. Look Eric, before you go chasing after her, get your house in order."
"What? Is that some new terminology I missed over the past year?"
Jackie grinned, "No, it means take care of you first. How can you make Donna happy if you aren't happy yourself? I mean, look at your clothes…you look like an old man. Are those your Dad's pants? Come down to the mall tomorrow and I'll give you a makeover!" Jackie clapped her hands with glee.
Eric looked at her warily. "Is this some burn where you put make up on me and a dress?"
Jackie laughed, "No silly. I work in the men's department at Hallard's. You need something that fits you and is trendy. Let Donna think you're sexy and smart."
Eric figured what the hell? And he did need new clothes – he was already sexy so… he was halfway there! "Okay, I'll be there tomorrow but don't make me look girly." He warned.
*
Eric grabbed a beer from the fridge and headed down to the basement. Hyde was watching TV and sitting with a new girl on the couch. "Hey Forman, I was looking for a little privacy here with my lady friend. Babe – what was your name again?"
"Christie." The svelte blonde answered.
"Yeah, me and Christie here want to be alone."
"Hyde, I need a job. Hook me up at your store." Eric almost pleaded.
Hyde lifted a beer. "Done, have Leo give you an application and you can start alphabetizing the craphole pop selection. Be gone employee – be gone."
*
*
