This is my first That 70's Show fan fiction. Before you begin, be aware that this is a forbidden ship – Jackie and Eric. That being said, this is my version of how Season 8 should have gone down. I changed some of the relationships to fit my story and any mistakes are mine alone. I think that Eric chose to exile himself by going to Africa to better himself and Jackie was exiled by her friends. This is just a story about two friends finding each other.

August 1979

Dear Eric

It's me. I know we're not friends like you are with the guys, but I'd like to be your friend. Also, I am hoping this letter doesn't end up as wallpaper in that hut you're living in. (That was a joke) I know Kitty is sending you care packages but I would like to keep in touch with you as well.

First things first, I'm still the prettiest girl around – you mustn't forget that and I must remember to send you my picture. Since you left, Donna has hooked up with Randy. You met Randy - he's the guy that works at Grooves with Hyde (I hate him, hate him.) What? I mean Randy's cool.

Fez is trying to romance your sister again and works at a candy store. He says that will be his dream job. Kelso is living with Brooke and Betsy in Chicago. He took the stupid helmet with him.

Well, until next time my friend. Don't get eaten by any lions okay?

Jackie

Later in that same month, Eric was going through his mail and came upon a purple envelope that smelled like cherries and vanilla. The return address was Point Place but he didn't recognize the address. He put his mother's package on the cot beside him and turned the envelope over. The handwriting was big and loopy and obviously female. It definitely wasn't Donna's block printing – perhaps it was from his cousin?

For reasons unknown, Eric used a knife blade to slide under the flap and opened the letter tentatively. Was this one of those dreaded chain letters or dumbass pyramid schemes that Red was fussing about?

He pulled the lavender stationary from the envelope and opened it. "Dear Eric, it's me" he read aloud. Hmmm, it's a little mystery. Eric smiled slightly and leaned back on his pillow and finished reading the letter. Jackie. Who would have thought The Devil would write a letter? Wallpaper his hut? Was she crazy? He laughed – that's definitely something Jackie would say. Eric was somewhat dismayed at the news about Donna and Randy but when she went blond, he figured that something was happening. Donna was going to be "somebody" – someday. Just not with him.

So Hyde must still be married to Sam the Stripper – Kitty mentioned that she moved into the basement in her last letter. What was Hyde thinking? Stripper or Devil – what kind of choice was that?

Eric refolded the letter from his nemesis and put it on the nightstand. If for no reason, the purple envelope was the nicest color he had in his room in weeks!

September 1979

Dear Jackie

Thank you for the letter. Let me start by saying that a letter from you was the last thing I expected and also a pleasant surprise. I haven't seen any lions, yet but who knows!

So, Donna and Randy became a couple, eh? I wish them well. I haven't written to Donna yet, but I think she knows that I wouldn't hold her back. If Randy makes her happy, then I give them my blessings.

Did you know I am already teaching? I was a teacher's assistant for so long I almost gave up hope and then there was an opening and I am finally teaching elementary kids! I am trying to teach them to "Use the Force" – just kidding. No, really – The Force is a great metaphor for teaching.

So, I'm your friend now?

Fondly,

Eric

September 1979

Jackie looked at the mangled letter from Eric. She wondered if some hippo had trampled the poor postman – the envelope was nearly tattered. Still, Eric sent her some kind of reply. Or was this simply a request to not bother him anymore? She carefully opened the letter and unfolded it vigilantly.

"Dear Jackie….Fondly Eric" She smiled and exhaled the breath she had been holding in. Eric was accepting her friendship. Granted he lived thousands of miles away but with this letter in her hand, he was the closet thing to a friend she had. She put the paper back in the scrappy envelope and set it on the coffee table. It would be there to be reread again and again. She had a friend in her lonely adult world.

October 1979

Dear Eric

Just so you know, I have been at the library researching Africa (yes, I can read books very well thank you) and was shocked to find that you don't have any shopping malls near you! How can you get your necessities? Well, I took it upon myself to get you some supplies that no man should be without in a foreign country. You will appreciate them later, I promise.

Guess what? Your mom is teaching me how to cook on Saturdays. I dropped by your house to pick up a letter my mother sent and Kitty caught me in a hug and wouldn't let go! She insisted I stay for dinner and Red said something about if I was going to eat with them I should help cook.

What a disaster that was! Your dad pretended to eat the hamburger but finished early and told Kitty he had to go pick up some more beer. Your mom explained that not every pot needs to be on high heat – I'm still learning here. She said that if I came back I could learn to cook simple meals. I am proud to say that I am an Omelet master now.

By the way, your dad came home smelling like pizza. Kitty was not happy (he didn't bring her any, ha ha.)

Well my friend, I hope you enjoy your presents and write soon!

Love Jackie!