A/N I have decided to rewrite the story Lost Friendship. I felt it had lost it's way and I wanted to clean the story up to make it easier to read.

A/N2 If you read my story Donna and Hyde you will find it is more or less an introduction to this story

Point place 1991

HYDE AND DONNA

Donna had decided to stay in Point Place. She secured a job with the NBC affiliate in Milwaukee, WTMJ. Donna still worked for the network. She was on call for any breaking major news stories in the area. Her duties at the station were mostly off air. Background investigations and some producing.. This lowered her profile, so she could get around in relative peace.. Hyde suggested she dye her distinctive red hair, any color, but blonde. Hyde and Donna maintained an exclusive relationship. No declarations of undying love, but they had a comfortable affectionate relationship. With the new contract Donna had taken a substantial pay cut. Upon comparing the cost of living between Point Place, and New York City, she really did not lose a thing.

Donna and Hyde had dinner plans for the evening. Hyde had found some little hole in the wall, which supposedly had great food. Donna admitted to herself that Hyde had a knack for sniffing out great restaurants that were off the beaten path.

Donna was brushing her long red hair when the phone rang. She picked it up at the second ring. "Pinciotti here."

"Change of plans dear. Red wants to use the Corvette so why don't you pick me up?"

"Okay give me about thirty minutes. Bye dear." Donna turned back to the mirror. At thirty one the years had been kind to her. She struck several poses trying to make up her mind if she should wear her hair loose or in a pony tail. Loose won.

There was an upside and a downside in going out with Hyde. On one hand you did not really have to dress up much. Jeans and a blouse usually covered it. Sometimes a sweater. When she managed to drag him to a more formal event; he always complimented her on how beautiful she looked, which stroked her ego a lot more than she let on. Donna was not quite sure if she was in love with Hyde. He was a tall muscular guy, and she liked being seen with him. Hyde treated her with respect. The surliness that marred his early years was gone.

Donna looked around her apartment. All lights off, no water running. Satisfied she picked up a overnight bag and after a moments hesitation; decided to take a light jacket with her. After she exited her apartment she tested the lock. Satisfied she left the building and walked to her 1991 gun metal gray Porsche 911.

Donna had listened to one to many raves by Hyde about his Corvette. The red head decided to do him one better, thus the Porsche. Donna was able to make a large down payment which left her monthly payments quite low. Every time Donna thought about Hyde's introduction to her new car; she laughed He said all the correct things, nice car, great color, did you rob a bank? He also muttered show off bitch, but Donna knew that was said with out malice, She knew Hyde was upstaged which made her feel good.

Donna arrived at the Forman house and without knocking she walked in.. Kitty and Red were at the table having a early evening cocktail. Donna gave them each a kiss on the top of the head. On her way to the fridge for a beer; she noticed the oven was in use, and there was a pot of potatoes on the stove. So much for the Corvette cover story. When she sat down Red glared at her and shook his head. "What is with you kids and my beer? Do you think I buy it for you? Do I come to your house and take your beer?"

"Hush Red you have plenty of beer." Kitty turned to Donna and inquired. "So what are your plans for tonight dear?"

"Not quite sure Kitty. Hyde heard of some very good restaurant near Chicago, so we will be spending the night.

Hyde made his entrance, dressed in jeans with a beige sweater she had bought for him, and a very expensive looking pair of loafers.

"Oh Steven you look so handsome, gushed Kitty."

Hyde gave her an affectionate hug." You always say that Mrs Forman."

Donna thought it was interesting that Hyde called Red, Red, but Kitty was always Mrs Forman

"Mrs Forman we are going to Fox Lake Illinois. It is a small town this side of Chicago, and of course the town is on Fox Lake." Hyde handed Red a paper with a number scrawled on it. "This is the number of the motel where we will be staying."

"How long will you be gone?"

"One night maybe two nights Red."

Donna who had been sitting quietly, decided it was time to strike. "Hey Red where are you going in the Corvette tonight?"

Red turned to face her with a puzzled look on his face. "I am going someplace in the Corvette?"

Hyde, reached into his pocket, then tossed the keys on the table. "Come on Red, don't you remember?"

Kitty jumped up in joy. "I didn't know you were taking me out tonight Red. I would not have started dinner. Why didn't you say something?"

Red glared at Hyde. "You will have a bill for my expenses tonight, Leave before my foot finds someplace to put its self."

Donna looked at Hyde and smirked. "Busted. Just admit you wanted to ride in the Porsche.

"Whatever Donna. Let's go."

"You kids have fun and drive safe"

As soon as they left the house Donna flipped Hyde the keys. "Okay drive." and started laughing. "Hyde, Hyde score another one for team Donna."

Hyde did have to admit, he really liked driving the Porsche. For brute power and acceleration the Corvette was the better car. For handling and top end the Porsche was the better car. Which he would never admit to Donna.

Donna sat quietly as she watched Hyde smoothly shift gears and navigate the quiet streets of Point Place. Donna had to admit to herself, Hyde knew how to drive the Porsche. Seeing the obvious pleasure he had in driving her car, gave her a warm nice feeling inside. Maybe she was falling in love with him.

Hyde entered the interstate and accelerated to 70MPH, tuned the radio to the local public radio station, which was playing light classical music. Donna knew that she was the only person in the world, that knew Hyde liked to listen to classical music while driving. They once had a long discussion on the influence of classical music on rock and roll. Hyde held the Moody Blues as the prime example and then traced the influence to bands like ELO. Donna was amazed at his knowledge of music and the history of music. She once asked him if he had taken college courses in music. His reply was classic Hyde. "No, just used the ears."

"Hyde, tell me about this place we are going to."

Hyde reached over and turned the radio down. "Actually Kelso told me about the restaurant, and I think W.B. turned him on to it. Supposedly the food is out of this world, and they also have Oysters from the Eastern Shore of Virginia."

"What is so special about them?"

"They have a unique salty taste. So obviously you have to eat them raw. The best way is to take the shell and sort of slurp it out. Juice and all."

"Oh gross, I think I will pass on those things, So we are taking this trip on the word of Kelso?"

Hyde checked the mirrors before replying "Yeah, why not, he likes to eat, and eat well. I think a lot of Angie's tastes are rubbing off on him."

Donna shifted in her seat to a more comfortable position, and let the conversation die out. She enjoyed looking out the window at the poles going past, the different cars. Donna found herself reverting to a game she played as a child. Looking at cars, and the people in them. Trying to figure out where they were going and what kind of people they were. A little game she used to play, that most likely made her a very good reporter.

Hyde turned the radio back up. Donna and him never had a problem a with lack of conversation. They were comfortable with each other in silence. Donna's hand was resting on the center console, She felt Hydes big hand cover hers and give her hand a light squeeze. A little jolt of electricity ran through her body. Oh boy she thought. She looked at Hyde and had the greatest urge to say I love you.

Hyde broke the silence by saying "Fox Lake five miles."

"Good I am getting hungry. You told me about the oysters, but you never told me about what sort of restaurant this is, French, Italian, Indian, Spanish?"

"It's Italian Donna."

"Good" She loved Italian food, but had never mastered the art of cooking Italian; even though her heritage was half Italian.

Hyde smoothly navigated the exit ramp, made a right turn at the stop sign, and drove toward the lights about a half mile away "There it is Donna, our lodging for the night."

Donna remembered one time they had stopped for the night, and when they entered the room, the bed bugs turned the sheets back, which sent them back out into the night looking for another motel. Since then Hyde always researched the motel/hotels they stayed in. Basically if it was not a higher end chain, you did not know what you were getting. This was a Holiday Inn, so she knew it was okay. She looked over Hyde's shoulder as he was signing them in. Mr and Mrs Steven Hyde he entered on the registration card.

Another warm feeling swept through her body. What is the matter with me today. She wondered.

They took the elevator to the third floor and found their room 314. Hyde opened the door, flipped on the light and both of them took a survey of the room. Standard motel room, Two double beds a writing desk, small fridge, night stand, a round table, and a TV

Hyde turned to Donna and said with a smile. "Which bed do you want?"

Donna put her arms around Hyde who was still holding the overnight bags and nibbled on his ear, then worked her way down his jaw line, then met his lips where her tongue parted his lips and met his tongue.

Donna pulled away and coyly asked. "Which bed do you want Steven?" Donna was also thinking to herself, I need to get out of here now, or there will be no dinner tonight.

Hyde was taken back by Donna's sudden passionate kiss. Not that he minded. In fact, he flat out loved it. Man she could turn him on, he thought.

Donna could read Hyde by looking into his eyes, and right now his eyes said quickie. "No no Hyde I am starving lets go eat." Donna smirked, what a tease I am she thought.

"Donna you are a bad girl. I love it, lets go."

The couple exited the motel and Donna took his arm. Leisurely they walked toward the lake. Hyde kept trying to get a mental image of very naked Donna out of his mind. "So Donna was that a preview of later?"

Donna laughed, "We'll see". At 31 years of age Donna did not have a long list of lovers, Eric, one in Los Angles, one in New York, and Hyde. She called herself a serial monogamist.

They arrived at the restaurant. It was a wooden ramshackle building next to the lake. At the rear of the building there was a dock that extended out into the turned to Hyde. "Are you sure this thing is not going to fall into the water."

"Nah it will be fine. It has been here for fifty years or so."

They walked into a noisy cheerful room, The aromas assaulted them. The undefined wonderful smells of many dishes being cooked at the same time. The music of Al Martino, was playing in the background.

Donna saw Hyde slip the hostess a twenty, The hostess led them to a table by the rear window so they could look over the lake. A couple of moments later their waitress came by and placed two menus on the table. "Good evening. Would you like drinks before you order?"

"Yes please. I will take a Tanqueray and tonic with a twist of lime. What would you like Donna?"

"A White Russian sounds good, and could you have the bartender use Kaluha and Absolut vodka?

"Yes I will. Anything else?"

Hyde looked at Donna who shook her head. "No that should do it." The waitress then did an about face and walked toward the bar

Hyde looked at Donna who gazing out the window. He thought to himself, She is a beautiful girl, It actually surprised him that they fell into such a comfortable relationship. Donna wasn't needy like Jackie. He put Jackie out of his mind. Hyde wondered what he would do if they broke up. He did not like that thought either.

The noise level of the restaurant was at a comfortable level. You could converse in normal tones. Hyde noticed that the music switched from Al Martino to Perry Como.

The waitress arrived with their drinks, and asked them if they were ready to order. Donna noticed that she had a stray stand of hair that she kept brushing off her face. Without a word Donna reached into her purse and handed the waitress a bobby pin. The startled waitress thanked her, and scurried off.

"What are you laughing at Hyde?"

"I think you scared her. We did not get to place our order. Actually I am in no rush."

"She is young Steven, I was just trying to help. No rush here, In fact I think I would like to enjoy this drink before I make a decision on what to order. If the food is as good as it smells, I am going to have to do a few extra sessions at the gym. This menu is fabulous, I want to order all of it."

Hyde laughed "You keep ordering those White Russians, your going to have to move to a gym." Hyde then sat back and stared out the window, lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about Steven?"

Hyde turned to Donna, and stretched his legs. "You know I was thinking about all of us twelve years ago and how things turned out so different then what I would have guessed. If you had asked me to predict how all of us turned out, I would have never picked what is a reality now."

"People grow and change Hyde."

The waitress came back. "I am so sorry I forgot to take your order."

"We haven't figured out the entree yet, but I will take a dozen of those oysters you have from Virginia."

Donna added. "I will take the cheesy tomato and basil Bruschetta, and please bring us a wine list."

The waitress, with her wild strand of hair tamed left for the bar.

"What's the matter Donna, no dago red for you tonight?"

"I'll dago red you," Donna started to rip off pieces of her napkin dip it in water and throw the pieces at Hyde.

Hyde caught her arm and pulled her toward him, leaned over and kissed her, not the chaste peck on the lips, but the deep mind blowing kiss that sent shivers down her body. He pulled away and looked into her green eyes. Donna stared back into his clear blue eyes. She thought she heard Hyde whisper "I love you"

Hyde, thinking to himself "Did I say what I think I said? Do I really feel that way?" He found himself kissing her again. They broke apart, the waitress was standing there with their appetizers.

Hyde looked up at the waitress. "Sorry just set it on the table."

Donna's breathing was returning to normal, she noticed that the place was no longer silent. The sounds of people and music slowly invaded her senses. God where did that kiss take her. What is the matter with me today. She could not believe how much she was turned on. Donna thought to herself if he was sitting next to me and touched me, I think I would have a Meg Ryan moment.

Donna glanced over at Hyde who was laughing "What are you laughing about?"

Hyde still laughing said. "The waitress told me she knew what the oysters were for."

"Bitch."

Donna watched Hyde, happily slurping down the oysters, He would put a tiny tad of cocktail sauce on the oyster and it was down the hatch, She looked at the remaining oysters and decided it was a good thing he kissed her before he ate those things. Now her Bruschetta was off the charts wonderful. "Hyde, do not even think about kissing me in the foreseeable future."

Hyde, wiped his mouth with a napkin. "And why is that Donna?"

"Those things you ate." She was looking at him with a serious expression on her face. "They look disgusting."

Hyde looked at her and noticed she was trying her best to keep a laugh in. "Your lucky if I kiss you. I can smell the garlic from that Bruschetta from here. They both started laughing, Donna noticed the waitress standing there with her order pad. Man her timing sucks she thought

"Have you decided on what you would like?" she said sweetly.

"Yes" Hyde replied. "I will have the Linguine Frutti di Mare and you Donna?"

Donna looked up, paused. "I will take the Scampi Mediterranea,"

Hyde added. "Could you please bring us our salads, some bread and a bottle of the Pinot Noir?"

"You know Hyde, it is a shame this place does not have dancing."

Hyde agreed and made a mental note; that next time they did this, there would be dancing.

Donna was getting caught up in the smooth voice of the singer "Steven do you have any idea who that is?"

"Julius LaRosa" he said with out hesitation.

Donna put her hand over his, looked out over the lake at the lights on the opposite shore, and wondered what was behind those lights. She shook her head and said to herself, I do love him. She turned to Hyde "No way, how can you make up a name like that and expect me to believe it?"

"Would you like to make a bet Donna?"

"Sure how much?"

"Not how much Donna". Then Hyde leaned over and whispered in her ear, "If I win your going to do..." …...Dona thinking to herself, I was going to do that anyway. "Okay Hyde and if I win you give me the keys to the Corvette and you have to drive around town in your company truck."

Of course keeping with her knack of bad timing, the waitress showed up, with the salads, bread and wine. She set the dishes on the table. "Is there anything else I can get you?"

"Yes there is, who is that singer on your background music?"

"Oh, that's Julius LaRosa, one of the owners favorite singers."

Donna looked at Hyde who was sitting back in his seat with a evil grin on his face. "One for team Hyde"

"Hyde." Donna asked seriously. "How do you know who these people are? You're a rock and roll guy, and don't give me that smart ass answer; it's the ears."

"I am in the business of selling records, and cassettes. A lot of music that is sold is not rock and roll., Red took a chance on me when he loaned me the money to buy that store from WB, I figured I had better really learn what I was doing. There is a niche for obscure artists. So I keep catalogues of just about any music I can find. It's not smart for me to keep them in my inventory, but I do know where to find the records and cassettes. With that said Hyde pulls up his sweater exposing a Led Zepplin tee shirt, "Rock and roll forever." Then he laughed.

"Donna, there has been something bothering me for quite some time, and I am not really sure what to do."

Donna felt a little sliver of fear. Thinking to herself. I hope this is not the we have to define our relationship talk. That was the talk that usually started the downhill slide to the break up. Donna put her fork down and leaned back in her chair. "What is it Steven?"

"Me living at the Forman's, Eric and Jackie."

"Oh, for a minute I thought we were going to have the relationship discussion."

Hyde just looked at her funnily. "Huh?"

"Forget what I said. What is the problem?"

"I live at the Forman's, Eric and Jackie avoid the place. They will always find an excuse for not attending any holiday dinners such as Thanksgiving. Which in Mrs Forman's mind, is the holy grail of cooking and family time. I know it hurts her that they do not come. You and I have had dinner there with Casey and Laurie, and it is fun."

"Your know Steven, who knew, with their background, they were going to turn out as super mom and dad. Their kids even behave."

"Donna do you have any problem being around Casey?"

"No, why should I, he is from the past, Actually I like him. He is a fun guy to be around and it does not hurt that he owns a bar"

The Waitress showed up with the main course. She efficiently placed the plates on the table "Enjoy your meal and let me know if you need anything else"

"Will do, but please check back on us, in case we would like another bottle of wine."

The background music changed again, "Okay Hyde, who is it?"

"Easy, Vic Damone. Are you interested in making another wager?"

"I believe you, My God Steven this smells wonderful. There is more on this plate than I could ever eat."

"Donna let's finish this conversation after we eat." Donna and Hyde proceed to attack their meals as if it was the last supper.'

"I don't know how you do it Steven, You can find the most wonderful places."

They ate in relative silence, punctuated, by pass the bread, pass the salt, and comments on how good the food was. Hyde pushed his plate away, "That is it. I can't eat any more."

He looked around and saw that the dinner crowd was thinning and most of the people were at the bar. Donna finally finished. "So what do you think Big Red?"

Nobody had called her that in a long time. "What can I say Steven it was fantastic and we are out of wine."

Hyde looked around for the waitress. "You know Donna she is always underfoot except when you need her."

"I know, I ought to take my damned bobby pin back."

"I know how to get her here, Donna." and he leaned across the table and kissed her The unexpected kiss rocked her.

"Excuse me is there anything else I can do for you?" They both started laughing. The waitress startled by the laughter asked "Did I do anything wrong?"

Donna replied."Not at all. We just need another bottle of wine."

Hyde neatly stacked all his plates, and put his used napkins on top, so the waitress could easily take them away. He let out a sigh, "Okay Donna let me finish."

Donna pulled her chair closer to the table so they could talk more intimately. The waitress showed up with the bottle of wine. Hyde gestured for her to sit it on the table. "Don't worry about pouring the wine, and I don't think we are interested in dessert." He looked at Donna, who nodded her head in agreement.

"Okay Donna, The main problem with me living with the Formans is that Jackie and Eric stay away. I feel as if I am depriving the Formans of their grand children. I'd move out Donna, but I like to keep an eye on them. They are the only parents I have, and I love them like that."

"Steven you realize you spend half of your time at my place."

I know, but I really should do something. Rent, or buy a small condo near them, That way Jackie and Eric can come over all they want. I wish I could settle this thing with Jackie, It's been over ten years, and I am still the great Satan."

"I know how you feel Hyde. Eric blames me for all sorts of crap. Actually he is damn lucky he and Jackie got together. She did a lot for him. She gave him the self confidence I never could. You know what's funny Hyde?"

"What?"

Remember when you had that crush on me when I was sixteen?"

Hyde laughed, "I told you then, you should have picked me over the neighbor boy. See look where you are now. With me."

"Do you think we can call them and go over there and try to talk to them."

"Donna, what happens when you run into them?"

"Well, Jackie will speak to me, and ask me how I am, but that is about it. Eric just gives me a nod and moves on."

"You see Donna, I get nothing. Jackie looks right though me. You know the odd thing is, Eric is not even friendly with Casey, I guess because he took you out. On the other hand Jackie gets along fine with him, but has little to say to Laurie. I guess on account of their rivalry over Kelso."

"Hyde, this is confusing. You can't tell who is mad at who with out a score card, and you know maybe you are not the only reason they stay away."

"How so?"

"Casey and Laurie she replied."

"You have a good point. I did not think about that. Anyway, I don't think a call will work. I think the best way to talk to them. Is to run into them." Hyde looked up at Donna. "You know by accident of course."

From what I can tell Hyde I don't think they are aware we are dating. They may think we hang out some, but not the relationship we have."

"Again your probably right Donna. I know Red and Mrs. Formans don't talk about me to them, and they don't talk about them to me. They are not much for carrying tales. Of the old gang the only ones Eric and Jackie speak to is Brooke and Fez. When Kelso married Angie He sort of defected to my side. As he is technically my brother in law. You and I have nothing to do with them, and Brooke to me is a girl Kelso knocked up, A very nice lady, but I have nothing in common with her. Fez, where ever Jackie goes he goes."

Donna knew that if she invited Hyde to live with her, it would be a mistake. Maybe someday, but not now. Even as much as she cared for him, and she knew deep down he cared for her. It would be a disaster. They both loved being together, but they needed that alone time. The alone time that used to drive Eric crazy, and bring out all his insecurities. She felt Hyde take her hand. "Come on Donna."

She broke her thoughts and looked at Hyde who was standing there with the bottle of wine. "Come on." As he gently pulled her from her seat.

"Where are we going?"

"You will see."

Hyde opened the door to the dock. They stepped into the chilly evening. The good thing was they were in the lee of the wind.

Donna heard the soft tones of some unknown singer through the outdoor speakers. Hyde took a swig from the bottle and offered it to Donna, she took one also, Hyde took the bottle back and placed it on the table. He looked at Donna, half hidden in the shadows, the light framing half her face, the occasional small puff of wind blowing her long red hair across her face.

"May I have the honor of this dance?

Donna smiled, this was typical Hyde. Totally unexpected and out of character. "Of course you may."

Their waitress paused and looked at the dancing couple on the deck. She snickered Not much of a dance she thought, but some real good foreplay. She wished her boyfriend was a romantic.

The two of them danced slowly on the deck, oblivious to the chill, only breaking their embrace to take a drink of wine. Hyde had never been so content in his life.

"Steven." Donna said softly "Lets settle the bill. I want to go back to motel, and use your body like a jungle gym."

Hyde collected his thoughts, took Donna by the arm and they entered the virtually empty restaurant. He found their waitress. Paid the bill left a bigger tip then he should have. The waitress thanked him and added. "Your going to need those oysters." Donna was about to make a comment, so he quickly kissed her to keep her quiet.

"Lets go. They walked back to the motel holding hands in silence, each one lost in their thoughts of what was going to happen next.

Upon entering the motel, Hyde put his arm around Donna and walked to the front desk "Any messages for room 314." The clerk scanned the message board. "Just one Mr Hyde" And handed him the note, which he scanned briefly. "That can wait till morning." Donna started nibbling on his ear.

Hyde grinned and waved good night to the desk staff.

The older of the two clerks waited till they were in the elevator and gone, He turned to the younger clerk. "Do you know who that was?"

He looked at the registration card. Yeah, a Mr and Mrs Steven Hyde. So?"

No

"No dummy. The woman he was with."

"You mean Mrs Hyde?"

"Don't you ever watch something on TV besides cartoons. That was Donna Pinciotti."

"Donna who?"

"Donna Pinciotti, She used to be on the news all the time. Every one thought she was going to get her own show. Then about a year ago she dropped mostly out of sight, and is just seen on occasion."

"So why do we care?"

"She must have gotten married, to this Hyde guy, That has to be the reason she is hardly seen anymore. No one knows about this. Find me the number to the Chicago Tribune."

He called and the switchboard operator routed his call to the gossip column desk. As expected an answering machine picked up. The clerk slowly and distinctly recited into the answering machine "To call him in regards to a one Donna Pinciotti." And left his home number.

TO BE CONTINUED...