Set Up: In episode 2.12, Eric's Stash, Jackie enters the Miss Dairy Princess Pageant with Kelso as her coach. There's one thing about this scenario that strikes me every time I watch this episode. And that is the expression on Jackie's face after Donna asks if the winner gets a scholarship and Kelso says "Who cares? College is for ugly girls that can't get modeling contracts." Jackie looks horrified by his comment, so I was quick to jump on that. I, and I know many others (at least in the fanfic T7S world) believe that Jackie is very academically intelligent. Evidence of this is that she does her homework on Saturdays (1.10) and is very involved with her school's events, whether it be cheerleading, the dances, etc. Now, I know that cheerleaders have the 'beauty but no brains' reputation, but at my high school you had to have at least a B average to participate in any sport teams (including cheerleading) and the only ones invested in school sponsored events were the students with good grades. So, with that long-winded explanation, those are just a few of the reasons that I also believe Jackie to be a smart cookie. So in this scene, set after the episode and after the pageant, I give you a piece between Donna and Jackie (I know, these two again) narrated from Jackie, in which I expand upon that expression Jackie makes after Kelso's comment.
I walk over to the television set in my room and turn down the volume when Donna walks in later that night. I'm still dressed in my sheer white chiffon gown from the pageant, having been too tired to change after I got home. But when Donna called at ten thirty asking if she could come hang out for a while, I shoved the fatigue aside so I could now focus my attention on my friend.
"What's up?" I ask Donna as she slumps down next to me on my bed, her hand moving to her throat.
Her neutral expression wavers and a small grin begins to creep onto her mouth. "So you know how I got Eric that watch for our anniversary?"
"Yes," I start. "Wait- what'd he get you?"
Donna pulls her hand away from her throat revealing a delicate gold necklace hanging over her collarbone.
"It's not real gold or real diamonds, but it's still beautiful and-"
"Romantic," I finish for her. I lean forward and take the diamond pendant between my fingers.
I feel a guilty twinge of jealously roil in my stomach underneath the joy I feel for my friend. But it was just that I desperately wanted to receive such a preciously romantic and thoughtful gift from Michael.
"It doesn't matter that it's not real," I assure Donna, realizing that maybe my jealously could maybe work to help her. "I'd die if Michael bothered to even give me jewelry. You know what he gave me for our one year anniversary?" I pause for emphasis. "A rubber chicken."
"What?" A small giggle escapes between Donna's lips.
"Yes," I can't help it either as a surprising burst of laughter comes out of my own mouth. For me, it's more an abettor of anger though. "You know, one of those ones that we used in gym class in third grade? That squeaks when you squeeze it?"
"I know exactly what you're talking about," Donna falls back laughing.
"It's not funny!" I slap her arm playfully.
"Yeah. But...you know Kelso, he's just immature."
I open my mouth to refute her, but then an earlier conversation from today pops in my head. College is for ugly girls that can't get modeling contracts, Michael had said, rather petulantly.
"You know there was a scholarship with the pageant," I say suddenly, desperately needing Donna to know. "And while I mostly wanted to win to lord the title over the other girls, part of me wanted that scholarship too."
Donna nods her head. "So you didn't win?"
"No. Some skank from Kenosha named Cynthia won. Which is ridiculous because she had a unibrow!"
"How dare she?" Donna mocks.
"Yeah. I guess I didn't need that scholarship anyways. Not when Daddy promised to pay for my college tuition," I reflect.
Donna just smiles before shaking her head ruefully. We talk for a little while longer, until we're both yawning and seeing through half closed eyes.
When Donna decides to go home, I waste no time in pulling off my dress which had slowly become scratchy and uncomfortable during her visit. I hang it up and shove it in the way back of my closet, eager to erase its memory from my mind.
In fact, there was a lot about today I wanted to forget. Unfortunately, it all couldn't be crammed in my closet to forget.
End Note: So, in case anyone was wondering, the rubber chicken is a reference from a comment Jackie makes in early season 5. Also, I just wanted to point out something I didn't include in the set up, and that is that the show never specifies if Eric buys Donna that necklace after he gets his money back. It is my belief that he would, which is why I included Donna having the necklace in this.
