Chapter 3
When The Moms Are Away [Part One]
(same day as the end of the last chapter)
Tiffany had to get away from her Mother and Hannah so she went in the guest room and closed the door not realizing Donna was in there packing her suitcase.
"Oh, I didn't know you were in here, Donna. I just needed some peace and quiet. I thought Eric was coming back with Dad?"
"He was, but Megan's tired, so we're just going to meet each other at the airport. Is she still watching TV with your sister?"
"Yeah."
They were on the last of the 'Jessica Taylor' DVDs. Tiffany couldn't take anymore of that cr**.
"Can you tell her to start her own packing?" Donna wanted her to be as independent as possible, she put out her suitcase for her, and all Megan had to do was fill it.
"Sure. I bet you're really leaving early because of Hannah. She is such a BABY."
"Where is your Mom?" Donna asked, desperate to change the subject.
"Don't know." As far as Tiffany was concerned her Mother could be in Africa and it wouldn't be far enough away for her.
'She isn't the only one who acted like a baby' Donna thought as Tiffany left the room.
Best Friends
"I wish you could stay longer," Hannah helped Megan fold her shirts, which Donna would have been troubled to see.
"Me too. Maybe, you can come visit me."
"Yeah. I'll ask my Daddy when he comes home. Mommy's upset with Tiffany."
"How come you two fight all the time?"
"Because she's an idiot, Megan."
"I have to get my toothbrush out of the bathroom."
"I'll get it for you."
"Hannah, Mommy wants me to do it myself."
"Donna needs to seriously relax."
"Mommy and Daddy don't want me to de-pen-dent."
"Megan, there's nothing wrong with helping." Hannah said
"Okay, but don't close the suitcase."
She smiled at her best friend, "I won't. I promise."
Jackie thought the sleepover weekend was a big disaster. Why else would Megan want to leave early if it weren't for the fact of all the fighting between her two daughter's? She couldn't wait for her Husband to return. Tiffany would eagerly run to a friend's house, Hannah would probably fall asleep in her room, as would Hunter. It was one thing for brothers and sisters to fight ala Eric and Laurie but you'd think two sisters would have a better bond with each other. Jackie made Megan a little beauty kit and gave it to Donna in a clear Ziploc bag to surprise her when she got home.
"I'm sorry this weekend didn't go well. Do I have brats for children?"
Donna bit her tongue, who was she to pass judgment?
"No, and don't be too hard on yourself, Jackie. Sister's fight with each other, it'll pass."
"I hope Megan had a good time."
"She did. I think she just wants to sleep in her own bed. I think we all want to sleep in our own beds."
"Are you sure you want to sleep in yours?"
"Eric always gets jetlagged after a flight. Does Hyde have that problem?"
"No, but considering we have to have a TALK about Tiffany and Hannah, I'd rather he be tired from the flight." "Mommy, I finished packing." Megan wheeled herself to face her Mom and Jackie.
"Good girl," Donna kissed her head, "I'll close your bags for you. We have to get to the airport soon."
"I had a good time, Jackie," Megan said honestly, "Even if Hannah and Tiffany hate each other."
"I'm glad, sweetie."
That's what every Mother wants to hear that her offspring HATE each other.
MUCH LATER
Hyde didn't know what he was going to come home to, didn't women, no matter how young, have habits of throwing breakable things at the door? Between Father and son all they had between them were two pieces of luggage, Hyde his duffle bag and Hunter a suitcase. Hyde didn't get a chance to open the door as Jackie saw them from the window and ran to the door.
"Steven!" She hugged and kissed her Husband
"I missed you," he whispered
"Hunter, I'm giving my boy a hug, you'll thank me later." Jackie replied, she missed having her son home. Hunter was a chip off the old boulder.
"That's enough, Mom," he softly pulled away
"Congratulations on your second place ribbon."
He nodded, "I'm going to my room."
Hunter ran in with his suitcase as Jackie and Hyde stayed on the porch.
"Was it really that bad this weekend?" Hyde asked as they found their way to the porch swing.
"Yeah-"
Tiffany ran out, "Hi, Dad," She kissed him on the cheek, "Can I go to Liz' house?"
"Sure." Hyde replied thinking it would be a good idea for her and Hannah to be separated for a bit.
"Bye."
"See how she ignores me?" Jackie said in his shoulder watching her oldest run off.
"Hi, Daddy!" Hannah appeared not five minutes later, wanting to sit between her parents on the porch swing.
"Hi, Hannah, how was your visit with Megan?"
"Okay. BUT Tiffany was a pain and BOTHERED us the whole time. Can I visit Megan sometime?"
"We'll see." Hyde and Jackie replied at the same time
"Hunter fell asleep, and I'm bored,"
Hyde got up much to Jackie's dismay and took out part of Hannah's present.
"Why don't you call Megan?" He handed her the phone card he bought her.
"Thanks, Daddy!" She kissed him on the cheek and was about to run off but she turned around, "Are they home yet?"
Hyde looked at his watch, "They should be. Why don't you check your IM's? See if Forman or Donna answer before using the card."
"You're a good Father." Jackie said, Steven always KNEW what to do and how to HANDLE the kids.
"You're a good Mother, too, Jackie."
"How can you say that? Tiffany hates my guts and I don't think it's a phase like everyone says it is. I'm sorry to have to say this, Steven, but I need to lie down for awhile, I hope you aren't-------"
"Ssh," He kissed her on the lips to stop her from worrying, "It's okay, Jackie. I have to unpack. I'll take Hannah and Hunter out for dinner later, no doubt Tiffany will stay at Liz' house until her curfew."
"I had a romantic homecoming planned."
He saw the tired look in his wife's eyes, "It's fine, Jackie, we have all night." He didn't know what he was going to do with Tiffany; he just wanted her to grow out of her inner trouble.
"There's Daddy!" Megan smiled, when she saw her Father come around the bend at the crowded airport.
"Hi, sweetie," Eric hugged Megan, he loved feeling her hug, "I missed you."
"I missed you, too."
"I also missed your Mommy." Eric hugged and kissed Donna
"I hated being apart from you too, Eric." Donna admitted, Jackie's house was too hectic for her taste.
"Hannah and Tiffany FOUGHT all the TIME." Megan wasn't exaggerating
"I feel for Jackie, she's at the end of her rope."
"Hannah's going to ask if she can come visit us, can she, please?"
"We'll see." Eric and Donna replied in unison
Megan yawned, "First thing we're going to do is tuck you in bed." Eric pushed her chair for her.
"Will you read me a story, Daddy?"
"Sure."
And Donna was happy that not one of her books was from the 'Jessica Taylor' series.
"So, Eric how bored were you?" Donna asked as they took the elevator for the parking area
"A little. Hunter's a talented young artist, though."
"Did you buy any Star Wars comics?" Donna had to know
"No."
"Wow, there's a shocker!" Megan piped up with a slight giggle.
"Hey!" He kissed her head, he was glad to have one perfect daughter; he couldn't imagine what the Hyde household was like at the moment.
"Do we have to eat AT the restaurant?" Hunter asked when he woke up from his nap. He preferred taking the food home and even better when he didn't have to eat at the table and could eat in his room.
"Yes, your Mother needs the house to herself."
Hunter sighed, "Okay." He'd do it for her.
"I like going out, I get to wear my ribbons, will you tie them for me, Daddy?" Hannah said handing him the silky blue strings
"Of course, sweetie. Did you get to talk to Megan?"
"No, not yet. Eric and Megan have their away messages on their IM and Donna's isn't even ON."
"She might be sleeping." Hyde said, finishing putting his daughter's hair ribbons on.
"Thanks, Daddy."
"You're welcome." He kissed her on the cheek.
"I think you should buy Mom some flowers." Hunter suggested, she loved it when she got flowers.
"That's not a bad idea, son." He wished he thought of that!
"Aww-my brother!" Hannah put her arm around him and tried to kiss him on the cheek before he squirmed away.
"That's enough of that. Let's go if we're going to go." Hunter said
"He's so cute, Dad!"
"I know."
They mirrored each other beautifully. Hyde was happy that Hunter not only had a sister, but a twin sister who wasn't afraid to show her emotions. Hunter came from a good non-violent, non-degrading family; he shouldn't have had the same childhood walls as his Father. Hannah was good for Hunter; she'd make sure he'd open up in ways that Hyde and Jackie couldn't accomplish, because sometimes it was a fact of life you'll listen to your siblings and NOT your parents.
"Eric," Donna kissed his chest when they were done making love, "You surprised me."
"I did?"
"You usually have to have a little nap after a plane ride." She smiled
"I guess I found my second wind," he tried getting dressed in the semi-lit room, "I'm going to check on Megan."
Donna turned the monitor back on, "She's sleeping."
"Still a Father needs to check on his daughter even when she's sleeping. It's in the bylaws, you know."
This was where Eric was just like his Mother and Donna was happy that Eric was such an attentive Father; she just didn't want him to leave their warm bed when Megan was only sleeping.
"Don't wake her up." Donna warned
"I won't." He put his Packers t-shirt on as he left the room.
Megan had the best bedroom ever. It was the former Forman basement. Although, his Mother was a little miffed that they had to undo the decorating that she and Red spent "a great deal on" they knew it was for a good cause for their granddaughter's bedroom. They had to widen all the doors, not just down here, but the whole abode, and they had to make all the bathrooms handicapped accessible. Eric and Donna did leave the freezer intact because what child wouldn't want a popsicle break on a sunny afternoon? Her bedroom was the biggest in the house. He turned down her air conditioner, sometimes she needed to sleep with the air on, but then she'd get too cold after it was on for a while. She didn't even turn on her computer and Eric was certain there had to be an email or two waiting for her from Hannah. He couldn't resist kissing her softly on the cheek.
"Love you, lollipop." He whispered
She wouldn't hear him as her hearing aid was on her end table with her glasses. He couldn't believe that this was the same basement that from years five to eighteen was his whole life. The same basement that he hung out in with all of his friends, dreaded the new people-i.e. Jackie, made out with Donna, resorting to just hanging out with Donna as if she were Hyde, Kelso, and/or Fez when they broke up. And yet now, ever since she came home from the hospital it was HER basement now. As long as she didn't get any ideas of sitting in a circle anything she did in here would be fine by him. Eric took a cherry popsicle out of the freezer and walked back up the ramp to rejoin Donna.
Hyde who didn't like to be the kind of parent that barked orders to his children, but he sent them to their rooms when they came home from supper and they found Jackie crying in his chair. Not noticing the flowers he put on the table.
"What's wrong?" He sat on the footrest and held her shaky hands.
"Steven," she hugged him tight, "Oh, Steven. Tiffany came home early, and one thing led to another-"
He handed her the box of tissues that were on the coffee table.
"We had a fight and she took some of her money and went back to Liz' house. She hates me."
"I'm going to bring her back home, now." He could feel his buttons being pushed.
"No. She and Hannah will only start fighting and I need the sleep. Actually, I want to go here."
She handed Hyde a pamphlet for The Garden Sanctuary spa in California.
"California? I just came home and you want to jet all the way to California?"
"You know, I don't want to leave you. I just need a break from being a MOM. I'm going to ask Donna if she'd like to join me. Maybe, you can take the kids to Point Place. You can stay with Eric."
She knew Tiffany would go because of that Adam kid she liked.
"Tiffany didn't call you a 'bitch'. Did she?" He had to know.
"No, but I could tell she was thinking it. I'm sorry, we didn't get to have any romantic time, and I'm drained from being a parent. My parents just shoved me with nannies and servants, I think I'm the first generation of Burkhart's do it by MYSELF and I'm TIRED. And right now, it's NOT a happy tired, either."
Hyde kissed her, "Come on, let's go to bed." He wouldn't pressure her for sex; he'd just hold her. That always made her feel better.
"I love you, Steven, I hate saying that I need a week away from my children." It wasn't Hunter, he was always quiet, and it was only Hannah when she and Tiffany got into it. Tiffany was the reason she needed the break.
"I love you, too. You need to relax, Jackie," Maybe her going to California wouldn't be such a bad thing after all, "I promise you, things will be different around here."
"Steven, what are you going---"?
"Don't worry, Jackie, it's going to be okay, I promise you."
Even if Tiffany did utter the sentence he didn't want to hear, he still had to lay down the law. She was hurting her Mother, his Wife. And it was going to stop.
3 Days Later
Donna came in the living room with a huge brown envelope.
"Eric, this came for you."
"What is it?"
"You didn't order MORE Star Wars junk did you?" Now that he was working at home he didn't have an outside office to hide it all in.
"No, dear."
"What's that?" Megan asked, licking her cupcake wrapper
"Eric."
"Every kid deserves a Twonkie." He couldn't help it, they were on sale.
"That's it for the day, Megan." Donna took the wrapper to throw it away.
"I don't know, lollipop, " Eric put it on the table, "See the blue tab that says 'open here'?" He asked her
"Yeah."
"Pull it."
"Okay, Daddy."
"Oh my-Awesome! Hey, Donna, come look." He helped Megan take it out of the envelope
Donna came back and handed Megan a wet wipe for her face.
"This was Hunter's contest entry." He enclosed a small note
--Dear Eric, Since you expressed an interest in this, I want you to have it. From, Hunter Hyde-
"This is beautiful." Donna said, he really captured their essences.
"It's cool, Daddy."
"I'm going to call him." Eric said as Donna's fax machine went off. That was such a nice gesture from Hyde and Jackie's son.
Donna went into her office area and pulled the paper off when it stopped running all it said was one simple sentence.
"Donna, pack your bags, we're going to California. Jackie."
(same day as the end of the last chapter)
Tiffany had to get away from her Mother and Hannah so she went in the guest room and closed the door not realizing Donna was in there packing her suitcase.
"Oh, I didn't know you were in here, Donna. I just needed some peace and quiet. I thought Eric was coming back with Dad?"
"He was, but Megan's tired, so we're just going to meet each other at the airport. Is she still watching TV with your sister?"
"Yeah."
They were on the last of the 'Jessica Taylor' DVDs. Tiffany couldn't take anymore of that cr**.
"Can you tell her to start her own packing?" Donna wanted her to be as independent as possible, she put out her suitcase for her, and all Megan had to do was fill it.
"Sure. I bet you're really leaving early because of Hannah. She is such a BABY."
"Where is your Mom?" Donna asked, desperate to change the subject.
"Don't know." As far as Tiffany was concerned her Mother could be in Africa and it wouldn't be far enough away for her.
'She isn't the only one who acted like a baby' Donna thought as Tiffany left the room.
Best Friends
"I wish you could stay longer," Hannah helped Megan fold her shirts, which Donna would have been troubled to see.
"Me too. Maybe, you can come visit me."
"Yeah. I'll ask my Daddy when he comes home. Mommy's upset with Tiffany."
"How come you two fight all the time?"
"Because she's an idiot, Megan."
"I have to get my toothbrush out of the bathroom."
"I'll get it for you."
"Hannah, Mommy wants me to do it myself."
"Donna needs to seriously relax."
"Mommy and Daddy don't want me to de-pen-dent."
"Megan, there's nothing wrong with helping." Hannah said
"Okay, but don't close the suitcase."
She smiled at her best friend, "I won't. I promise."
Jackie thought the sleepover weekend was a big disaster. Why else would Megan want to leave early if it weren't for the fact of all the fighting between her two daughter's? She couldn't wait for her Husband to return. Tiffany would eagerly run to a friend's house, Hannah would probably fall asleep in her room, as would Hunter. It was one thing for brothers and sisters to fight ala Eric and Laurie but you'd think two sisters would have a better bond with each other. Jackie made Megan a little beauty kit and gave it to Donna in a clear Ziploc bag to surprise her when she got home.
"I'm sorry this weekend didn't go well. Do I have brats for children?"
Donna bit her tongue, who was she to pass judgment?
"No, and don't be too hard on yourself, Jackie. Sister's fight with each other, it'll pass."
"I hope Megan had a good time."
"She did. I think she just wants to sleep in her own bed. I think we all want to sleep in our own beds."
"Are you sure you want to sleep in yours?"
"Eric always gets jetlagged after a flight. Does Hyde have that problem?"
"No, but considering we have to have a TALK about Tiffany and Hannah, I'd rather he be tired from the flight." "Mommy, I finished packing." Megan wheeled herself to face her Mom and Jackie.
"Good girl," Donna kissed her head, "I'll close your bags for you. We have to get to the airport soon."
"I had a good time, Jackie," Megan said honestly, "Even if Hannah and Tiffany hate each other."
"I'm glad, sweetie."
That's what every Mother wants to hear that her offspring HATE each other.
MUCH LATER
Hyde didn't know what he was going to come home to, didn't women, no matter how young, have habits of throwing breakable things at the door? Between Father and son all they had between them were two pieces of luggage, Hyde his duffle bag and Hunter a suitcase. Hyde didn't get a chance to open the door as Jackie saw them from the window and ran to the door.
"Steven!" She hugged and kissed her Husband
"I missed you," he whispered
"Hunter, I'm giving my boy a hug, you'll thank me later." Jackie replied, she missed having her son home. Hunter was a chip off the old boulder.
"That's enough, Mom," he softly pulled away
"Congratulations on your second place ribbon."
He nodded, "I'm going to my room."
Hunter ran in with his suitcase as Jackie and Hyde stayed on the porch.
"Was it really that bad this weekend?" Hyde asked as they found their way to the porch swing.
"Yeah-"
Tiffany ran out, "Hi, Dad," She kissed him on the cheek, "Can I go to Liz' house?"
"Sure." Hyde replied thinking it would be a good idea for her and Hannah to be separated for a bit.
"Bye."
"See how she ignores me?" Jackie said in his shoulder watching her oldest run off.
"Hi, Daddy!" Hannah appeared not five minutes later, wanting to sit between her parents on the porch swing.
"Hi, Hannah, how was your visit with Megan?"
"Okay. BUT Tiffany was a pain and BOTHERED us the whole time. Can I visit Megan sometime?"
"We'll see." Hyde and Jackie replied at the same time
"Hunter fell asleep, and I'm bored,"
Hyde got up much to Jackie's dismay and took out part of Hannah's present.
"Why don't you call Megan?" He handed her the phone card he bought her.
"Thanks, Daddy!" She kissed him on the cheek and was about to run off but she turned around, "Are they home yet?"
Hyde looked at his watch, "They should be. Why don't you check your IM's? See if Forman or Donna answer before using the card."
"You're a good Father." Jackie said, Steven always KNEW what to do and how to HANDLE the kids.
"You're a good Mother, too, Jackie."
"How can you say that? Tiffany hates my guts and I don't think it's a phase like everyone says it is. I'm sorry to have to say this, Steven, but I need to lie down for awhile, I hope you aren't-------"
"Ssh," He kissed her on the lips to stop her from worrying, "It's okay, Jackie. I have to unpack. I'll take Hannah and Hunter out for dinner later, no doubt Tiffany will stay at Liz' house until her curfew."
"I had a romantic homecoming planned."
He saw the tired look in his wife's eyes, "It's fine, Jackie, we have all night." He didn't know what he was going to do with Tiffany; he just wanted her to grow out of her inner trouble.
"There's Daddy!" Megan smiled, when she saw her Father come around the bend at the crowded airport.
"Hi, sweetie," Eric hugged Megan, he loved feeling her hug, "I missed you."
"I missed you, too."
"I also missed your Mommy." Eric hugged and kissed Donna
"I hated being apart from you too, Eric." Donna admitted, Jackie's house was too hectic for her taste.
"Hannah and Tiffany FOUGHT all the TIME." Megan wasn't exaggerating
"I feel for Jackie, she's at the end of her rope."
"Hannah's going to ask if she can come visit us, can she, please?"
"We'll see." Eric and Donna replied in unison
Megan yawned, "First thing we're going to do is tuck you in bed." Eric pushed her chair for her.
"Will you read me a story, Daddy?"
"Sure."
And Donna was happy that not one of her books was from the 'Jessica Taylor' series.
"So, Eric how bored were you?" Donna asked as they took the elevator for the parking area
"A little. Hunter's a talented young artist, though."
"Did you buy any Star Wars comics?" Donna had to know
"No."
"Wow, there's a shocker!" Megan piped up with a slight giggle.
"Hey!" He kissed her head, he was glad to have one perfect daughter; he couldn't imagine what the Hyde household was like at the moment.
"Do we have to eat AT the restaurant?" Hunter asked when he woke up from his nap. He preferred taking the food home and even better when he didn't have to eat at the table and could eat in his room.
"Yes, your Mother needs the house to herself."
Hunter sighed, "Okay." He'd do it for her.
"I like going out, I get to wear my ribbons, will you tie them for me, Daddy?" Hannah said handing him the silky blue strings
"Of course, sweetie. Did you get to talk to Megan?"
"No, not yet. Eric and Megan have their away messages on their IM and Donna's isn't even ON."
"She might be sleeping." Hyde said, finishing putting his daughter's hair ribbons on.
"Thanks, Daddy."
"You're welcome." He kissed her on the cheek.
"I think you should buy Mom some flowers." Hunter suggested, she loved it when she got flowers.
"That's not a bad idea, son." He wished he thought of that!
"Aww-my brother!" Hannah put her arm around him and tried to kiss him on the cheek before he squirmed away.
"That's enough of that. Let's go if we're going to go." Hunter said
"He's so cute, Dad!"
"I know."
They mirrored each other beautifully. Hyde was happy that Hunter not only had a sister, but a twin sister who wasn't afraid to show her emotions. Hunter came from a good non-violent, non-degrading family; he shouldn't have had the same childhood walls as his Father. Hannah was good for Hunter; she'd make sure he'd open up in ways that Hyde and Jackie couldn't accomplish, because sometimes it was a fact of life you'll listen to your siblings and NOT your parents.
"Eric," Donna kissed his chest when they were done making love, "You surprised me."
"I did?"
"You usually have to have a little nap after a plane ride." She smiled
"I guess I found my second wind," he tried getting dressed in the semi-lit room, "I'm going to check on Megan."
Donna turned the monitor back on, "She's sleeping."
"Still a Father needs to check on his daughter even when she's sleeping. It's in the bylaws, you know."
This was where Eric was just like his Mother and Donna was happy that Eric was such an attentive Father; she just didn't want him to leave their warm bed when Megan was only sleeping.
"Don't wake her up." Donna warned
"I won't." He put his Packers t-shirt on as he left the room.
Megan had the best bedroom ever. It was the former Forman basement. Although, his Mother was a little miffed that they had to undo the decorating that she and Red spent "a great deal on" they knew it was for a good cause for their granddaughter's bedroom. They had to widen all the doors, not just down here, but the whole abode, and they had to make all the bathrooms handicapped accessible. Eric and Donna did leave the freezer intact because what child wouldn't want a popsicle break on a sunny afternoon? Her bedroom was the biggest in the house. He turned down her air conditioner, sometimes she needed to sleep with the air on, but then she'd get too cold after it was on for a while. She didn't even turn on her computer and Eric was certain there had to be an email or two waiting for her from Hannah. He couldn't resist kissing her softly on the cheek.
"Love you, lollipop." He whispered
She wouldn't hear him as her hearing aid was on her end table with her glasses. He couldn't believe that this was the same basement that from years five to eighteen was his whole life. The same basement that he hung out in with all of his friends, dreaded the new people-i.e. Jackie, made out with Donna, resorting to just hanging out with Donna as if she were Hyde, Kelso, and/or Fez when they broke up. And yet now, ever since she came home from the hospital it was HER basement now. As long as she didn't get any ideas of sitting in a circle anything she did in here would be fine by him. Eric took a cherry popsicle out of the freezer and walked back up the ramp to rejoin Donna.
Hyde who didn't like to be the kind of parent that barked orders to his children, but he sent them to their rooms when they came home from supper and they found Jackie crying in his chair. Not noticing the flowers he put on the table.
"What's wrong?" He sat on the footrest and held her shaky hands.
"Steven," she hugged him tight, "Oh, Steven. Tiffany came home early, and one thing led to another-"
He handed her the box of tissues that were on the coffee table.
"We had a fight and she took some of her money and went back to Liz' house. She hates me."
"I'm going to bring her back home, now." He could feel his buttons being pushed.
"No. She and Hannah will only start fighting and I need the sleep. Actually, I want to go here."
She handed Hyde a pamphlet for The Garden Sanctuary spa in California.
"California? I just came home and you want to jet all the way to California?"
"You know, I don't want to leave you. I just need a break from being a MOM. I'm going to ask Donna if she'd like to join me. Maybe, you can take the kids to Point Place. You can stay with Eric."
She knew Tiffany would go because of that Adam kid she liked.
"Tiffany didn't call you a 'bitch'. Did she?" He had to know.
"No, but I could tell she was thinking it. I'm sorry, we didn't get to have any romantic time, and I'm drained from being a parent. My parents just shoved me with nannies and servants, I think I'm the first generation of Burkhart's do it by MYSELF and I'm TIRED. And right now, it's NOT a happy tired, either."
Hyde kissed her, "Come on, let's go to bed." He wouldn't pressure her for sex; he'd just hold her. That always made her feel better.
"I love you, Steven, I hate saying that I need a week away from my children." It wasn't Hunter, he was always quiet, and it was only Hannah when she and Tiffany got into it. Tiffany was the reason she needed the break.
"I love you, too. You need to relax, Jackie," Maybe her going to California wouldn't be such a bad thing after all, "I promise you, things will be different around here."
"Steven, what are you going---"?
"Don't worry, Jackie, it's going to be okay, I promise you."
Even if Tiffany did utter the sentence he didn't want to hear, he still had to lay down the law. She was hurting her Mother, his Wife. And it was going to stop.
3 Days Later
Donna came in the living room with a huge brown envelope.
"Eric, this came for you."
"What is it?"
"You didn't order MORE Star Wars junk did you?" Now that he was working at home he didn't have an outside office to hide it all in.
"No, dear."
"What's that?" Megan asked, licking her cupcake wrapper
"Eric."
"Every kid deserves a Twonkie." He couldn't help it, they were on sale.
"That's it for the day, Megan." Donna took the wrapper to throw it away.
"I don't know, lollipop, " Eric put it on the table, "See the blue tab that says 'open here'?" He asked her
"Yeah."
"Pull it."
"Okay, Daddy."
"Oh my-Awesome! Hey, Donna, come look." He helped Megan take it out of the envelope
Donna came back and handed Megan a wet wipe for her face.
"This was Hunter's contest entry." He enclosed a small note
--Dear Eric, Since you expressed an interest in this, I want you to have it. From, Hunter Hyde-
"This is beautiful." Donna said, he really captured their essences.
"It's cool, Daddy."
"I'm going to call him." Eric said as Donna's fax machine went off. That was such a nice gesture from Hyde and Jackie's son.
Donna went into her office area and pulled the paper off when it stopped running all it said was one simple sentence.
"Donna, pack your bags, we're going to California. Jackie."