Disclaimer: Not mine. Never will be mine- no matter how I hard I pray..
Author's Note: Donna and Eric are not engaged in this Fic (at least not yet), as it is a what if Fic. I realized that some of the early banter in this chapter makes it seem like they are, but it's just general Eric burning.
Once again I would just like to thank all of the people who took the time to review my little fic. It really encourages me to avoid my schoolwork and keep writing. Thanks! I think there may be one or two more chapters after this; we'll see how it goes.. P.S.-This is a long chapter. I hope you like it!
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Chapter 3
Int. Forman's Kitchen- Dinner.
Kitty is cooking, Red, Eric, and Hyde are sitting at the kitchen table.
Kitty: (walking over to the table, carrying a bowl): I think you'll love tonight's mashed potatoes. (Slyly winks at Hyde).
Red: Of course we will. We always love everything you make, don't we Eric?
Eric: (eating a spoonful of mashed potatoes): Oh, yeah Mom. I just love your lumpy mashed potatoes.
Hyde (punches him in the arm): Hey man. The lumps equal love.
Eric (confused): Sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I had no idea you were so defensive of my mom's side dishes. (Thinks) Wait a minute.you didn't mind when I insulted her yams yesterday.
Hyde: Your point?
Eric (eyes widening): YOU made the mashed potatoes! You're my mom's little kitchen helper! Your 're Kitty's little cook in training! How sweet. (Laughing)
Red: You know, Eric- It would do you some good to help your mother in the kitchen. Lord knows that Pinciotti girl doesn't know her way around an oven.
Hyde: That's right. You're going to be cooking for Donna for the rest of your life. I only had to help your mom once, (coughs) Mr. Donna Pinciotti.
Kitty takes off her apron and hands it to Eric.
Kitty: In that case, we better get started. We have a lot of work to do.
Eric puts on the apron as Red and Hyde laugh at him. Kitty leads him over to the oven as the phone rings.
Kitty: Can you take out the bread while I answer this?. (Picks up the phone). Hello? No, she's not here. I think she went shopping with her friend Donna;. Yes, Yes, Ok I will. (Hangs up phone.)
Eric grabs the bread with out any oven mitts on.
Eric: OW! OW! OW! (Drops bread on the floor)
Red: Could you have your head any further up your ass? Steven, go help him with the bread.
Kitty (still standing by the phone): FORGET ABOUT THE BREAD!
Eric: Mom, what is it?
Kitty: It's your little friend Jackie. That was her maid on the phone.
Hyde: What's wrong? Does she want Jackie to hurry home and point out all the spots she missed while dusting?
Kitty: Well, that is just really cruel Steven! Just cruel!
Eric: This must be bad.
Kitty: Her father has been arrested. He's going to jail.
Red: Dammit Eric! How the hell do you manage to become friends with all of the kids with dumbasses for parents? No offense Steven.
Hyde: No problem Red. Well, I guess it's all up to you Mrs. Forman. (Starts backing out of the room towards the sliding glass doors). You may want to stock up on tissues before you talk to Jackie. She's a crier. (Turns to open door).
Kitty: That's right Steven. You have helped her through some tough times haven't you?
Eric: Yeah, he has mom. In fact, he's like Jackie's personal cheer up buddy.
Hyde (making a face): Cheer up buddy?
Eric: (shrugs) : Yeah, I know, but it was all I could think of.
Kitty grabs some tissues and hands them to Hyde.
Kitty: You really are a wonderful boy! Jesus loves you!
Red: Well, good. As long as Steven is handling this I can go back to more important issues like eating.
The rest of the family sits back down at the table.
Eric: Hyde, you better get going. I think I hear Jackie and Donna coming up the driveway.
Red: Bye.
Kitty: I'll save your supper.
Hyde opens the door.
Hyde (to himself): Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!
Jackie and Donna are walking up the driveway talking.
Donna: I am really proud of you. You're finally going to handle this engagement thing like an adult.
Jackie: I am an adult, aren't I? I'm just going to march into Eric's basement, sit Michael down, and have a serious talk with him.
Donna: And don't get sidetracked. Yes, Kelso has nice, soft, feathery hair but no, that doesn't mean you should marry him.
Jackie: Right! (Looks up the driveway and sees Hyde) Hi Steven!
Hyde (gives a small wave) Hi Jackie! (It comes out too peppy for Steven Hyde)
Donna (confused): Hey Hyde. You know I'm here too.
Jackie: Yeah, she's kind of hard to miss. How many redheaded giants do you see in Point Place?
Hyde remains silent thinking of what he can say to keep Jackie from crying on his shoulder all night long.
Donna: Umm..anyway. This is feeling kind of weird to me, so I think I'm going to go find Eric now. Jackie can fill me in later. (leaves).
Jackie (noticing the tissues in Hyde's hands): What are all those tissues for?
Not thinking, Hyde thrusts them towards Jackie. Hyde: There for you.
She looks down and Hyde's hands are holding the tissues at the level of her cleavage
Jackie (insulted): Steven Hyde, if you are implying that I stuff my bra you can just go to hell. What you see is completely natural, and totally perfect.
Hyde: No, No.. that's not what I meant (slightly flustered) Yes, of course your breasts are perfect..
Jackie: (gives him a weird look): What???
Hyde: Nothing. Forget it. Let's just go inside.
They walk into the kitchen. Kitty gets up and gives Jackie a hug.
Kitty: Oh you poor dear! You must feel so bad!
Hyde stands behind Jackie, shaking his head "NO" frantically. Only Eric notices.
Eric: Yes, you must feel horrible about how your hair turned out today.
Jackie (shocked): What's wrong with my hair?
Eric: Oh, nothing. I'm sure you meant for it to be so flat.
Kitty: Eric, what are you talking about? I don't think there's anything wrong with her hair.
Jackie: You're the only one! (Runs out of the kitchen and into the living room)
Hyde: I'm sorry. I just couldn't do it. There was too much pressure on me. I'm no good at this being nice crap.
Kitty: Did you really try your best? (Looks doubtful).
Hyde: I really did Mrs. Forman. But somehow we just ended up talking about her cleavage.
Red: Well, that's enough information for me. Look, just go in there like a man and tell your little sweetheart that her father is a common crook.
Hyde: Fine. But she's not my sweetheart.
Kitty: Oh Red-you remember. They had the cutest little date but then for some reason she went back with that Kelso kid.
Red: Who?
Kitty: Michael Kelso. The dumb but pretty one.
Red: Oh, yeah. He's the one who always walks into the glass doors.
They all nod.
Red: I hate him.
Hyde: (takes a deep breath): Ok-I'm going in!
Scene 2-Forman's living room.
Jackie is sitting on the couch looking at her hair in a compact mirror. When she sees Hyde come in, she tucks it away in her purse.
Jackie (sadly): Do you think that my hair looks flat?
Hyde: What? Oh, No. It looks fine. Listen, I need to talk to you.
Jackie: Is it about Michael and the engagement? Because you can save your breath. I'm already going to talk to him about it.
Hyde: No. It's about your dad.
Jackie: My dad?
Hyde (fast): Yeah, Kitty-got-a-call-from-your-maid-and -your-dad's-going-to- jail.
Jackie:Oh my God!
(She leans over and hugs Hyde)
Hyde: Hey, it's no big deal. At least you'll know where he is all the time. I mean, my dad could be anywhere.
Jackie looks up at him with tears in her eyes.
Jackie: Where's Michael?
Hyde: In the basement.
Jackie gets up and leaves.
Hyde (softly): Dammit.
Scene 3-The Basement
Kelso is sitting on the couch with Jackie on his lap. She is softly crying into his shoulder.
Kelso: Hey babe. It'll be ok. Maybe I could buy you something to take your mind off of it. What do you want? Some clogs? A necklace?
Jackie: I don't want anything.
Kelso (looks worried): Oh..well..we could talk about it.
Hyde walks down the stairs.
Kelso: But...we'll have to wait until Hyde leaves. Damn Hyde! Can't you see we're busy?
Hyde: Oh, sorry man. (He starts to walk back up the stairs).
Kelso: No, No don't leave!! I mean, the moments already ruined.
Hyde shrugs and walks to his usual chair.
Jackie (standing up): Well, I guess I better go call my mom. (Goes upstairs).
Kelso turns to Hyde and sighs.
Hyde picks up a magazine and ignores him. Kelso sighs again louder.
Hyde: I give up. What is it?
Kelso: I don't know what to do about this Jackie thing. We were supposed to talk about our engagement today. How can I call it off with her dad in the slammer?
Hyde: So, you decided to break it off, huh?
Kelso: yeah, I'm just going to tell her -Look babe. I'm hot, Your hot, let's not ruin that by getting married.
Hyde (skeptical): Ok. I guess that will work.
Kelso: Of course it will. I just have to wait until the right time to spring it on her.
Hyde (sarcastic): Yep, that sounds like a great plan. I can't conceive a possible flaw in that idea.
Kelso: Yeah, I think I'm getting smarter everyday.
Hyde: Well, you couldn't possibly be getting any dumber.
Scene 4-Forman's Basement- The next day. Hyde is sitting alone watching TV. Donna enters.
Donna: Hey. What are you watching?
Hyde quickly gets up and turns off the TV.
Hyde: Nothing.
Donna: It was Little House on the Prairie again, wasn't it?
Hyde: Maybe. Hey, why don't you and Forman go pick out China patterns or whatever it is you two do together?
Donna: Wow. Someone's unusually bitter. Oh wait- you're Hyde- your always bitter.
Hyde: Ha Ha. Forman really is a lucky man to have snatched you up.
Donna: Yeah, I know. Hey, what was the story with you and Jackie yesterday?
Hyde: What do you mean? I just felt weird about having to tell her that her dad was on his way to the Big House.
Donna: Maybe..
Hyde: Maybe what? Look, if you've got something to say, spit it out.
Donna: I just find it interesting that everything Jackie has a problem you just happen to have a shoulder for her to cry on.
Hyde: You can just stop right there with whatever creepy, unnatural thought you were about to have. I am a humanitarian. That's it.
Donna (rolls her eyes): Oh yeah. You're a regular Mother Theresa.
Hyde: I helped Kelso with his problem the other day too. What creepy thoughts do you have on that?
Donna: Hmm..That's interesting. What was his problem?
Hyde: I don't know. Something Kelso-like. Which of course means something too dumb to remember.
Donna: I wonder if it had something to do with him and Jackie.
Hyde: Nope. It didn't. I guess your little theory is off.
Donna: I guess so. But I really thought that maybe Kelso was nervous about having gotten engaged, and maybe instead of just letting him ignore those thoughts for a few months until he cheated on our girl Jackie to avoid tying the knot-you encouraged him to think about it, and maybe even break it off.
Hyde: He came up with that himself! I mean, nope. It never happened.
Donna: Whatever. (Laughs) You're so deep in denial that I think you actually have yourself convinced that you hate her.
Hyde: I don't know who your talking about, and I do hate her. With a passion.
Donna: (gets up) Ok, Fine. I'm done with my little rant. But just to let you know- she's planning on ending it with Kelso for good.
Hyde shrugs and turns back on the TV
Hyde: Don't care.
Donna leaves
Scene 5--Forman's Living room
Kitty and Jackie are talking on the couch.
Kitty: I'm sure your mother will come home soon. Who would abandon their child?
She looks up and sees Hyde coming down the steps.
Kitty (looks uncomfortable): I'm going to bake you two a cake. You deserve it! (Goes into the kitchen). Hyde sits down next to Jackie.
Hyde: So I guess we're the two charity cases.
Jackie doesn't look at him.
Jackie: I guess.
Hyde: It could be worse. We do get cake out of it.
Jackie smiles.
Jackie: I hope it's chocolate.
Hyde: You can count on it. Who could give anything less to an orphan and a jailbird's daughter?
Jackie: You know, you could be a little more sensitive.
Hyde: True. But then I wouldn't be me, would I?
Jackie: I guess not.
Suddenly, she leans over and hugs him.
Hyde (uncomfortable with the sudden hug): So, umm.you and Kelso are done, huh?
Jackie: What?
Hyde: You and Kelso broke up right? Or did you just end the engagement? (Confused).
Jackie: Neither. Why? What did he tell you?
Hyde stands up.
Hyde: Nothing. What's that? (Backing up towards the kitchen) Ok, Mrs. Forman. I'll be right there. Runs into the kitchen. Jackie turns and leaves out the front door.
Scene 6-Forman's Driveway. Donna and Eric are playing basketball in the driveway. Donna easily scores a basket.
Donna: What's that? Like 20 to 2?
Eric: NO!! (Pauses) Actually it's 24 to 2. But I'm making a slow comeback.
Hyde walks up the driveway laughing.
Hyde: Good to see the little woman keeping you in your place.
Eric: Oh, really. Hmm..That's funny. Because somebody else's little woman seems to be able to keep you in yours.
Hyde: Not this crap again. (Turns to Donna) What have you been telling him? You know he'll believe anything.
Eric: She hasn't been telling me anything. Especially nothing about your disturbing crush on one of the devil's dominions.
Hyde: Shut up. Your girl has a wild imagination.
Eric: Yeah, that's what I thought at first too. But then I started thinking, and it all made sense. Do you wanna know what I think?
Hyde: Not really.
Eric: I think you like being Jackie's personal cheer up buddy!
Donna: What the hell's a cheer up buddy?
Eric: Don't worry about it. All that matters is that Hyde likes being Jackie's.
Hyde: Forget you two. I'm outta here. Hyde starts to walk towards the kitchen.
Donna: She's in the Basement! Donna and Eric laugh as Hyde enters the kitchen.
Scene 7-The Basement
Hyde is walking down the steps. Jackie is alone on the couch.
Hyde (to himself): I'm just going to my room. I'm allowed to do that. Screw Eric and Donna.
Jackie: Steven, is that you?
Hyde: Hey Jackie. I didn't know you were here. I'm just going to go to my room and get some shut eye. I'm beat.
He starts to walk to his room.
Jackie (sadly): Oh, ok.
Hyde stops but doesn't turn around
Hyde: What is it?
Jackie: After we talked, I went to see Michael. I know he talked to you about ending our engagement.
Hyde: Did he? It must have slipped my mind.
Hyde turns around and goes to sit in his usual chair.
Jackie: It's ok. I had talked to Donna about he same thing.
Hyde: So it all worked out then? He dumps you, you dump him. Everything's great.
Jackie: Not exactly. He only wanted to break off the engagement but I wanted to break up for good.
Hyde (suddenly interested): What did you do?
Jackie: I ended it. Who does that jerk think he is? He won't marry me, but he thinks I'll still be his girlfriend!
Hyde: (sarcastic) Oh yeah. What a jerk. (Serious) I mean, you didn't want to marry him either.
Jackie: That's just details Steven! Anyway, so now I'm alone. My dad's gone, and Michael's gone. I don't know what to do.
Jackie's eyes begin to fill up with tears.
Hyde (sighs heavily): Look, I thought this would happen. From the moment Mrs. Forman told me to talk to you- I knew it would lead o this.
Jackie (angry): Well, I'm so sorry if my ruined life is inconviencing you!
Hyde: No, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant.(digs into his pocket) Here.
Jackie: What's this? Jackie takes the ring from Hyde's hand.
Hyde: I just thought that since gifts are the only thing that cheers you up- I'd better buy you something. And since I'm cheap- this was all I could think of.
Jackie tries the ring on her finger.
Jackie: It's too small.
Hyde: That's the genius of a 25-cent ring. It's adjustable.
Hyde takes the ring and pulls it open wider. He slips it easily on to her finger.
Hyde: Yeah, it's pretty lame, I know. But it's easier than spending all night with you crying on my shoulder. I have things to do, you know. I'm a busy guy.
Jackie: It's perfect. Thank you.
She leans in to hug him, and softly starts to cry.
Hyde: No! Didn't you hear me? The ring was suppose to stop this!!! (He gives in and loosely wraps his arm around her.)
Hyde (shakes his head and sighs): What a waste of a perfectly good quarter.
(A small smile spreads across his face as Jackie continues to hug him).
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No Fez in this chapter. Sorry. I didn't mean to do that but I guess I just forgot him in my attempt to add J/H goodness. The next chapter will be up soon and I think it will deal heavily with J/K/H/ and the now complicated situation that is arising. Please R/R. Thanks!
Author's Note: Donna and Eric are not engaged in this Fic (at least not yet), as it is a what if Fic. I realized that some of the early banter in this chapter makes it seem like they are, but it's just general Eric burning.
Once again I would just like to thank all of the people who took the time to review my little fic. It really encourages me to avoid my schoolwork and keep writing. Thanks! I think there may be one or two more chapters after this; we'll see how it goes.. P.S.-This is a long chapter. I hope you like it!
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Chapter 3
Int. Forman's Kitchen- Dinner.
Kitty is cooking, Red, Eric, and Hyde are sitting at the kitchen table.
Kitty: (walking over to the table, carrying a bowl): I think you'll love tonight's mashed potatoes. (Slyly winks at Hyde).
Red: Of course we will. We always love everything you make, don't we Eric?
Eric: (eating a spoonful of mashed potatoes): Oh, yeah Mom. I just love your lumpy mashed potatoes.
Hyde (punches him in the arm): Hey man. The lumps equal love.
Eric (confused): Sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I had no idea you were so defensive of my mom's side dishes. (Thinks) Wait a minute.you didn't mind when I insulted her yams yesterday.
Hyde: Your point?
Eric (eyes widening): YOU made the mashed potatoes! You're my mom's little kitchen helper! Your 're Kitty's little cook in training! How sweet. (Laughing)
Red: You know, Eric- It would do you some good to help your mother in the kitchen. Lord knows that Pinciotti girl doesn't know her way around an oven.
Hyde: That's right. You're going to be cooking for Donna for the rest of your life. I only had to help your mom once, (coughs) Mr. Donna Pinciotti.
Kitty takes off her apron and hands it to Eric.
Kitty: In that case, we better get started. We have a lot of work to do.
Eric puts on the apron as Red and Hyde laugh at him. Kitty leads him over to the oven as the phone rings.
Kitty: Can you take out the bread while I answer this?. (Picks up the phone). Hello? No, she's not here. I think she went shopping with her friend Donna;. Yes, Yes, Ok I will. (Hangs up phone.)
Eric grabs the bread with out any oven mitts on.
Eric: OW! OW! OW! (Drops bread on the floor)
Red: Could you have your head any further up your ass? Steven, go help him with the bread.
Kitty (still standing by the phone): FORGET ABOUT THE BREAD!
Eric: Mom, what is it?
Kitty: It's your little friend Jackie. That was her maid on the phone.
Hyde: What's wrong? Does she want Jackie to hurry home and point out all the spots she missed while dusting?
Kitty: Well, that is just really cruel Steven! Just cruel!
Eric: This must be bad.
Kitty: Her father has been arrested. He's going to jail.
Red: Dammit Eric! How the hell do you manage to become friends with all of the kids with dumbasses for parents? No offense Steven.
Hyde: No problem Red. Well, I guess it's all up to you Mrs. Forman. (Starts backing out of the room towards the sliding glass doors). You may want to stock up on tissues before you talk to Jackie. She's a crier. (Turns to open door).
Kitty: That's right Steven. You have helped her through some tough times haven't you?
Eric: Yeah, he has mom. In fact, he's like Jackie's personal cheer up buddy.
Hyde (making a face): Cheer up buddy?
Eric: (shrugs) : Yeah, I know, but it was all I could think of.
Kitty grabs some tissues and hands them to Hyde.
Kitty: You really are a wonderful boy! Jesus loves you!
Red: Well, good. As long as Steven is handling this I can go back to more important issues like eating.
The rest of the family sits back down at the table.
Eric: Hyde, you better get going. I think I hear Jackie and Donna coming up the driveway.
Red: Bye.
Kitty: I'll save your supper.
Hyde opens the door.
Hyde (to himself): Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!
Jackie and Donna are walking up the driveway talking.
Donna: I am really proud of you. You're finally going to handle this engagement thing like an adult.
Jackie: I am an adult, aren't I? I'm just going to march into Eric's basement, sit Michael down, and have a serious talk with him.
Donna: And don't get sidetracked. Yes, Kelso has nice, soft, feathery hair but no, that doesn't mean you should marry him.
Jackie: Right! (Looks up the driveway and sees Hyde) Hi Steven!
Hyde (gives a small wave) Hi Jackie! (It comes out too peppy for Steven Hyde)
Donna (confused): Hey Hyde. You know I'm here too.
Jackie: Yeah, she's kind of hard to miss. How many redheaded giants do you see in Point Place?
Hyde remains silent thinking of what he can say to keep Jackie from crying on his shoulder all night long.
Donna: Umm..anyway. This is feeling kind of weird to me, so I think I'm going to go find Eric now. Jackie can fill me in later. (leaves).
Jackie (noticing the tissues in Hyde's hands): What are all those tissues for?
Not thinking, Hyde thrusts them towards Jackie. Hyde: There for you.
She looks down and Hyde's hands are holding the tissues at the level of her cleavage
Jackie (insulted): Steven Hyde, if you are implying that I stuff my bra you can just go to hell. What you see is completely natural, and totally perfect.
Hyde: No, No.. that's not what I meant (slightly flustered) Yes, of course your breasts are perfect..
Jackie: (gives him a weird look): What???
Hyde: Nothing. Forget it. Let's just go inside.
They walk into the kitchen. Kitty gets up and gives Jackie a hug.
Kitty: Oh you poor dear! You must feel so bad!
Hyde stands behind Jackie, shaking his head "NO" frantically. Only Eric notices.
Eric: Yes, you must feel horrible about how your hair turned out today.
Jackie (shocked): What's wrong with my hair?
Eric: Oh, nothing. I'm sure you meant for it to be so flat.
Kitty: Eric, what are you talking about? I don't think there's anything wrong with her hair.
Jackie: You're the only one! (Runs out of the kitchen and into the living room)
Hyde: I'm sorry. I just couldn't do it. There was too much pressure on me. I'm no good at this being nice crap.
Kitty: Did you really try your best? (Looks doubtful).
Hyde: I really did Mrs. Forman. But somehow we just ended up talking about her cleavage.
Red: Well, that's enough information for me. Look, just go in there like a man and tell your little sweetheart that her father is a common crook.
Hyde: Fine. But she's not my sweetheart.
Kitty: Oh Red-you remember. They had the cutest little date but then for some reason she went back with that Kelso kid.
Red: Who?
Kitty: Michael Kelso. The dumb but pretty one.
Red: Oh, yeah. He's the one who always walks into the glass doors.
They all nod.
Red: I hate him.
Hyde: (takes a deep breath): Ok-I'm going in!
Scene 2-Forman's living room.
Jackie is sitting on the couch looking at her hair in a compact mirror. When she sees Hyde come in, she tucks it away in her purse.
Jackie (sadly): Do you think that my hair looks flat?
Hyde: What? Oh, No. It looks fine. Listen, I need to talk to you.
Jackie: Is it about Michael and the engagement? Because you can save your breath. I'm already going to talk to him about it.
Hyde: No. It's about your dad.
Jackie: My dad?
Hyde (fast): Yeah, Kitty-got-a-call-from-your-maid-and -your-dad's-going-to- jail.
Jackie:Oh my God!
(She leans over and hugs Hyde)
Hyde: Hey, it's no big deal. At least you'll know where he is all the time. I mean, my dad could be anywhere.
Jackie looks up at him with tears in her eyes.
Jackie: Where's Michael?
Hyde: In the basement.
Jackie gets up and leaves.
Hyde (softly): Dammit.
Scene 3-The Basement
Kelso is sitting on the couch with Jackie on his lap. She is softly crying into his shoulder.
Kelso: Hey babe. It'll be ok. Maybe I could buy you something to take your mind off of it. What do you want? Some clogs? A necklace?
Jackie: I don't want anything.
Kelso (looks worried): Oh..well..we could talk about it.
Hyde walks down the stairs.
Kelso: But...we'll have to wait until Hyde leaves. Damn Hyde! Can't you see we're busy?
Hyde: Oh, sorry man. (He starts to walk back up the stairs).
Kelso: No, No don't leave!! I mean, the moments already ruined.
Hyde shrugs and walks to his usual chair.
Jackie (standing up): Well, I guess I better go call my mom. (Goes upstairs).
Kelso turns to Hyde and sighs.
Hyde picks up a magazine and ignores him. Kelso sighs again louder.
Hyde: I give up. What is it?
Kelso: I don't know what to do about this Jackie thing. We were supposed to talk about our engagement today. How can I call it off with her dad in the slammer?
Hyde: So, you decided to break it off, huh?
Kelso: yeah, I'm just going to tell her -Look babe. I'm hot, Your hot, let's not ruin that by getting married.
Hyde (skeptical): Ok. I guess that will work.
Kelso: Of course it will. I just have to wait until the right time to spring it on her.
Hyde (sarcastic): Yep, that sounds like a great plan. I can't conceive a possible flaw in that idea.
Kelso: Yeah, I think I'm getting smarter everyday.
Hyde: Well, you couldn't possibly be getting any dumber.
Scene 4-Forman's Basement- The next day. Hyde is sitting alone watching TV. Donna enters.
Donna: Hey. What are you watching?
Hyde quickly gets up and turns off the TV.
Hyde: Nothing.
Donna: It was Little House on the Prairie again, wasn't it?
Hyde: Maybe. Hey, why don't you and Forman go pick out China patterns or whatever it is you two do together?
Donna: Wow. Someone's unusually bitter. Oh wait- you're Hyde- your always bitter.
Hyde: Ha Ha. Forman really is a lucky man to have snatched you up.
Donna: Yeah, I know. Hey, what was the story with you and Jackie yesterday?
Hyde: What do you mean? I just felt weird about having to tell her that her dad was on his way to the Big House.
Donna: Maybe..
Hyde: Maybe what? Look, if you've got something to say, spit it out.
Donna: I just find it interesting that everything Jackie has a problem you just happen to have a shoulder for her to cry on.
Hyde: You can just stop right there with whatever creepy, unnatural thought you were about to have. I am a humanitarian. That's it.
Donna (rolls her eyes): Oh yeah. You're a regular Mother Theresa.
Hyde: I helped Kelso with his problem the other day too. What creepy thoughts do you have on that?
Donna: Hmm..That's interesting. What was his problem?
Hyde: I don't know. Something Kelso-like. Which of course means something too dumb to remember.
Donna: I wonder if it had something to do with him and Jackie.
Hyde: Nope. It didn't. I guess your little theory is off.
Donna: I guess so. But I really thought that maybe Kelso was nervous about having gotten engaged, and maybe instead of just letting him ignore those thoughts for a few months until he cheated on our girl Jackie to avoid tying the knot-you encouraged him to think about it, and maybe even break it off.
Hyde: He came up with that himself! I mean, nope. It never happened.
Donna: Whatever. (Laughs) You're so deep in denial that I think you actually have yourself convinced that you hate her.
Hyde: I don't know who your talking about, and I do hate her. With a passion.
Donna: (gets up) Ok, Fine. I'm done with my little rant. But just to let you know- she's planning on ending it with Kelso for good.
Hyde shrugs and turns back on the TV
Hyde: Don't care.
Donna leaves
Scene 5--Forman's Living room
Kitty and Jackie are talking on the couch.
Kitty: I'm sure your mother will come home soon. Who would abandon their child?
She looks up and sees Hyde coming down the steps.
Kitty (looks uncomfortable): I'm going to bake you two a cake. You deserve it! (Goes into the kitchen). Hyde sits down next to Jackie.
Hyde: So I guess we're the two charity cases.
Jackie doesn't look at him.
Jackie: I guess.
Hyde: It could be worse. We do get cake out of it.
Jackie smiles.
Jackie: I hope it's chocolate.
Hyde: You can count on it. Who could give anything less to an orphan and a jailbird's daughter?
Jackie: You know, you could be a little more sensitive.
Hyde: True. But then I wouldn't be me, would I?
Jackie: I guess not.
Suddenly, she leans over and hugs him.
Hyde (uncomfortable with the sudden hug): So, umm.you and Kelso are done, huh?
Jackie: What?
Hyde: You and Kelso broke up right? Or did you just end the engagement? (Confused).
Jackie: Neither. Why? What did he tell you?
Hyde stands up.
Hyde: Nothing. What's that? (Backing up towards the kitchen) Ok, Mrs. Forman. I'll be right there. Runs into the kitchen. Jackie turns and leaves out the front door.
Scene 6-Forman's Driveway. Donna and Eric are playing basketball in the driveway. Donna easily scores a basket.
Donna: What's that? Like 20 to 2?
Eric: NO!! (Pauses) Actually it's 24 to 2. But I'm making a slow comeback.
Hyde walks up the driveway laughing.
Hyde: Good to see the little woman keeping you in your place.
Eric: Oh, really. Hmm..That's funny. Because somebody else's little woman seems to be able to keep you in yours.
Hyde: Not this crap again. (Turns to Donna) What have you been telling him? You know he'll believe anything.
Eric: She hasn't been telling me anything. Especially nothing about your disturbing crush on one of the devil's dominions.
Hyde: Shut up. Your girl has a wild imagination.
Eric: Yeah, that's what I thought at first too. But then I started thinking, and it all made sense. Do you wanna know what I think?
Hyde: Not really.
Eric: I think you like being Jackie's personal cheer up buddy!
Donna: What the hell's a cheer up buddy?
Eric: Don't worry about it. All that matters is that Hyde likes being Jackie's.
Hyde: Forget you two. I'm outta here. Hyde starts to walk towards the kitchen.
Donna: She's in the Basement! Donna and Eric laugh as Hyde enters the kitchen.
Scene 7-The Basement
Hyde is walking down the steps. Jackie is alone on the couch.
Hyde (to himself): I'm just going to my room. I'm allowed to do that. Screw Eric and Donna.
Jackie: Steven, is that you?
Hyde: Hey Jackie. I didn't know you were here. I'm just going to go to my room and get some shut eye. I'm beat.
He starts to walk to his room.
Jackie (sadly): Oh, ok.
Hyde stops but doesn't turn around
Hyde: What is it?
Jackie: After we talked, I went to see Michael. I know he talked to you about ending our engagement.
Hyde: Did he? It must have slipped my mind.
Hyde turns around and goes to sit in his usual chair.
Jackie: It's ok. I had talked to Donna about he same thing.
Hyde: So it all worked out then? He dumps you, you dump him. Everything's great.
Jackie: Not exactly. He only wanted to break off the engagement but I wanted to break up for good.
Hyde (suddenly interested): What did you do?
Jackie: I ended it. Who does that jerk think he is? He won't marry me, but he thinks I'll still be his girlfriend!
Hyde: (sarcastic) Oh yeah. What a jerk. (Serious) I mean, you didn't want to marry him either.
Jackie: That's just details Steven! Anyway, so now I'm alone. My dad's gone, and Michael's gone. I don't know what to do.
Jackie's eyes begin to fill up with tears.
Hyde (sighs heavily): Look, I thought this would happen. From the moment Mrs. Forman told me to talk to you- I knew it would lead o this.
Jackie (angry): Well, I'm so sorry if my ruined life is inconviencing you!
Hyde: No, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant.(digs into his pocket) Here.
Jackie: What's this? Jackie takes the ring from Hyde's hand.
Hyde: I just thought that since gifts are the only thing that cheers you up- I'd better buy you something. And since I'm cheap- this was all I could think of.
Jackie tries the ring on her finger.
Jackie: It's too small.
Hyde: That's the genius of a 25-cent ring. It's adjustable.
Hyde takes the ring and pulls it open wider. He slips it easily on to her finger.
Hyde: Yeah, it's pretty lame, I know. But it's easier than spending all night with you crying on my shoulder. I have things to do, you know. I'm a busy guy.
Jackie: It's perfect. Thank you.
She leans in to hug him, and softly starts to cry.
Hyde: No! Didn't you hear me? The ring was suppose to stop this!!! (He gives in and loosely wraps his arm around her.)
Hyde (shakes his head and sighs): What a waste of a perfectly good quarter.
(A small smile spreads across his face as Jackie continues to hug him).
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No Fez in this chapter. Sorry. I didn't mean to do that but I guess I just forgot him in my attempt to add J/H goodness. The next chapter will be up soon and I think it will deal heavily with J/K/H/ and the now complicated situation that is arising. Please R/R. Thanks!