This is just a story about two friends finding each other.

-4-

March 1980

Eric honey, it's Mom – I'm writing this letter for Jackie because she burnt her hand during a cooking lesson. (Don't ask!) She wants you to know that she would have written you sooner but they let her dad out of prison and she spent some time with him – seems he put some money into a trust fund for her and then needed to borrow from it. What a coincidence that he gets released on her 19th birthday – same day as the trust money is available!

Well, that and her good for nothing mother flew out from Cancun to collect some money from her ex-husband. Poor Jackie was just a mess – what with having greedy parents like that! Red put his foot down and told Mr. Burkhart that if he touched Jackie's money, our attorney would be contacting the IRS and wouldn't you know that I didn't know we had an attorney? Anyhow, Jack Burkhart flew off somewhere with his ex-wife and Jackie hasn't heard from either of them since.

Oh, my dear, today we are combining our care packages. Jackie got you some of that expensive toothpaste that whitens your teeth when I told her that you had naturally white teeth and what a waste of money that would be. She bought it anyways. We both made cookies (I'll let you tell me which are better) and the Spiderman comics are from Jackie. She said to tell you that the new Star Wars movie – The Empire Strikes Back is very romantic. I ask you what is so romantic about a space movie.

Well, let me sign this and get this in the mail Jackie will get off my back.

Love you sweetie!

Mom

April 1980

Eric stopped by a local pub on his way home from work. He had to admit that working in the city was more convenient than the small village he started in. He was slightly dismayed at the lack of enthusiasm the city kids had to learning but overall, teaching was in his blood. He had a knack for it and looked forward to each day of class.

The bartender brought him a pint of ale and some stale nuts and Eric took it too his regular booth. He took a long drink and closed his eyes, his thoughts drifting back to Christmas. "When do you come home?" What a great question – if he wasn't such a responsible guy, he would be a plane tonight running right back to his parents home and his Spiderman sheets. But then he'd have to deal with Hyde and The Wife, avoid Donna and her fiancé until he could handle that. Kelso wasn't as easily accessible and that could be a good thing! Fez hooked up with Laurie and rarely visited the Forman home. That left Jackie.

Jackie was one of the things he could look forward to: hanging out most likely at her place – talking about anything and everything – that would be nice. He'd have to remember to tell her that. He sat up becoming aware that it had been a long time since he got a letter or package from her. Should he call Kitty or would she jump to conclusions. He didn't have Jackie's phone number. I hope everything is okay with her.

The post office was nearly deserted when he took his package request to the counter. The clerk handed him one huge box. Hmmm - only one parcel this time? Eric was somewhat disappointed. He was looking forward to getting her letters or care packages. The return address was from Point Place – yep this was Mom's.

It was later that evening when he opened his mom's letter he breathed in a sigh of relief. Jackie was okay – well, as okay as Jackie can be. Eric forgot that Mr Jack Burkhart was in prison and her mom flew the coop – it must have been difficult growing up without parents like Red and Kitty Forman. Eric was glad that she took a liking to his folks – Red seemed to dote on the girl more so than he did Donna.

More Spiderman comics – score! Jackie got to see the new Star Wars movie? That was not fair – but then it was cool because he knew that secretly she was a Trekkie but would never admit to it in public. It didn't fit her cheerleading image. Eric smiled – if she liked Luke Skywalker she was an okay chick!

May 1980

Dear Jackie

I missed your letters – I hope all is well. I am happy to say I finally got to see the Star Wars sequel at the cinemascope theatre in Durban (which was quite a drive from here.) I am saddened that Luke and Leia will never be. But, it was a great movie, wasn't it? I forgot to ask you how your job was going. Are you still the script girl? You were always telling us that you would be famous – and look at you now. Working in television!

I got a letter from Hyde a couple of weeks ago. I guess he and Samantha are going thru a rough patch in their marriage. I would think that being married to a STRIPPER would have some serious loyalty issues! He said he misses you but that the two of you spoke and reached some kind of closure. Jackie, I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself. Hyde can be the most difficult person to get along with (on a good day) but he does have his redeeming qualities. I like to think that you helped him achieve that character – he is evolving into a less paranoid fellow. Again, thanks to you.

You know, most people would say that you were stubborn, but I think you are a strong person and I am glad to be your friend. I have found you to be selfless and caring beyond a fault. You make me a better human being by reaching out to my students and looking at life thru their eyes. At your suggestion, I've tried to find beauty in everything – "the Jackie Burkhart way" and by doing so, I am sharing a unique perspective to a people that would never have seen the magnificence in matching something simple like a zebra striped box with a purple flower.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Love always,

Eric

May 1980

Jackie read the letter twice. The first time she cried her eyes out. Eric's words touched her more deeply than any human had done before. It was like he could see into her soul. She was a caring and selfless person – people expected her to be the bitchy ex-cheerleader and she didn't disappoint them. But after reading Eric's words it like finally being able to breathe again.

She reached for a tissue and blew her nose. He asked about her job. It was just like Eric to say something nice – out of the entire basement group – he was the first one to acknowledge something good about someone. Often times it came out as a burn, albeit a good burn, but still he recognized the accomplishment.

How could Donna trade this man for Mr. Pretty Hair? Eric had a heart as big as Wisconsin and the wisdom to go with it. Jackie wished that she could have had half the relationship Eric and Donna had – if only she known then what she was missing now. Not every relationship was based on "doing it" – sometimes affection was just as important.

Jackie reached for her stationery set and immediately began her reply letter. She had to tell Eric what a difference he made in her life. She wanted him to know that he was important to her. If he wanted to burn her, that was fine, but she needed to tell him whatever the outcome.