Author Note: … Eric get a little….distracted

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Chapter 7 – The Cheerleader

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March 1981

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Snow was melting and giving way to a beautiful Point Place spring. Bob's colorful pansies were blooming by the back door and the sunshine was a welcome respite from the dreary winter gray.

Jackie was digging in Bob's garage-o-trash when a friendly voice startled her. "Can I help you?"

She gave a little "yip" and turned around. "Eric! You don't sneak up on people like that! You scared me."

Eric didn't want to admit that he had been admiring the view of her pants in the tight Levi's as she scoured the garage for some token item. "Sorry if I was rude. You were making a lot of noise in here and I thought Bob got stuck again."

Jackie's lips curled up in a smile, "I remember. I had to get a bottle of cooking oil so he could get his legs unstuck from the Christmas ornaments."

Eric pulled out a box and sat on it. "Not his first time. So, what are you looking for?"

Jackie wiped her dusty hands on her pants. "Bob said there's an extra large sleeping bag in here. I need it for a trip next month."

Eric's eyebrows rose. "Camping?"

She laughed. "No you goose. The Point Place Cheer Squad is getting together over Spring Break to write new cheers and I was invited to stay at the condo." Then she squealed, "Do you know what an honor that is?"'

Eric mimed a cheer, "Two four six eight Jackie Burkhart gets there late…."

She pushed against his shoulder. "Get real Forman. Not many alumni get invited to something like this and I was asked! You're just jealous because you're going to miss the pajama party." She winked and Eric felt a warm jolt up his spine. "You know what a bunch of girls do at a pajama party…don't you?"

Eric could feel his throat get tight as his most precious night time fantasy came to forefront. In a squeaky voice he answered, "No?"

Jackie tapped him on the nose. "We go to sleep you goon. Now help me find the sleeping bag so I can send it to the cleaners." Twenty minutes later, the pair unearthed the camping gear and some odd colored tiki lamps Eric could never remember seeing before. Jackie unrolled the extra large size Coleman sleeping bag and coughed at the dust that rose up from the musty old bag. Eric swatted at the musty cloud which resulted in a sneeze. "Bless you." She said before sneezing herself. Eric unzipped the large pull tab and opened the sleeping bag onto the Pinciotti driveway. He was surprised to discover a couple of pine cones, some old popcorn and a large afro comb.

"Must have been a long time since Bob used this." Eric commented, "You know…back when he still permed what hair he had."

Jackie smiled, "He wears a rug and I'll have you know that I take care of it properly just for him." Jackie went back into the dark garage and pulled out a small ice chest. At Eric's questioning look, she added, "I'm bringing the booze."

Eric smirked, "Must be some crazy cheer writing going on if you need booze."

Jackie grinned, "The booze is for later." She laughed and added, "Before the pajama party." Jackie blew Eric a kiss and he nearly fell off his cardboard box as he watched her skip/walk to the Pinciotti kitchen. Why was she having such an effect on him?

The dirty sleeping bag still lay on the driveway so Eric picked it up and gave it a good shake coughing at the dust cloud. He draped the brown fabric over the fence and wandered back into his own kitchen. He didn't need to overdose on thoughts of Jackie Burkhart at the moment.

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"Oh! Here he comes right now. Hold on Cameron!" Kitty said excitedly. She held out the phone receiver. "Eric, it's Cameron, he has information about your trip next month."

Eric grinned and took the phone from his mom. Kitty frowned at the dust on his shirt. "Where have you been? You're making my kitchen filthy!" She pretended to frown.

Eric laughed, "Hello Cam. What's going on?"

Cameron's Nash deep voice came over the line. "Eric, I decided the convention sounded like a good way to get out of town for a night so I got an extra ticket and booked us a room at the Hyatt."

"Cam, I was going to stay with Jack and Corey."

"Seriously dude….Corey? The guy that moans meat by-products in his sleep?"

Eric laughed, "Yes. He works in a butcher shop and takes his job very seriously."

Cameron snorted, "Dude, two queen beds overlooking the pool. Nicer hotel…what do you say? Be my convention roomie for the night."

"Okay! Okay, quit twisting my arm!"

Kitty smiled at the happy tone of voice coming from her wayward son. He was blossoming again – it was so nice to see that smile Red paid for years ago.

She listened half-heartedly as Eric made arrival plans and exhibits that were "must see" events. Dinner was done and warming in the oven. Her son was happy…Red wasn't grousing about the kids anymore. Life was good.

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"Okay, I can survive a Pam Macy visit but whose great idea was it to invite the sluttiest girl from high school to this party? I mean everyone knows she's not the brightest bulb on the tree."

Bob walked in on Jackie's end of the conversation. "I've got extra Christmas bulbs if you need them."

Jackie smothered a chuckle and shook her head. She covered the receiver and replied, "It's an insult Bob but thanks for the offer."

Bob smiled. "No problem. Dinner in 20 minutes and I invited the Forman's." He pushed open the kitchen door and Jackie hurriedly said into the phone, "Misty? I gotta go change. I'll see you in a couple weeks!" What was she going to wear? Why didn't Bob give her advance notice that Eric was coming!

The pink satin top was nice but didn't match the white pants and the black wool slacks made her look too short. Instead, Jackie settled on a nice linen suit and styled her hair into a loose chignon. She pulled some tendrils out of the bun and they framed her face perfectly. Eric Forman didn't stand a chance.

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Eric did not have a clue to what he just ate. He couldn't keep his eyes off the pretty brunette at the end of the table. While his dad and Bob were talking about some Packer's game and his mom was exclaiming that the garlic bread was perfect, Jackie was giving him a Mona Lisa-like smile.

Was she flirting? No, she never really said anything directly to him that wasn't unrelated to the serving of the meal. Donna never flirted like that and surely never dressed in such a beautiful suit. Her heart shaped face was tan and a great contrast against the ivory colored linen. That little piece of hair that brushed her temple – Eric wanted to twirl his finger around it and feel the silky strands. He knew he looked like an idiot with his cheek resting in the palm of his hand….it was only when his elbow slipped off the table that he sat up and quit thinking Jackie thoughts. It was too dangerous!

"Eric? Honey, Jackie asked you a question." Kitty said waving her napkin at her son.

Red nudged Eric with his shoe, "Are you thinking about that damn Footwalker character again?"

"Skywalker dad and no - I was distracted." He glanced back at the brunette who giggled and excused herself from the table. Eric quickly grabbed his empty plate and stacked some dishes on top and followed Jackie into the kitchen. Suddenly she whirled around startling Eric and he nearly dropped his dirty dishes.

"Are you following me?"

"Uh….yeah?" he managed to stammer.

Jackie smiled. "Well maybe next time you could be a little less obvious." She pulled a piece of paper towel off the roll and walked towards him. Folding the towel in half she dabbed at his lower lip. "You had a little bit of drool hanging there."

Eric blinked and she was gone. The last thing in his mind was Hyde's sardonic comment. "Whatever…I don't want details. Just take care of the cheerleader."

Man…this was going to be harder than he thought!

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