Author Note: No disrespect to Wizard of Oz, Charlie's Angels or the State of Illinois. Special shout out to: ddtje70, , de aequitate, DFT and big hugs to nannygirl for FF assistance

10

Jackie slid into the tub smiling as she recalled Eric's awkwardness when he helped her navigate in the small bathroom. Every time their bodies bumped or touched he jumped as though he was electrically shocked. It was a bit liberating to flirt so openly and see the affect it had on her friend. Lying back in the warm water, she wondered what he would do if she called him in while she was naked in the bathtub.

Please don't call me in the bathroom. Please don't call me! That was Eric's mantra for the next several minutes. His hands were sweating and he was nervous as all hell. It was like being a teenager again – what was going on? He could hear her humming and splashing but it still made him edgy. Was this an example of what the whole weekend was going to be like?

He needed a plan. After she finished her bath, Eric needed to get out of the house. He needed some distance to clear his mind. Crap, his car was still at his parent's house. Maybe she needed some groceries or he could fill the other prescription – there had to be something he could do. Well, as long as she kept some clothes on, albeit unattractive clothes, there may not be any problem; but, if she started wearing sexy stuff again, there it going to be a BIG problem.

Eric found the remote to the 27 inch Sony television and clicked it on. He was knocked out by the color, size and clarity of the screen. His poor 13 inch black and white back home was found lacking. He zoomed thru the channels, MTV, shopping networks, cartoons – yep he definitely needed to subscribe to cable. Okay, maybe hanging out here wouldn't be as miserable as he predicted. He leaned back against the sofa cushions and decided his apartment needed a new sofa too – this was VERY nice. In fact, as he looked around in the daylight, everything in Jackie's house was nice. He totally didn't expect this from the small brunette.

Jackie lifted the tub plug with her toe and watched the dwindling bubbles twirl and swirl towards the drain. It was going to suck having to take baths everyday instead of nice hot showers. There had to be away to cover the boot….then she realized that she wouldn't be able to shave that leg until the doctor took it off. Oh no! That was as bad as brushing her teeth! The last bit of water went down the drain with a "glug" and that's when she noticed she had a bigger problem. There was no way to extricate her body out of the tub without using her bad foot. Damn! She reached for a towel and wrapped it around herself and closed her eyes. Think, Jackie – you're going to be doing this everyday, how would Nancy Drew get herself out of this predicament?

Keeping the boot elevated, she managed to turn over on her hands and knees. Good. She pushed up with her arms using her good leg. Just like a cheerleader stance. She sat on the edge and swiveled her good leg over and found that her crutches were wedged behind the toilet. Shit. She managed to hobble over to the bowl and get them out. S-U-C-C-E-S-S Jackie Burkhart is the BEST! She gave herself a little cheer. This made finishing her morning ritual much easier!

Eric was watching a rerun of Charlie's Angels in big glorious color – the girls were chasing the kidnapper and Eric was thinking, "Run pretty ladies, Run!" He was so engrossed in the show that he didn't hear Jackie leaving the bathroom. She looked at him relaxing and enjoying himself. In my house! She was glad for the company – now if she could get dressed by herself then she could go to work on Monday. The show was nearly over when Eric realized he forgot she was still in the tub! Now he was going to catch hell.

He set the remote on the cushion and walked to the bathroom door and knocked lightly, "Jackie, are you okay in there?" There was no reply. He knocked a little louder. "Jackie – are you okay?" What if she fell down again? He jiggled the knob contemplating on whether to open it or not. Just open it – keep your eyes to yourself and open it. Eric stepped in the steamy bathroom where soft feminine smells still hung in the air. Damn where did she go?

Jackie chose that moment to limp out of the bedroom fully clothed with wet hair. She didn't look happy and snarled, "One word about how I look and I'll kick you with my good leg. Now where's my coffee!" Eric looked up and smiled, the brat was back! "You are looking chipper today!" he teased.

Jackie tried to swing a crutch at his leg and he easily sidestepped the attempt. "It seems like you're feeling better too." She hobbled over to one of the easy chairs and sat down. "My foot hurts like hell and this has ruined my whole weekend."

Eric set two cups of coffee on the table. "You had plans?"

Jackie looked at him like he was dim. "I always have plans, Eric. This weekend I was invited to a barbeque at Brooke and Michael's house. Oh, go with me! It'll be fun!" Her eyes were glowing – he couldn't say no. Eric scratched the back of his head. "Well, it's been awhile since I've seen Kelso – sounds like a plan."

Jackie clapped her hands. "Yay! We have to bring the macaroni salad." Eric's eyes widened, "I don't know how to make macaroni salad…"

Jackie smirked, "Eric I already made it. It's in a Tupperware in the fridge. Oh, I also have some beer in the laundry room." Eric still looked lost. "I need to change my clothes."

*

Before he knew what was happening, Jackie sent him home in her car to clean up and bring back a change of clothes. Actually, Eric didn't mind running a few errands. It was true; he rarely did anything on the weekends that wasn't related to school, so this was a welcome respite. Plus, he felt powerful driving Jackie's car down the freeway to Northbrook. People seemed to look at him with more respect and that was good for his ego.

He parked in his assigned spot and waved at Mr. Tremont while opening his mailbox. Empty. He fished his house key from his pocket and opened the door. Eric was momentarily stunned; while his apartment was modest and utilitarian, he was reminded of the scene in Wizard of Oz where Dorothy was living in a black and white world and he was Dorothy. The colorful world was Jackie and she was Glenda the Good Witch. Eric wanted to run back and be with Glenda!

His shower was brief and he threw a few clothes in a duffel bag. On his way out, he ignored the small television that sat pitifully in the corner. There were no messages blinking on his answering machine so his weekend was free. But then every weekend was free. He hung his head, how had his life come down to this?