Description: this is a that I wrote earlier this year. I had writers block with it for a long time but finally finished it up recently. Its a Jackie/Hyde story, nothing new there.

Disclaimer: I may not own the characters but this story original and the character that I made up is of my own imagination.

Author's note: this is the first story I have put up on here in more than a year, I hope anyone reading enjoys it and has the courtesy to review it as well.

Chapter #14

(Eric's pov)

" Hey Eric?", I hear Jackie call once I walk outside. Looking around, I finally spot her sitting in the passenger side of the vista cruiser. What is she still doing her? I thought that Jackie left? Why is she sitting in the vista cruiser. Maybe she's waiting for me. I guess Jackie needs to talk. Those two idiots probably have her really mixed up.

" Jackie? I thought you left, what are you doing in the vista cruiser?", I question in confusion. Opening the drivers side door, I climb inside. Has she just been sitting out here the entire time? How did Jackie know that I was going to be leaving or going anywhere? Maybe she figured it was only a matter of time before I became irritated with those two idiots and lefts.

" I was hoping we could talk?", ponders Jackie in a quiet voice. I knew that was coming. Its not hard to see how conflicted Jackie is right now. Those two really screwed with Jackie's mind this morning. I don't understand those morons. If Peter still has feelings for Jackie, why can't Hyde just respect that and back off? Why do they have to make winning her over into a competition?

" Yeah, sure. Want to go for a drive?", I offer with a smile before starting the vista cruiser. Pulling out of the driveway, I take off down the street. I feel bad for the poor girl. The last thing she needed to hear was those two dil holes arguing over her like that. Jackie is a sweet girl. If those morons somehow manage to scare her off with their stupidity, I will kick their asses.

With a small nod, Jackie scoots over close to me," What am I supposed to do with those two idiots?"

Pulling the vista cruiser down an old dirt road, I put the car in park," Who, Hyde and Peter? Do what I do, just ignore them."

" But I really like Steven though, thats the problem Eric.", admits Jackie with a frustrated sigh. Whoa, she likes Hyde? That's not something I wasn't expecting her to confess. Not sure why I'm so surprised though. I saw the two of them dancing in the middle of the street last night. Not to mention I saw the look in Jackie's eyes when Hyde kissed her this morning. The girl is smitten and bad.

" Really? You like Hyde? Well, I happen to know that he likes you a lot too.", I advise with a knowing smirk. My smirk widens to a grin when I notice Jackie start to blush. I think its great that Hyde has finally found a girl that he likes enough not to fool around with and leave. Its unfortunate that the girl he fell for happens to be Peter's old flame.

" I know, thats the problem. What do I tell Peter? He's my ex, Eric. This whole thing is awkward.", mutters Jackie with a shake of her head. I really feel bad for her right now. Its so obvious that Jackie is into Hyde. She can't pursue anything with him though without Peter flying off the handle in jealousy. It would be different if Peter didn't still want to be with Jackie, but he does.

" Be honest, do you still have feelings for Peter? I mean, if Peter asked you back would you say yes Jackie?", I inquire as I look Jackie in the eyes and wait for her reply. If she still has feelings for Peter, I don't think its wise that Jackie starts anything with Hyde. The last I'd want to see is either one of them winding up with a broken heart. Much as it would be great to finally see Hyde with a girlfriend, it wouldn't be right for Jackie to string him along if she were still in love with Peter. (End Eric's pov)

(Jackie's pov)

Biting at my bottom lip, I glance up at Eric," I don't know, maybe a tiny bit. To be honest though, I kind of want to see where things go with Steven. He's really sweet and when he kissed me before? My knees went weak."

Grinning down at me, Eric pokes at my side playfully," Wow, Jackie. Your blushing! You must like Hyde a lot. I think its cute. Tell you what, I'll talk to Hyde and feel him out for you."

" I am not...shut up Eric! And thanks, your the best Eric.", I acknowledge with a shy smile as I playfully hit Eric on his shoulder. Truth is, I would like to see where things go with Steven. Do I still have feelings for Peter? Yes, but I would never forgive myself if I didn't at least see what would happen with Steven and I. Besides, what if Peter only wants me because he knows Steven likes me?

" Anything for you doll.", teases Eric before pulling me into a hug. Smirking happily as he places a kiss on my forehead, I return the gesture with a friendly peck to his cheek. I knew talking with Eric was the smart thing to do. He always knows exactly what to say or do to make things better. I can't believe Steven likes me as well. That is great! I wasn't sure if he'd felt the same. What am I supposed to do about Peter though? I don't want things to be awkward or tense between the two of us. Maybe I should talk to him and be upfront about how I like Steven. That is the right thing to do anyway. (End Jackie's pov)

Authors Note: the next chapter is going to be a compilation of Jackie's, Eric', Hyde's and Peter's thoughts, it won't be a long one.