Chapter 21: The Couples Game
With Halloween passing by a few short days later the gang was unprepared for this upcoming month of November. A month that to this day the gang referred to as the month of reckoning. With the words of one young brunette girl on the mind of 4 particular members of the gang after exiting out of the woods neither were aware of what was about to happen on this given day. A day of decisions and reminiscing about what ifs.
The day first started off as it normally did for everyone around the Forman household. Eric and Jackie would wake up and share a good morning kiss before Jackie with a smile would race over towards the bathroom in a race with Laurie to get to use the shower first. When she would finally be finished with her shower and makeup Jackie would have breakfast with Eric and the rest of his family down stairs before she was off to school with Eric while everyone else was off to work.
But when Eric and Jackie had gotten to school that was when their normal day became awkward when they passed by both Hyde and Donna at their lockers and noticed them both in deep thought. In fact every time they looked their way down the hallway before the bell to begin the day had rung both Donna and Hyde were non responsive to either of them.
Getting into his first class of the day Donna took her seat in the back row of the class before glueing her eyes down towards her desk. As the teacher started his lessons for the day every word that he spoke was not heard by Donna. Instead she was focused on something else. No someone else thinking about a question that has been on her mind for a few months.
Why not me? Why did he choose her? Those are the questions that enter the mind of Donna Pinciotti before she glances up to see Eric writing down a few notes in his notebook. Does she still have feelings for him? As she looks down towards the table her eyes suddenly go wide when she realizes that she does have feelings for Eric. That Jackie was right. That even though she never got to have a relationship with him that she had always had feelings for him. But then another thought enters into her mind.
Was dating Hyde a mistake? Going through her past memories of the last year a small smile comes to Donna's face as she remembers when Hyde had learned to dance just for her. Of how he had held her when she was feeling so lost about what to do about her parents. That he had given her one of the most heartbreaking christmas gift she had ever received.
But slowly that smile disappears when she starts to remember a few of their relationship problems. Of when she had her near pregancy that could have ruined her life. A pregnancy that not only would have destroyed her hopes of going to college but to also someday travel around the world. But this is was not the only memory entering her mind. One by one memory after memory of her fighting with Hyde started to enter her mind from when she had told him that he should apologize to Eric for falling off of the water tower to him not listening to her to go and have a talk with his father but instead he went to see him after everyone else convinced him to do so. That was when she realized that Hyde didn't trust her so why should she trust him.
That is when a question repeats itself back in her head. Was dating Hyde a mistake? She comes to the realization that yes it was a mistake before looking up towards Eric. What if things were different? What if she stayed behind with Eric instead of Jackie? As she begins to think about what could have been Donna gets lost into her mind as a few images enter her head. Images of her and Eric laying across the Vista Cruiser. Images of her with a wedding ring on her finger with Eric by her side.
As Donna begins to think of the what ifs in another classroom down the hall something very similar is happening inside of Hyde's mind. Thoughts of if dating Donna was a mistake. Of what would have happened if he didn't date Donna and instead Eric was. With his eyes not blinking Hyde stares at his desk before an moving image appears on his desk.
Shaking his head reminding himself to never do a circle before school again Hyde looks down towards the image seeing some major changes to a few people's relationships in the image. Looking closely not only does he see Eric and Donna sitting close to each other but on the other side of the couch is himself with Jackie is his lap with her arms wrapped around him.
Not believing what he is seeing for the next couple of minutes Hyde watches as the image shows the highs of each relationships before they each failed. From Donna not accepting Eric's promise ring to Eric breaking off his engagement to Donna and leaving her years later to go to Africa.
His altered relationship with Jackie also was destined to fail. Looking on Hyde watched both Hyde and Jackie break up with each other not only once but a few times due to distrust. That instead of ending up with him or Eric that Jackie had ended up with Fez. As the image fades away Hyde shakes his head as he says like that would ever happen in his head.
With the school day going on into the day Jackie like always was lead to her classes hand in hand by her boyfriend which always brought a smile to her face. But she and Eric were not immune to what Hyde and Donna were spreading around the school day. As she sat down in her history class Jackie's mind started to wander due to her own words that she spoke of on Halloween.
What if Eric didn't stay behind with me? Would we be together? Would she and Kelso still be a couple? As these questions enter her mind Jackie begins to think about what would have happened if this didn't happen. That instead of being with her soulmate she would be with someone who didn't appreciate her and love her. Well she quickly corrects herself. She reminds herself of the improvement she has seen in Kelso over the last few months. That he does appreciate her due to him always asking her and Eric for advice on what to do for Brooke. That he must love her like maybe a little sister due to him defending her just like how an older brother would.
But would this have changed if Eric didn't stay with her at the concert? That would she have realized that he was the one? With a smile on her face Jackie shakes her head before lifting it up with pride. As she looks ahead to copy the notes from the chalk board her smile widen as she tells herself that it doesn't matter. That who cares about what ifs because she is with Eric. That he is the one who she loves with all of her heart. Someone who loves her in the same fashion and would do anything for her if she asked. A man that is totally devoted to her. Looking down towards the promise ring on her finger her smile widens before she continues to write down notes from the chalk board.
And last but not least the what if flu that had been spreading around the school finally made it's way into Eric's head before his last class before lunch. But for him when these thoughts entered his mind Eric quickly shrugged them out of his mind when he thought of Jackie. That he didn't care about any other girl other than his girl. A girl who had his heart by the strings. When a thought of him and Donna entered his mind Eric quickly shrugged it away out of his mind as he thought about the heartache that would be. That with all the conversations he had either heard about from Jackie or someone else that he and Donna were polar opposites. Sure did he once have a possible little thing for her. Maybe but not anymore after seeing with his own eyes what she was really like. Of how she wanted to go to college and travel around the world where he wanted a family of his own one day. That she had from what he had seen deep trust issues for all those around her even the ones closest to her. That they were never meant to be an item.
Once the school bell rang ending this particular class with a smile on his face Eric sat up from his seat before making his way out of the classroom heading towards his girlfriend's class. Seeing her exiting out of her class Eric's smile widened before he took her hand and lead her down the hall to her locker with the thought she is my destiny entering his mind. Once she had everything in her packed away in her locker with a smile Eric took Jackie in his arms before giving her a deep kiss.
As she feels Eric deepening the kiss Jackie breaks away with a bright smile on her face as she opens her eyes to see Eric with a smile of his own.
" Even though i do appreciate the passion we are not having sex inside of the school."
Seeing Eric letting out a small laugh Jackie feels Eric lean his head against hers.
" I know. It's not that i don't want you or anything like that. You are the hottest girl in the world. I just wanted to let you know that i love you. I love you and will always love only you."
" I love you too. What is this about exactly?"
" Today in class i was thinking about what you said on Halloween about me choosing to be with you instead of Donna. I just wanted to tell you how lucky i am to be with you. That instead of being in a horrible relationship that was doomed to fail with Donna that i am in a relationship with a beautiful girl that i love more than anything in this world."
With her smile widening Jackie give Eric a gentle kiss before pulling back to look at him.
" No you are wrong about one thing. You were wrong about you being lucky when it is actually that we both are lucky. We are both lucky to find each other. To find the one who we belong with."
Seeing Eric giving her a nod Jackie unwraps her hands from the back of Eric's neck before grabbing a hold of his hands. As she steps forward in the direction of the cafeteria Jackie feels resistance from Eric before she looks over to see Eric shaking his head at her with a smile. Looking on Jackie watches Eric release her hand before bending down.
" Hop on. I've got to show Kelso that he is not the only one who can be Superman."
With her smile widening Jackie quickly makes her way around Eric before wrapping her arms around the back of his neck and her legs around his waist. When she sees him rise up towards his Jackie lets out a laugh as she watches Eric move towards the cafeteria with a smile on his face.
As they enter the cafeteria Jackie looks over to see Brooke letting out a small laugh and pointing at her and Eric from seeing her being given a piggie back ride by her boyfriend. Seeing Eric dropping down slightly Jackie untangles her feet and arms from around Eric's body before grabbing Eric's hand to lead him towards Brooke and Kelso.
Feeling himself being lead through the line towards their friends looking over Eric sees Kelso giving him a smile while he shakes his head towards.
" Sorry Kelso but i had to show Jackie that you weren't the only Superman around here."
Hearing Brooke let out a chuckle Eric turns towards her direction as well as Jackie.
" Sorry Eric but you are no match for my Superman. He still has the red cape from elementary school."
Both Eric and Jackie let out a small laugh as they see Kelso looking away with a slight blush on his face. Once they are done laughing both watch as Brooke wraps her arms around Kelso giving him a hug.
" Don't worry about them. I think it is sweet that you still have it. Think about this sweetie. If your Superman then that makes me your Lois Lane."
Seeing a smile come to Kelso's face Eric and Jackie let out a small laugh after they had seen Brooke turn towards them giving them a wink.
" Alright fair enough. Just make sure that he doesn't try to fly. Last time he tried didn't end up so well."
Kelso glances over his shoulder to look at Eric as him and his friends near the front of the line.
" Well that was because i wasn't wearing my cape last time. Next time i will be ready."
Brooke,Eric,and Jackie let out a small laugh as they each grab a lunch tray from the rack. Once they had everything they wanted for lunch the group slowly made its way towards their table at the end of the room where Hyde and Donna were already seated. As the group looked on to see both Donna and Hyde lost in their own worlds like they had been in when each member of the group saw them earlier in the day the couples take a seat next to each other before starting to have lunch.
Just mere hours later once the school day ended each member of the gang found their way inside of the basement with each couple sitting close to each other except for Donna and Hyde who were sitting at the opposite ends of the room. With everyone in the room watching a repeat of a television show Jackie slowly sat forward before wrapping Eric's arm around her shoulders unaware of a pair of eyes watching her from one side of the room.
" Guys i'm bored. Let's find something else to do instead of watching this rerun."
Everyone looks over to Kelso before they turn to look at Fez who quickly hopped to his feet from his sitting motion on the floor.
" Oh i know! We will play the newlywed game to see who the best couple is here!"
Looking up Jackie gives Fez a stern look.
" Fez! It's not a competition. It doesn't matter who out of us is the best couple. The only thing that matters is if we are happy in the relationship which i can say we all are in. Well besides you Fez who i might add has a lover out there. Tell me have you asked Caroline out yet?"
" Hey there missy don't change the subject. And no i have not asked Caroline out yet. I am waiting to make my move. As for right now are you scared that you and Eric will lose Jackie?"
" What? No! I just don't think we should…."
" I don't know Jackie. It could be fun. It's better than watching reruns of shows."
Jackie looks over towards Brooke with a smile before glancing over towards Donna and Hyde.
" Does everyone here want to do it?"
Hearing everyone in the room in unison saying sure Jackie looks over towards Fez before giving him a nod.
" Okay Fez. We will play. But it's only for fun!"
Unwrapping his arm from his girlfriend's shoulders Eric retreats to the back of the basement to grab a few notebooks while Fez grabs the board game from the game shelve and brings it over towards the basement table. After a few minutes each couple is sitting next to each other except for Hyde and Donna who remained in their respective seats. With each couple sharing a notebook Fez picks up the question cards before looking towards the group.
" Alright this first round is for the guys. The first question for 1 point is what is your girlfriend's favorite pizza topping?"
Taking a minute the girls write down their answers before looking over towards Fez.
" Okay we will start with Kelso and Brooke. Kelso what is Brooke's favorite pizza topping?"
" Oh that's easy. Her favorite is cheese."
With a bright smile Brooke holds up her notebook with cheese written in the center before she reaches over giving Kelso a hug.
" Eric same question."
" Easy. Pepperoni."
Nodding her head Jackie shows up her notebook with pepperoni written in the center before following in Brooke's example and hugging Eric.
" Alright Hyde same question."
" Sausage."
Donna holds up her notebook showing sausage written in the center before placing the notebook back in her lap.
" Alright each couple is rewarded with one point. Now here is your next question. What is your girlfriend's middle name?"
" Fez!"
Everyone lets out a small laugh besides Jackie who is giving Fez a glare.
" What it's the question on the card."
Reaching over Jackie quickly grabs the card from Fez's hand before looking down to read the card. Letting out a small huff Jackie tosses the card aside before crossing her arms as everyone lets out a small laugh. Repeating the same as the previous question the girls write down their answers before looking up towards Fez.
" Alright Kelso your first."
" Leslie!"
With a smile Brooke nods her head showing Leslie written on her notebook.
With everyone chuckling Fez turns towards Eric trying to avoid the glare Jackie is giving him.
" Eric?"
" Beulah."
Everyone in the room lets out a laugh except for Jackie and Eric who the latter gives everyone in the room a glare.
" Okay,okay. Hyde you're next."
" Um Elizabeth?"
Looking over everyone sees Donna shaking her head before she raises up her notebook showing Marie written in the center.
" Really Hyde, I told you my middle name was Marie."
" No you didn't."
For the next half an hour the game continues on until it comes down to one final question. With Eric's and Jackie's team slightly ahead of Kelso's and Brooke's team with Donna and Hyde well behind each of the girls look happily to their boyfriends except for Donna who has not looked at Hyde.
" I'm really impressed Eric."
" Well i guess you just remember things about the ones you care about the most."
Gasping at what she just heard Jackie wraps her arms around the back of Eric's neck before pulling him towards her giving him a deep kiss.
Looking over towards her boyfriend with a smile Brooke sees Kelso pointing towards Eric.
" What he said."
With her smile widening Brooke copies Jackie and Eric and gives Kelso a deep kiss.
Glancing over from his seat Hyde looks to the couples before looking at Donna.
" Don't expect me to say something that cheesy."
Shaking her head Donna watches Fez stand up from his seat with a not so amused look on his face.
" Okay settle down everyone! Settle down."
Seeing each of the couples breaking away with smiles across each of their faces Fez sits back down in his seats.
" Alright the scores are close. It all comes down to this last question. Ladies if you can change one thing about yourself what would it be?"
Both Brooke and Jackie look towards each other before letting out a small laugh as each think about what their boyfriends will write down for their answers. After an minutes everyone turns their attention towards Fez.
" Okay Brooke if you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?"
" Well knowing Michael he probably wrote that i am too pretty and it makes all other girls jealous. Am i right Michael?"
Everyone looks over to see Kelso with a wide smile as he raises up the notebook showing those exact words before Jackie lets out a gasp.
" Oh my god that is so sweet!"
" Jackie same question."
" Knowing how sweet Eric is he wrote down that he wouldn't change anything about me."
Everyone looks over to see Eric nodding his head before raising up the notebook showing nothing written in the center.
" Alright Donna?"
" He probably wrote down everything!"
With everyone looking in her direction Donna watches Hyde lean out of his chair.
" What does that suppose to mean?"
" It means exactly what you think it means! You know nothing about me Hyde! This game just proved that we don't belong together! That it was a mistake for us to start dating each other!"
Everyone watches Donna storm out of the basement slamming the door behind her before they turn their attention over towards a silent Hyde. Wrapping his arm around Jackie's shoulders Eric leans out of his seat to look at Hyde.
" Hyde are you okay?"
" Yeah i'm okay Forman. I think she is right. Today i was thinking the same thing. We just have been getting more distant from each other each day. It's for the best. She was always talking about going away to college and traveling around the world once she was out of college."
Shrugging his shoulders Hyde gives everyone a smile.
" So does everyone want to see what i wrote down?"
With a smile Hyde raises up his notebook which produces a laugh from each of his friends when they see in the center of the notebook written in big letters HUGE WILE E COYOTE FEET.