Author's Note: I'm SO sorry that I haven't updated this story in a month! Hope you like this chapter and please review if you! Or even if you don't, I like to know everyone's thoughts and what I can fix or improve. :)
"Don't forget, this Saturday night...prom wrestling is coming...to the National Guard Armory in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Watch Rocky Johnson take on twenty snarling midgets. Now, back to the action."
"Woah, Rocky Johnson is coming to Kenosha?" I watched the TV screen with my family in the living room. That's so much better than President Ford was here in Point Place. "That's so cool. I've got to go."
"Wrestling is absolutely barbaric, don't you agree, son?" My father asked me as he smoked his cigar. He and my mother sat on the same loveseat together. His arm wrapped around her shoulders. She barely sat closed to him and didn't seem to want to be touched by him. My parents always pretended to be in love with each other, but I knew they're not. They were so close sitting together but acted so distant.
My father's comment got my hopes pretty much shot down because I really wanted to see Rocky Johnson. He was, like, the most amazing wrestler of all time.
But I usually had to agree with what he said. It showed a maturity that I've outgrown those things.
"Oh, yes, Dad..." I replied, trying not to sound too disappointed, but felt my shoulders slumped.
"Michael and his friends want to go to the wrestling show, and I want to go, too. Rob can come with us." Jackie said, but I gave her a strange look with an eyebrow raised.
Since when has she been into wrestling?
My mother gave her a disapproved glance. "I can't believe you are interested in such a violent sport, Jackie. Wrestling is definitely not for young ladies like you. I thought Michael knew better how to treat my little girl."
I rolled my eyes at that. If only our parents knew the truth about him...
"Please, Mommy? All of my friends will be there." Jackie begged with her lips in a cute pout and eyes widening like a puppy. I knew when she acted like that, she could easily get anything she wanted from them. She could easily get herself wrapped around our parent's fingers.
Our parents exchanged uncertain glances at each other until they both caved.
"Well, alright," My father resigned with a sigh. He couldn't resist his only daughter.
"Jackson!" My mother reprimanded him with disapproval.
"Jackie can be with her friends, Pamela. I know she's been with the Forman and Pinciotti kids who got a good head on their shoulders. I trust their judgment more than Michael Kelso's." He puffed out an air of smoke from his cigar.
My mother just scoffed and rolled her eyes then got up from the love seat to go upstairs. She would never have Jackie go to such a sporting event like that. The last time they ever had a mother and daughter bonding moment was when Mom took Jackie to an opera in New York. Jackie told me she sort of liked it but hated the rich snobs.
"Thanks, Daddy." Jackie stood to hug him and happily went upstairs to her bedroom.
Once she was out of earshot, I looked at my father to ask him. "How come Jackie can get to go, but I can't?" It's like those old days back when we were kids, and I got jealous at the amount of attention and favoritism my parents had with Jackie than me.
"Oh, you can go, Robert, if you really want to," Dad answered. "I'm surprised you want to go to one of those things. You do remember you have that important case to go to for Judge Reinhardt, Robert tomorrow morning, remember?" He reminded me. It would look good for me if I went because it'd help with my portfolio.
"Right, I do remember, Dad," I replied, being sort of honest because I actually forgot.
After the wrestling was over on TV, I stood up and excused myself to go to my bedroom, but first, I decided to pay a visit to my little sister. She was laying on her stomach with her pink rotary phone on her bed. The pink phone was in her hand.
"Uh, Robert, what are you doing in here?" Jackie asked, being annoyed. "You know I call Michael at this time."
"That's just what I want to talk to you about," She just rolled her eyes. "Why do you want to go wrestling?" I asked, not understanding. "You don't even like wrestling."
"Michael and his friends are going. And anything that Michael likes, I like." Jackie replied simply.
"You've been saying that a lot lately," I noted. It was very odd she does that. "You've been extra clingy to him, too. What's up with you two?"
"I'm not clingy to Michael," Jackie denied. "I just love him so much that I want to be around him as much as possible. Besides, Mom taught me that a woman should stay by her man's side no matter what." She said Mom's lesson with such glowing pride and confidence.
That sounded very hypocritical of Mom. She cheated on our father multiple times. As much as I love my mother at times, it's obvious she's a gold digger. I hated to say it, but it's the truth. The only affair that Jackie knew of was Mom screwing around with the pool boy, and that's because she walked in on them.
"There's nothing wrong with giving each other a little space, you know," I advised, knowing from experience and hearing about it. "Guys like that, too."
"But Michael isn't like the other guys. He likes it when I do stuff for him and caters to him. We just got a lot closer, that's all." It's like Jackie was keeping something from me. I got curious about what Jackie and Michael did, but on the other hand, I didn't want to know.
"Alright, Jackie, whatever. Just don't let him treat you like a doormat." I gave my last piece of advice and left, about to close the door.
"Wait!" I heard Jackie call me back, and I looked at her, pausing to close the door midway. "Can you take me to Eric's later?"
I shrugged. "Sure." Then I closed the door and went to my bedroom.
After dropping Jackie off at the Formans and going to the case for the judge, I head back home. My father called me to his office, and I'm the lucky one to go in for a talk.
"Oh, good, son. You're here," Dad noticed me and gestured his hand to the empty chair in front of his large mahogany desk. I sit down on the burgundy leather guest chair. "How is school going for you?"
We discussed that for a while along with other work and school-related topics.
"Do I really have to be a lawyer, Dad?" I groaned. "You know how much I hate it."
"We've talked about this before, Robert," Dad replied sternly. "What do you want to be?"
"An engineer," I answered eagerly. "I hear they're looking for more of them these days, and they get paid well. Better than being indoors and in a court setting all the time-"
I wasn't the type of person to stay stuck inside of an office working all day either.
"Robert," Dad deeply sighed in disapproval. I knew he wouldn't like it. It's like when Mom hated that I even considered being a nurse, but she didn't want to be humiliated by having her son be a male nurse. "I'm a lawyer, and your grandfather was a lawyer. It's a family tradition. And you can't break a family tradition. Especially not as a Burkhart. I know school is hard now, but in the end, it'll be worth it."
Ugh. The same speech I've always heard before.
"You're a good son, Robert, and a good big brother to your sister. Even though you don't want to be a lawyer, you're still sticking by it, getting good grades, proving yourself to be a superb lawyer for the future. You'll be a fantastic asset to the court system," I was really touched by how much he praised me. "For all of your hard work, I got something for you."
Dad pulled something out of one of the desk drawers, and my eyes widened as if I were seeing gold.
"Here you go, son. You've earned it."
Dad gave me a cassette player. He knew I've always wanted one for my car. This was one of the times when I didn't mind my parents giving me a gift because of school and being a lawyer. I knew they'd shower me with gifts so I won't change my career. As long as if I have good grades, anyway.
I received the tape player and stared at it in awe. "Wow. A cassette player. Thanks a lot, Dad."
He smiled. "You're welcome, son."
All of us were sitting around at the dinner table in the dining room. Our butler served us filet mignon, broccolini, and mashed potatoes. Except my mother didn't have mashed potatoes, she had mashed cauliflower (that looked so gross and watery) instead because of her stupid diet. She made Jackie have mashed cauliflower, too, because she didn't want Jackie to gain a lot of weight.
She was already tiny enough. It wouldn't kill her to have more meat on her bones.
After my parents got finished talking about their day at work, they turned the conversation over to Jackie and I about us. My mother mostly wanted to know more about our love lives.
"So, Robert, are you seeing anyone these days?" Mom asked.
"Tina Larkin," I answered. Hoped that wouldn't be a problem.
"Tina Larkin..." She repeated the name thoughtfully. "I don't think I've heard that name before."
Maybe a Larkin wasn't a part of her 'rich friends clique'. From the sounds of it, Tina didn't come from a rich family, but I didn't care.
"I met her from college," I said.
"Are we ever going to see her?"
Would I ever introduce Tina to my dysfunctional family? I don't think so.
"No. It might be too soon," I answered. "I don't want to scare her off."
"Well, we should see her soon," Mom said and gave me a stern look and warned me seriously. "I do hope you're using protection, Robert. I don't think I'm ready to be a grandmother."
I nearly choked on the steak that I was chewing in my mouth. Me having a kid?! No way! Not right now. And of course, we're using protection! Leave it to my mother to worry about being a 'young grandmother'.
Jackie chuckled to herself, and I gave her a glare for that. She just stuck her tongue out at me. How mature, Jackie. I could've died!
I managed to swallow the piece of steak down and drank water to help my sore throat from the harsh coughing.
"I don't care who you're dating as long as it's not that Laurie Forman girl again," Dad said and drank a sip of his wine. "She definitely knows her way around, if you know what I mean."
"From what I hear, that girl is a walking sex disease," Mom informed like Laurie was something disgusting, and she scrunched up her nose in distaste. "Charlotte told me that the Forman girl slept with Gloria's husband! How could Red and Kitty raise such a fine young boy like Eric, but have a gutter slut for a daughter?" She was really repulsed by Laurie's debauchery actions but looked at Jackie with love and approval. "At least we raised our daughter right, Jack. Our little girl is nothing like the tramp. Isn't that right, Jackie?"
"That's right, Mom," Jackie confirmed and ate a forkful of her gross mashed cauliflower.
"You will not have yourself be involved with that Jezebel anymore, will you?" Mom demanded.
I sighed. "No, Mom."
My parents hated when Laurie and I were together. That's one of the reasons why we were together in the first place.
The relationship was a lot better when you're not allowed to date someone.
The next day late in the evening, I dropped Jackie off at the Formans because I got done at the courthouse. I made sure to not park behind the Vista Cruiser so I won't block Eric in. Jackie got out of the car with my help. She was going to go with her friends to Kenosha to watch Dwayne Johnson.
Donna approached us, looking confused. "Jackie, what are you doing here? You hate wrestling."
"Michael likes it, and anything that Michael likes, I like. Cause I like Michael." Jackie happily grinned and was hugging her boyfriend. Kelso hugged her back.
"Yeah, that's my girl!" Kelso had the same broad, cheerful grin.
The sight was nauseating.
"Ohhh, barf." Donna and I got grossed out together as Kelso and Jackie got in the back of the Cruiser.
"You kids have fun." I waved at them as everybody was getting ready and into the car.
Before I was about to leave, I heard Laurie getting my attention.
"You're not going with them to wrestling? You're just your little sister's chauffeur?" Laurie asked in amusement with her arms crossed.
"That's what my life has succumbed to these days, yes," I dryly replied. I didn't care that I was Jackie's 'chauffeur' like what Laurie called it. It got Jackie and I to bond with each other more.
"How is that professor you're dating?" I asked, being obnoxiously loud about it because I knew her father was within earshot. I've heard that she was dating Professor Stark at college; I'd never let my parents know that. They hate her enough as it was.
"Will you shut up?!" She hissed in a whisper-yell, and I devilishly smirked at her. That obviously made her panic a little because her father was close, but he was talking to Kitty and Eric. "C'mon, Laurie, you can do a lot better than a professor," I told her in a voice that only she could hear. I knew why she was with him because she's failing her classes. "I can help you with your homework."
"I don't need your help." Laurie stubbornly said with a scowl. Typical she'd act like that.
Especially, to me.
"You're taking Psychology, right? I think I can help you. And a friend of mine, Cheryl Daley, is in your class, too. You can ask her-"
"Why do you even bother with me, Robert?" Laurie sighed, being annoyed.
"I know you're better than this, Laurie," I answered sincerely. "I know you're a lot smarter than what you give yourself credit for. You don't have to stoop low to have a meaningless fling with an old and perverted college professor."
"You always did have a lot of faith in me, Robert," Laurie said fondly, probably remembering the times we had together. "Until-"
"I know," I interrupted her before she could continue what had broken us apart. In such a horrible way.
"Come with me to my room so I can show you my homework, okay?" Laurie asked sweetly and returned back inside the house.
"Okay." I complied without thinking because earlier she said she didn't want my help. But now she did.
Was something else going to happen in her bedroom that's not school related? Did she want sex?
I could stop her this time. I have a girlfriend now, so I couldn't cheat on Tina.
But when we're in her bedroom together, Laurie did show me the homework she brought over. I helped her with what I knew. Then suggest she should talk to Cheryl about it because she knows more about the class than I do.
To my surprise, Laurie and I actually had a good time together. Sex wasn't even involved. It was just us hanging out like we're friends again. I missed seeing this side of Laurie.
Later, we went downstairs to the kitchen, and Donna's mega hot Mom showed up. Her name was Midge. It took everything in me to not drool over at her amazing rack. Midge and Kitty were talking to each other at the table.
"I'm telling you, after my therapy session, I felt so loose." Midge beamed.
"Loose is good." Laurie smiled, and I just rolled my eyes.
"You would know." I quipped under my breath to her, and she just glared at me.
"If you ask me, we could all do with a little tightening," Kitty said. That made me cringe because of how wrong and dirty that sounded from an old married woman.
"And tonight, my therapist is hosting an encounter group...but I'm too shy to go alone." Midge was disappointed that she couldn't go.
"Well, too bad." Kitty obviously faked her sympathy.
"Kitty, please, come with me," Midge begged.
"I don't think so. No, thank you. No."
"You know what this is a lot like? Like when you asked me to help you host the bake sale. Only it's different because I said yes."
"Alright." Kitty caved in even though she didn't want to.
"Great. It's a gathering of his souls in progress," Then Midge added. "Over drinks."
"Free drinks? I'm in." Laurie quickly invited herself because of the alcohol. Of course, she would.
"That's nice. That's music to a mother's ears." Kitty sarcastically remarked with disapproval.
Unlike Red, Kitty knew very well about her daughter's promiscuity and being a total college party girl. But it's not like Kitty would do anything about it.
I gave Laurie an odd look. "Seriously? You would go to therapy?"
"Yes, Robert. And I think it would help you well if you go to therapy with us." Laurie smiled, acting sweet, but I saw the evil look in her blue eyes.
She wanted to torture me.
"Oh, yes, more the merrier! It's totally fine that you can bring your boyfriend along, Laurie."
Great. Even Midge wanted me to go now, too. And she even called me Laurie's boyfriend! I freaked out about that and immediately looked at Kitty's reaction. Her face read that she really didn't want me to date Laurie again.
"I can assure you that we're definitely not dating." Laurie corrected her like it would be an awful thing if we did.
I was glad she corrected Midge.
That made Kitty relax and ease the tension from her body.
"Or whatever you kids call each other these days." Midge friendly laughed, waving it off, making it worse. She did seem like an airhead.
Kitty made us something quick to eat before we could go to the therapy session. She really didn't like that I was coming, and it's plainly evident by her face when she looked at me. I knew she hated me. But I shouldn't let it bother me.
The four of us went to Kitty's car so she could drive us there.
"I'll never forgive you for this," I grumbled to Laurie. Both of us sat in the back seat, and the adults were in the front. Kitty wouldn't let Laurie drive, no matter how many times she had asked.
Laurie evilly smirked. "You deserve it."
I just sat in my seat, brooding and pouting that I had to go to stupid therapy.
Later, we're all inside with everyone else in the dimly lit room, and there were a lot of candles. We're sitting Indian-style in a circle with the group. Soft, calming, and peaceful music was playing in the background at a low volume.
"These group sessions are about testing your boundaries...losing your inhibitions, and really sharing with the group," The therapist glanced over at Laurie's mother. "Kitty, are you ready?"
"Oh, well..." Kitty seemed unsure of herself.
"Share a little, Mom. Tell us how folding the dishtowels just right...makes all our problems go away." Laurie joked and spitefully laughed. I nudged her at her side with my elbow, sitting next to her. She gave me a look, and I send one right back at her letting her know that was uncalled for.
However, Kitty wasn't very amused. Not at all.
"You want me to share? Okay. First of all, Robert," I did not expect her to go after me. She became very serious. That was not good. "I admit, I did not like you when you were with my daughter in the beginning. Maybe it's because your family's wealth intimidated me or maybe it's because that you made that awful accusation that my daughter cheated on you, you broke her heart, and you ruined her reputation. But what really did it for me about you was when I caught the two of you in bed together and neither of you cared. You're just a privileged, spoiled, rich boy."
That left me speechless at how Kitty's knife-cutting words aimed directly at my chest. After all this time, it's now she truly expressed how she felt about me. And it wasn't all in my head. I wasn't that offended by it, though. Well, I mean, it did hurt a little. I've been called those things (and worse) by other kids back at school. Sometimes, kids would get jealous that I come from a rich family. But it's not like I could help with that.
As for what happened to me and Laurie, well...I totally understand why Kitty felt that way. But it's not like I could time travel and fix everything.
Then next Kitty looked at her daughter. She was shocked as I was for what Kitty said about me. "Laurie, you're mean to your brother, and you're screwing around at college. We don't even see you unless you run out of clean clothes...or need cash. And you're using Robert whenever it's convenient for you and leading him on. The fact is, you're an ungrateful, spoiled brat."
Laurie and I were at a loss for words because of how blunt Kitty was with her brutal honesty. Even Laurie stared at her mother with disbelief, and her mouth hangs open.
Then Kitty had the audacity to laugh. To recover from her confession. "Well, thank you. That was nice. I love you, honey."
Laurie still looked like she couldn't believe what her mother said to her and didn't know how to comprehend it. I hated that a part of me felt bad for her, but in a way, Kitty was right.
And Kitty was right about me.
"Well, I hope you're all excited about this journey as I am," The therapist said, breaking off the tension. "Let's pair off."
To my horror, everyone took their shirts off. Except for Laurie, Kitty, Midge, and myself.
Kitty quickly took Laurie to go, and I quickly got up as well. Desperately wanting to leave. I've never been in an orgy, and I never planned to.
"Okay, we're leaving." Kitty finally made us go.
"I don't get it, Kitty," Midge stood up, being very confused. How could she not get what's going on?! "What's going on?"
"I'll tell you what's going on. He's a bad doctor. A very bad doctor."
Midge and I followed Kitty and Laurie back to the car. Midge and Kitty talked about the session while Laurie and I were just sitting quietly in the backseat, being miserable. Still processing what Kitty said to us, that she basically, told us off.
It was late at night, and I want nothing more than to go home.
I got out of the car, and I heard someone slam their door. It was Laurie. She was super pissed about what her mother told her.
"Thanks for coming with me to therapy, guys!" Midge happily said. "We should do it again sometime!"
"Oh, uh," Kitty uncomfortably laughed and then rejected. "No."
Midge went next door to her house, and Laurie stormed inside. I went after her. Maybe I could comfort her.
"Laurie, we need to talk. About what I said-" Kitty attempted, but Laurie angrily looked at her."
I don't want to talk to you!" Laurie yelled. To my surprise, she grabbed me by the hand to make me follow her to her bedroom.
When I got in, she slammed the door.
"I've never been so humiliated by my own mother!" Laurie fumed. "How could she talk that way about me?! About you?!"
"She is right though..." How Laurie looked at me was as if she couldn't believe I agreed with the devil.
"You think I'm a brat?!" She angrily exclaimed, looking extremely scary with her anger.
There was no good answer for this. If I said no, I would be lying, but if I said yes, she'd hate me forever. There would be just no getting through to her.
But my long-awaited answer got her impatient, and she automatically assumed that my silence was good enough.
"Get out!" Laurie spat with such venom in her voice that I left before I could make anything worse.
I hurriedly left her bedroom and went outside to the kitchen doors.
"Robert-" Kitty tried to talk to me now, but I didn't want to hear any of it.
What did she have to say now? To hurt me more? Apologize? But there was no use for an apology. It was pretty crystal clear how she felt about me.
I just ignored her as I was on my way out and went to my car to drive home.
Author's Note: There's that episode. The next one should be fun and dramatic. Hopefully, you guys won't have to wait a month for it. Don't forget to leave a review! :)