Authors note, So chapter 3 took me longer to write, then I thought. I'm honestly not sure if I liked how this chapter turned out. But none the less, I hope you enjoy.
Side note I'm also on AO3 username Witchygirl267
June 1st 1978 11:00am
While Eric, Hyde and Fez were playing basketball, Eric had told them about him and Jackie getting high together.
"Oh no, Kelso must have really done a number on my beautiful goddess in order for her to get high with Eric." Fez said, concerned.
"What the hell Forman?" Hyde asked, passing the ball to Eric.
"I don't know," Eric shrugged. "It all happened so fast. Jackie came over crying about Kelso, I comforted her, then all of a sudden she gave me this pep talk about creating amazing memories. Then we got high. Eric finished shooting the ball through the hoop.
Both Hyde and Fez looked at Eric as if he had grown another head.
"Why are guys looking at me like that?"
"Because you two hate each other." Fez exclaimed.
"Yeah, I know, but Jackie made me realize if I don't do anything for the entire summer, it will look like I'm still not over Donna." Eric explained.
"So let me get this straight. Despite hating Jackie, you're going to spend your time together just to prove you're not into Donna anymore." Hyde questioned, bouncing the ball.
"I know it sounds crazy" Eric defended himself "But who knows? Maybe this will start some bizarre friendship between me and Jackie."
"You and Jackie, friends?" Hyde said in disbelief. "I think you still might be high, man."
"I think Hyde is right, Eric." Fez added.
Eric sighed and looked up at the sky. "Look, whatever man. I am willing to give it a try."
"Speak of the devil" Hyde stated.
Jackie came walking up the driveway:Unlike the day before, Jackie's hair, makeup and outfit was all put together.
"Hey" Jackie waved.
"Why, hello my goddess. Don't you look extra beautiful today." Fez flirted.
Jackie ignored Fez's attempt to flirt with her.
"Anyways, guess what?"
"You and Forman are now bffs" Hyde answered.
Jackie tilted her head "Yes, but that's not what I was going to say"
"Go on, Jackie," Eric said.
"Rebecca O'Connell boyfriend "James Anderson '' dumped her '' Jackie clapped her hands.
"And this is important because?" Hyde asked, annoyed.
"Because that bitch has been non-stop gossiping about me since Michael left" Jackie complained.
"Who's Rebecca? and why did he dump her?" Eric questioned.
"She's on the cheer squad. And he dumped her because she cheated on him" Jackie replied.
"Who did she cheat with?" Fez asked.
"Don't know, don't care. All that I care about is that two-faced bitch got what was coming to her." Jackie beamed.
"How did Rebecca take it?" Eric asked.
"Not good at all. She was crying and begging for James to take her back. Karma's a bitch." Jackie grinned.
"Are we going to play basketball like we originally intended, or are we going to stand here and gossip about teen drama?" Hyde gripped.
Eric turned to Hyde and rolled his eyes. "Yes, now don't get your panties in a twist"
While Hyde looked pissed at Eric's reply, Fez couldn't help but snicker.
"Hey Jackie, do you wanna play?" Eric asked.
Hyde had a "are you serious" look at his face.
"Umm, no" Jackie said, looking at Eric like he was stupid.
"Why not?"
"Eric, do I look like the type of girl who plays basketball?"
"No, you like the type of girl who slowly sucks the life out of an innocent man" Hyde insulted.
"You know what? Fine, I'll play" Jackie said, staching the ball from Hyde's hands, giving him a dirty look.
Jackie carefully aimed the ball at the hoop. Before taking her shot, Jackie took a deep breath. She was determined to make it through the hoop.
"Any Day now" Hyde said impatiently.
Just as Hyde spoke, Jackie threw the ball, making it through the hoop.
Jackie started clapping her hand whilst jumping up and down. "Oh my God, I made it. See, i'm good at everything"
"Beginners luck" Hyde commented
"Oh, come on Hyde, go easier on her" Eric added. You're just mad because you thought she would miss"
"Whatever man, let's just play"
The four teens continued to play. All was going well, to Eric's surprise and to Hyde's annoyance: Jackie wasn't that bad at basketball. Who would have thought.
"Jackie catch" As Eric threw the ball, he heard a shrill squeal.
The ball that Eric had thrown hit Jackie in the face.
"Oh my God, Jackie. Are you alright?" Eric asked worriedly.
"Obviously not you idiot! My nose is bleeding." Jackie took her hand away from her to face, only to see blood.
While both Eric and Fez were worried, Hyde couldn't stop laughing.
"Jackie. I'm so sorry it was an accident, I swear."
"It better have been." Jackie glared at Eric. "Ugh: This is just like that episode of the Brady Bunch when Greg hit Marcia in the face with a football. Jackie cried.
Kitty quickly came outside after hearing all the commotion from outside.
"Now what is going on out here?" Kitty put her hands on her hips. "I could hear you all from the living room"
"Eric hit Jackie in the face with a basketball and made her nose bleed." Fez confessed.
"Fez," Eric hissed.
Kitty walked over to Jackie, taking a look at her bloody nose.
"Oh, honey," Kitty fretted. "Let's go inside and I'll fix you right up."
"Ow, it really hurts." Jackie sniffled.
"It's alright. I'll go get my first aid kit." Kitty reassured Jackie.
~Cut to the kitchen~
"Ow" Jackie cried as Kitty began to tend to her wound "I can't believe you did that, Eric."
"I said I was sorry," Eric said.
"I better not have a bruise" Jackie huffed
"Now, now. It's not that bad, it will feel better in a couple of days." Kitty promised.
"I'm so not playing basketball ever again" Jackie groaned.
"Alright, all done. Now if you feel any sort of discomfort, just put a little ice on ok, sweetie." Kitty said, leaving the kitchen.
"Thanks Mrs. Forman."
"Jackie, I feel horrible. Let me make it up to you: I'll do anything."
"Anything?" Jackie asked.
"Yeah, I promise," Eric assured.
After hearing Eric confirm that he would do anything this put a devious smile on Jackie's lips.
"Well, I know something you could do"
"What?"
"I think you know what"
Eric thought about it for a minute, after realizing what Jackie was getting at, a look of horror washed over his face.
"No" Eric said quickly.
"Yes"
"No" Eric repeated.
"You said you would do anything I asked" Jackie reminded him.
"I didn't think it included me going to the mall with you to go shopping"
Jackie leaned back into the chair, crossing her arms. "Too bad you made my nose bleed and now you have to pay." Jackie smirked.
Eric rubbed his hand over face and let out a dramatic sigh.
"Fine, we'll go tomorrow" Eric grunted.
"Who said anything about tomorrow? I want to go now" Jackie said.
"Ok, now you're just being unreasonable"
Jackie shrugged her shoulders. "I'll be in the car. Don't keep me waiting."
~Cut to the Mall~
Eric pulled into the parking lot of the mall. To say that he was dreading this little adventure was an understatement. Of course, the mall was packed with people. More specifically with teenage girls, and middle aged mothers with their whiny kids. What had he gotten himself into?
"I can't believe you made me come here." Eric Whined, getting out of his car.
"Be quiet. You not only made me play basketball, you also hit me in the face with the ball. So you're just going to have to suck it up." Jackie rolled her eyes.
Eric sighed in defeat. "Fair enough."
When they entered the mall, Jackie's eyes lit up with excitement,thinking about all the things she wanted to buy. This was a much needed-outing for her.
"Lets go here." Jackie clapped her hands.
"Ok, I'll just wait out here while you go…"
Before Eric could even finish his sentence, Jackie dragged him into the store with her. Eric's eyes were wide on how strong Jackie actually was.
"Damn Jackie, how the hell are you so strong?"
Jackie smirked, "I have my ways."
"I, guess." Eric stuttered. "Why do you even want me in here?" Eric looked around the store, there was nothing but makeup and girly clothes. Definitely not a place he would ever go to.
Jackie put her hands on her hips. "Because I need some input."
Jackie had officially lost her mind.
"You want my input about fashion, really?" Eric spoke in disbelief.
"Well, since Donna's gone and Fez is a total perv, You're the only one I can go to." Jackie replied.
"How about this one?" Jackie picked out a coral colored dress with floral patterns on it.
"It's nice I guess." Eric answered in an unsure voice.
"That wasn't really convincing Eric."
"Well what do you want me to say jackie? I'm not exactly an expert when it comes to fashion." Eric said
"Well you could at least try." Jackie sighed, putting the dress back. This was much more difficult than she thought.
Eric started looking through the rack of dresses and picked one out "Alright, fine how about this one."
Jackie took a look at the dress Eric picked out. It was the most ugly thing she had ever seen. It looked like something Donna would wear, no wonder Eric liked it. She's definitely buying the first dress.
"Ok, you're right, I shouldn't be asking you for fashion advice." shoving the ugly dress back in Eric's arms
Eric let out a chuckle. It's good to know Kelso hasn't completely crushed her spirits.
After what felt like hours to Eric, Jackie finally decided to buy the first dress. Along with jewelry, makeup and shoes.
"See, Eric, wasn't that fun"
"Umm, not really" Eric replied.
"That's because you're not used to it. But by the end of the day, you'll love it" Jackie promised.
"By the end of the day? You mean to tell me we're not done here?" Eric gasped.
Jackie rolled her eyes "No, we're not done here. We still have to shop for you"
Eric's eyes nearly bulged out of his head when Jackie mentioned shopping for him. "No-No We're for you, and only you"
"Eric, we are not leaving this mall until you pick something out" Jackie commanded.
"Jackie, why do I need to even get a new outfit?"
"Don't you remember what we talked about yesterday?"
"You're going to have to refresh my memory"
Jackie pursed lips, shaking her head. "We both agreed about making amazing summer memories!" Jackie yelled. "And in order to that, we have to at least look good"
So far, Jackie had been right about a lot of things. But not this. However, Eric didn't want to argue with the feisty brunette.
"Alright, fine. But I get to pick the outfit, capeesh" Eric insisted.
Jackie opened her mouth to talk, but Eric quickly cut her off.
"Capeesh!"
"Fine." Jackie let out a deep breath.
Once Eric picked out a store, it was hard for Jackie to keep her opinions to herself. It was evident that Eric had to idea what he was doing. Jackie didn't understand it, why wouldn't Eric want her advice? She knows everything there is to know about fashion.
"Ok, I think I'll go with this" Eric walked out of the dressing room.
Just like the dress Eric picked out earlier, the outfit he picked out was just as ugly. Ok, Jackie has had enough of keeping her mouth shut.
"I know I agreed I would keep my mouth shut. But I just can't, there's no way you're buying that"
"Why not? What's wrong with it?" Eric asked.
"What's wrong with it? I'll tell you what's wrong with it" Jakcie pointed her finger at Eric. "First off, Orange is not your color. Second, those pants are black—you look like a jack-o-lantern.
Eric was slightly offended by Jackie's rather harsh fashion criticism. He knew he wasn't an expert, but he didn't think he looked that bad.
"I don't look like a jack-o-lantern" Eric responded.
Just as Jackie was going to give a snarky reply, another customer beat her to the punch. "halloween is in October pumpkin boy"
Eric looked down at the ground and his face went red with embarrassment.
Jackie tried hard to contain her laughter, but she just couldn't. Jackie put her hand on Eric's shoulder, giving him a sympathetic look. "Don't feel bad, you're just not good at shopping and that's ok.
"Jackie please just pick something out fast so we can leave" Eric begged.
"Don't worry I'm on it '' Jackie giggled.
Just as Jackie promised, she was able to find something for Eric fast. To Eric's surprise, he liked the outfit Jackie picked. Though he wouldn't dare admit it.
"So what do you think?" Jackie asked
"It's fine" Eric replied
"Just fine? How about fantastic"
"Jackie, you proved your point. Now let's go" Eric demanded.
"Ok, we're going"
Once Jackie and Eric left the store, they both decided they were hungry. Jackie got a salad and a lemonade, while Eric got a cheeseburger and fries. When they sat down and began to eat, Jackie immediately started a conversation.
"So, Are your parents giving you a hard time about rejecting Donna?" the curious brunette asked.
"Oh, like you wouldn't believe. It's pretty much all they talk about. You know, it's not even their business. If I don't want to be with Donna, that's my decision, not theirs"
Jackie nodded in agreement. "You know what, Eric, I'm proud of you." she padded his knee.
Eric squinted his eyes at Jackie in confusion. "What do you mean you're proud of me?"
"I mean, I'm proud that you're finally sticking your ground." Jackie replied, as if it was obvious. God, Eric could be so dense.
Eric thought about it. Was he becoming more assertive? He wondered how that would go down with Red. Would Eric's new-found confidence make Red proud. Or would it give him more reasons to get on Eric's case? Nevertheless, the fact that Jackie thinks he's becoming more assertive made Eric feel good. "Thanks Jackie."
"No problem." Jackie took another bite of her salad.
"So what about you? Are you still hurt about kettlehead?" Eric was genuinely curious. I mean Kelso didn't even give her the courtesy of breaking off the engagement to her face. He just ran off like a big coward.
"It's been hard, I'm not going to lie. I feel so embarrassed, I really thought Michael loved me and wanted to marry me. But I guess that was just some silly fantasy I had in my head.
Eric gave Jackie a sympathetic look. There was a time in his life where he would have never thought he would feel any sympathy for a girl he referred to as the "devil" But he was proven wrong months ago when Kelso found out Jackie kissed the cheese guy. Looking back, Eric couldn't believe Kelso had the nerve to feel betrayed. The man cheated on Jackie multiple occasions and always expected Jackie to forgive him.
"That's it. After everything Michael put me through. I'm done with relationships forever!" Jackie said, waving her hands in the air.
Eric gave a "really" look.
"What?" Jackie asked.
"Jackie when you and Kelso broke up, you became obsessed with wanting to be with Hyde. I mean, it was getting really creepy."
Jackie leaned back in her chair raising her eyebrows. "So what you're saying is, you don't think I can handle being alone?"
"No," Eric replied matter of factly.
"You're only saying that because when you and Donna broke up, you were so desperate for female attention that you let Leslie cannon wreck your dad's corvette." Jackie pointed out.
Eric knew what Jackie was saying was true. It was hard for him after the breakup, especially when Donna started to date Casey.
"Oh hush, you midget. So I let some cheerleader get me grounded for a month. But at least now I can say I went on a date with Leslie Cannon, one of the hottest girls in school." Eric bragged
"Men," Jackie grumbled.
Well, what about Hyde? I thought you two had a thing going on." Eric questioned.
"I thought so too, but after our Veterans day date, I don't know. The spark just wasn't there."
"Yeah, well. I guess that's a good thing. I could not see you two as a couple" Eric stated.
"I know right, what was I thinking?" Jackie shook her head in disgust.
"Anyways, Katherine Manning is throwing this big party tomorrow night, and we are definitely going"
"Party? I like the sound of that" Eric answered.
"It will be fun. Who knows, you might meet someone"
"I doubt it" Eric muttered.
"Don't think like that. You just started to gain a little confidence, don't lose it already!" Jackie exclaimed.
"Alright, fine, I'll try to get back out there"
Jackie smiled "Now that's more like it"
As they left the mall, Jackie continued to chat about the upcoming party. Eric took note of how thrilled she was about this party. He wondered if Jackie planned on getting completely wasted. This worried Eric, he didn't want Jackie to do anything stupid.
"Oh and I need a ride, so expect you to be at my house by 8:30." Jackie requested.
"I'll be there" Eric answered. "Oh, and Jackie"
Jackie turned to look at Eric "Yeah"
"Make sure you don't go overboard on the drinking"
"Aw, are you worried about me? That's adorable" Jackie joked.
Eric rolled his eyes,letting out a deep breath. "Just be careful alright" Eric insisted.
"Don't worry, I promise I won't go overboard. We're going to have fun"
"That's what I'm hoping for"