Chapter 11
Stranger Things Have Happened
St Louis September 2000
Donna put the orange juice glasses on the tray as she went to surprise Eric with breakfast in bed. He was finished with his latest and hopefully last time in a rehab center. Kitty was starting to get suspicious on Eric's whereabouts and he would have to call his Mother from his cell phone saying he was away on business. They found someone interested in the house and Donna didn't want to tell Eric, she trusted him that he wouldn't run to drugs, she just wished that she didn't have to tell him.
"Hi," Eric said when Donna returned, "You made me breakfast?"
It was always great to see him smiling and healthy just like she always remembered him to be. He sat up as she put the tray down.
"It's only toast and orange juice." She kissed him on the cheek.
"After all the bad food I've had to endure recently. This is like a five star restaurant."
Donna smiled. "I got a call from your Mother. They might have a buyer for the house." She drank her orange juice.
Eric put his toast down, "Oh, really? Looks like we'll have to go for a visit and see what I want to salvage."
Donna could tell that this clearly disappointed him.
"Eric, I know it's sad, but sometimes it's best to move on and if your folks want to move to Florida-don't you think that we should support them?" She tried to choose her words carefully.
"I just never thought Red and Kitty would even want to sell the house. I don't know, it's like giving up on your memories. I could see if it was all bad, but despite Dad's disciplinary techniques it wasn't." Eric couldn't finish his toast.
"It's not personal."
"I know, but it might as well be." Eric lifted the tray and put it on the floor and proceeded to get dressed.
"You know if you are going to miss the old house so bad, why don't you buy it?" Donna suggested, deciding to get dressed herself.
"I don't think that's a good idea. You don't buy a house in situations like this, Donna, you inherit a house."
"Is that what you're upset about, Eric? You wanted Kitty and Red to leave the house to you?"
He put his blue sweater on and smoothed down his hair.
"Yeah-I always thought we'd be in Point Place-and I know that's not what you wanted, forever."
Donna put her arms around Eric. When left alone to his own devices and not under the influences of his friends or toxins he was always a teenager going on middle age. Now his chronological age finally caught up to his mindset.
"I love you," She kissed his neck, "Don't worry about it. If you really want the house you'll put a bid in."
"I love you, too, Donna. When we're done getting dressed let's go out for a drive somewhere."
"Sounds good to me." She was glad to him alive and in one piece even if he was a little neurotic she loved him more now than she did back then.
2 Weeks Later
"He looks good." Jackie said to Donna as her and Eric decided to visit Jackie and Tiffany for the weekend. They were in the kitchen area having coffee and cake.
"I know. I'm very proud of Eric, he did some hypnosis therapy and I believe its really made a difference," Donna didn't know whether to bring this up or not but she had to ask, "Jackie, you don't have to answer this if you don't want to. What happened----?"
"I don't want to talk about it, Donna."
"I don't get it, you two survived Kelso interrupting your wedding, of course, that was due to your ex-husband's involvement. Why would you two break up?"
"I said," Jackie stood up to put her coffee cup in the sink, "I don't want to talk about it." Tiffany ran into the kitchen and Jackie was relieved to have a change of subject.
"Mommy,"
"What do you need, sweetie?"
"Can Eric and I go out for ice cream?"
"Sure. Be good."
"I will. Bye, Donna."
Sometimes Donna wondered why couldn't herself and Eric just adopt a child? She was confident he wouldn't touch drugs again.
"She's so cute. Are you sure you don't want to talk about what happened between you and Hyde?"
"I'm sure." There was nothing left to be said.
Eric didn't want to do this but Tiffany left one of her favorite toys in her Father's office and he knew a high class snot like Brad would rather Fed-Ex it to his daughter then to deliver it in person so instead of going out for ice cream they had to go to his office first. He wondered if Brad would remember that he was the one who whacked him in the legs with a golf club?
"You go see your Dad, I have to use the little boy's room." Eric whispered when they got off the elevator. She laughed Eric was too silly. He was tall like an adult but he acted like a child himself.
"Okay!" She ran off.
Donna decided if Jackie didn't want to talk it was no good stewing in that large apartment all afternoon especially with Eric and Tiffany gone. Even though Donna didn't like doing this sort of thing she suggested she go get a makeover. Jackie reluctantly agreed knowing full well about what Donna was trying to do.
"And since I'm your friend, I expect freebees from your counter." She just hoped they did a tasteful makeover.
"It wouldn't hurt you to wear more mascara." Jackie sighed, her heart not into it.
Revelations
The décor of the restroom was quite reserved, there were mahogany doors around the urinals. Eric heard the front door swing open and a guy start shouting in his cell phone. It was Jackie's ex. He was such a bastard leaving his daughter alone in his office.
"I don't appreciate having to use the EMPLOYEES bog. Next time you want to take apart my toilet," Eric laughed under his breath, god forbid, he had to use a non-private restroom. "You do it off hours or you're fired." Brad dialed another number as Eric didn't want to leave the restroom until he did, now being grateful that these stalls had doors. Brad seemed cross that he had to leave a message on Jackie's machine.
"Jackie-I just came back from my European trip to find out you dumped that good for nothing Hyde character. You were smart to dump him. I don't want that loser raising MY child. However the part of the deal where you f*** me, we could still do."
'What?' Eric thought, he waited for Brad to leave before exiting the men's room. He quickly washed his hands and was greeted by a smiling Tiffany carrying her handheld computer game.
"Did you see your Dad?" Eric asked
"No, he was in a meeting."
"What kind of ice cream do you want?"
"Chocolate." She beamed
"You can't have ice cream without sprinkles." Eric advised.
"Rainbow!"
Eric realized he was privy to knowledge that he really shouldn't have been aware of. He and Hyde may never get their friendship back but if Jackie was under some sort of sexual bribe from her ex-husband it explained why her and Hyde broke up. (Yet again) Jackie didn't want Hyde to know about this "deal" because Hyde would have come down here and kicked his blue blood a**. He had to do something. He just didn't know what. Jackie was miserable and she deserved to be happy. Eric pictured Hyde being just as miserable and he too deserved to be happy. Regardless of the status of their friendship. God would not have had him in that restroom if he wasn't meant to overhear Brad on his cell phone. He just wasn't sure if he should talk to Donna first or just go ahead do something. He could mull the idea around in his brain while eating a hot fudge sundae. Eric realized he never could've had these concerned thoughts on a high zoned out mind.
Donna tried not to fidget around in the chair as the makeup artist kept adding more deep blue pigment to her eyes. She favored Earth tones and minimal cosmetics. The blue better be sheer because it was too heavy of a color in the compact. When the male makeup artist started to put a burnt orange color on her cheeks, Donna put her hand up to stop him.
"That color is way too dark."
He explained it's what all the top models were wearing and Donna replied, "I am not a model." Wishing the old Jackie would chime in, "You're telling me." instead of resting her back against the wall watching. Donna requested a light rosy shade for her cheeks instead.
She had to get to the bottom of why Jackie let Hyde go (again). Their relationship seemed more of a soap opera then hers and Eric's ever was.
LATER
Eric covered Tiffany with a blanket as she fell asleep on the sofa. They watched some of the Batman marathon on TVLand, she said it wasn't as "cool" as Star Wars. He figured Donna and Jackie decided to go out shopping or some other female bonding activity. Eric sat on a chair and grabbed a magazine off the table while waiting for Donna and Jackie to return. It didn't take him long to fall asleep. That's how Donna found him ten minutes later.
"Hey," She kissed his cheek, "Eric, wake up."
Jackie quietly went over to her daughter and picked her up. It was too early for her bedtime she needed to eat supper and get a bath before going to bed.
"Donna, I am up," Eric yawned as he rubbed his eyes, "I was just resting my eyes. Let's go outside and talk."
She sensed an urgency in his voice and hoped he wasn't thinking about doing Coke again.
"Okay."
"By the way, you look very pretty." He kissed her on the lips.
"Thank you, I got a makeover."
"You didn't need a makeover." Eric said as they went out the front door and stood by the elevators.
"What is it, Eric?"
He twisted his wedding ring as he stood against the wall.
"I know why Jackie broke up with Hyde."
"What? How? I spent all day trying to get her to open up."
"No one told me. I overheard her ex on his cell phone."
"You saw Brad?"
"Tiffany wanted to go to his office because she left a toy there, and I was in the restroom and he came in and I heard him on his phone." Eric went into what he heard the executive dill hole say and watched Donna's face twist with anger.
"That disgusting pig! He can't do this-and what's more why would Jackie put up with that?" Donna turned the doorknob to get back into the apartment it was locked.
Eric still had the key in his pocket from when he took Tiffany out.
"I suppose you are going to face Jackie with this."
"Damn right, Eric."
One of the things that Eric admired about Donna was her strong determined will. He didn't admire it much when they were separated and eventually divorced.
"Hey, Donna, how about just one kiss, since it looks like we won't be going out tonight?" Eric put his arms around her and pulled her close to him.
"Just one," She tried not to melt too much into his arms, "Why don't you take Tiffany to the movies tonight so I can talk to Jackie without any interruptions?" She asked as if the little girl were theirs.
"Later tonight you'll be begging for this 100% Coke free body."
"Eric," Donna tried not laugh, "Just open the door."
Twenty minutes later
Donna watched as Jackie pretended to be interested in straightening her bookshelf. She had a housekeeper, did she think Donna forgot?
"Thank you, Donna for having Eric take out Tiffany tonight. I need the break."
"Jackie, sit down. I know why you broke up with Hyde."
"What?" Jackie was too nervous to sit down. She was bluffing. How could Donna possibly know?
"I know."
"How?" She whispered. The lumberjack had to be bluffing. Had to be.
"Eric had to take Tiffany to Brad's office---"
"ERIC TALKED TO BRAD?" Jackie raised her voice
"No, he overheard him leave a phone message," Donna stood up and went to the answering the machine and played it back, "This one."
--"Jackie-I just came back from my European trip to find out you dumped that good for nothing Hyde character. You were smart to dump him. I don't want that loser raising MY child. However the part of the deal where you f*** me, we could still do."--
Jackie couldn't deny this to anyone anymore; she put her arms around Donna and cried.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She knew Hyde would have killed Brad with his bare hands.
"Donna, It may look like I have money, and compared to others I do. BUT I don't have the connections that Brad has-and he was going to hang Steven with every petty offense he has ever done so the adoption wouldn't go through. How could I do that to him?"
Donna gave Jackie some tissues from the box that was on the end table.
"You call your lawyer tomorrow and save that message because your well connected jerk of an ex-husband just incriminated himself. Tonight you call Hyde. No better yet, you-" Donna's cell phone rang, "Don't go anywhere, Jackie. Hello? No, he's out babysitting Tiffany. What?! Really?! That's great news and it couldn't come at a better time. We'll see you soon."
"Who was that?"
"Jackie, come with me, you are going to pack your suitcase and not ask any questions.-but first we're getting my cassette recorder and make a copy of that message in case you accidentally erase it."
Jackie's head was swirling who just phoned Donna and why did she want her to pack a suitcase?
"Donna! Explain."
"Jackie! Later. You'll thank me soon, just trust me, okay?"
"Was it Steven? Because if it was you are wasting time and I won't go anywhere."
Donna sighed she was about to lose her temper much like when she left Eric at Highpoint.
"Jackie, ENOUGH! You say you love Hyde-Eric and I both know about what Brad was trying to do-yet now you won't go to back to him?
Even though we have proof of Brad's admission. You love Hyde and I'm quite sick of the DRA-MA that is StevenHydeAndJackieBurkhart. You have a little girl to raise and you better start thinking on the messages you are sending her!"
Rather than get angry Jackie sat on the barstool, "You're right, Donna. I do love Steven and-Tiffany, I would never hurt my little girl. I don't know how you wound up being the genius? Okay, does my going away mean I have to leave my daughter? For once can't she come too?"
"Of course, she can. She and Eric should be back soon."
"Maybe you can call him at the movies so they don't go out to eat after?"
"Jackie people who use cell phones while the movie is on are rude."
"Send Eric a text message."
"Good idea."
Jackie didn't know where it came from but she went over to hug Donna to show her that she appreciated her for helping her out in all this. "Just don't tell me you love me."
"Shut up. Now come on, help me pack!"
JFK airport (two hours later)
"Our plane leaves in forty five minutes." Eric said to her while handing her a cup of tea.
"Thanks."
"Now do you care to tell me-where Jackie and Tiffany are going?" They were
able to use the private jet. Jackie felt odd using it now since Brad has become even more unbearable but Donna said as long as she had access to it, she shouldn't be afraid to use it, after all it was part of her divorce settlement.
"I can't, Eric, it's a surprise."
"Oh-I get it---are Jackie and Hyde getting back together?"
"I hope so, they've been through a lot-and I don't just mean now-"
"Believe it or not, I do agree with you. But there's something else you aren't telling."
"That's why it's a surprise, Eric. Are you going to eat all of those M&M's?"
"Here. Well, whatever you and Jackie have cooked up, I hope it works."
"Me too." They sat down in those uncomfortable blue plastic molded chairs to await the boarding call to St. Louis.
And Down the Stretch
Jackie took a deep breath as she focused on making sure Tiffany was all presentable in her blue dress and matching Mary Jane's.
"Are you ready?" Jackie asked Tiffany, but in reality she needed someone to ask her if SHE was the one that was ready.
"Yes, Mommy! Why do I have to be dressed up?" That was the millionth (or it felt like it) time she asked that.
"Because it's very important." Her hands were shaking so bad that she could barely ring the doorbell.
"Hello, we've been expecting the two of you!"
"Hi, Mrs. Forman!"
"Is Steven here?" Jackie whispered when they got inside.
"He's upstairs, sleeping."
"Mrs. Forman, did you make that other phone call?"
"Yes. He's in the basement with Red."
Tiffany looked out the window, "Eric and Donna are outside!"
"Donna, did YOU put a bid in for the house?" Eric asked
While they were waiting to board their flight to St. Louis when they were paged to get on the next flight to Kenosha instead. He knew this had to do with Donna's secrecy. Rather than fight it, he went along with it, wondering what the Hell was going on? He hated being out of the loop.
Hyde opened up his eyes to see Tiffany standing next his side of the bed. Was he in New York? Did he dream all this?
"Hi, Steven! You have to put your suit on!"
'What the Hell?' "I'm in no mood for your Mommy's mind games."
She looked at him confused. "I'm sorry, Tiffany," Hyde looked up and saw the suit (no doubt Mrs. Forman had everything to do with it being on the closet door.) Tiffany jumped up and it fell into her arms.
"I'll just put on the jacket."
"I had to put on Mary Jane's!"
He laughed, "What's going on?"
Mrs. Forman happily entered the room, "Good, you're up, Steven!"
"This is for your own good." Donna came in as Eric trailed behind her. It finally dawned on him what they were all up to! This could blow up over all their faces. This was not going to work. No one tells Steven Hyde what to do.
"Where's Mommy?" Tiffany asked
"Right outside, sweetie."
Hyde almost fell off the bed when he saw the Priest come in, followed by Red escorting Jackie down the "aisle".
"You and Mommy are getting married right NOW, Steven!" Tiffany burst.
"If that's what you want?" Jackie asked in the most quiet voice anyone ever heard her use.
"It's what I want," Hyde let a small smile go over his face, "It's all I ever wanted."
END
St Louis September 2000
Donna put the orange juice glasses on the tray as she went to surprise Eric with breakfast in bed. He was finished with his latest and hopefully last time in a rehab center. Kitty was starting to get suspicious on Eric's whereabouts and he would have to call his Mother from his cell phone saying he was away on business. They found someone interested in the house and Donna didn't want to tell Eric, she trusted him that he wouldn't run to drugs, she just wished that she didn't have to tell him.
"Hi," Eric said when Donna returned, "You made me breakfast?"
It was always great to see him smiling and healthy just like she always remembered him to be. He sat up as she put the tray down.
"It's only toast and orange juice." She kissed him on the cheek.
"After all the bad food I've had to endure recently. This is like a five star restaurant."
Donna smiled. "I got a call from your Mother. They might have a buyer for the house." She drank her orange juice.
Eric put his toast down, "Oh, really? Looks like we'll have to go for a visit and see what I want to salvage."
Donna could tell that this clearly disappointed him.
"Eric, I know it's sad, but sometimes it's best to move on and if your folks want to move to Florida-don't you think that we should support them?" She tried to choose her words carefully.
"I just never thought Red and Kitty would even want to sell the house. I don't know, it's like giving up on your memories. I could see if it was all bad, but despite Dad's disciplinary techniques it wasn't." Eric couldn't finish his toast.
"It's not personal."
"I know, but it might as well be." Eric lifted the tray and put it on the floor and proceeded to get dressed.
"You know if you are going to miss the old house so bad, why don't you buy it?" Donna suggested, deciding to get dressed herself.
"I don't think that's a good idea. You don't buy a house in situations like this, Donna, you inherit a house."
"Is that what you're upset about, Eric? You wanted Kitty and Red to leave the house to you?"
He put his blue sweater on and smoothed down his hair.
"Yeah-I always thought we'd be in Point Place-and I know that's not what you wanted, forever."
Donna put her arms around Eric. When left alone to his own devices and not under the influences of his friends or toxins he was always a teenager going on middle age. Now his chronological age finally caught up to his mindset.
"I love you," She kissed his neck, "Don't worry about it. If you really want the house you'll put a bid in."
"I love you, too, Donna. When we're done getting dressed let's go out for a drive somewhere."
"Sounds good to me." She was glad to him alive and in one piece even if he was a little neurotic she loved him more now than she did back then.
2 Weeks Later
"He looks good." Jackie said to Donna as her and Eric decided to visit Jackie and Tiffany for the weekend. They were in the kitchen area having coffee and cake.
"I know. I'm very proud of Eric, he did some hypnosis therapy and I believe its really made a difference," Donna didn't know whether to bring this up or not but she had to ask, "Jackie, you don't have to answer this if you don't want to. What happened----?"
"I don't want to talk about it, Donna."
"I don't get it, you two survived Kelso interrupting your wedding, of course, that was due to your ex-husband's involvement. Why would you two break up?"
"I said," Jackie stood up to put her coffee cup in the sink, "I don't want to talk about it." Tiffany ran into the kitchen and Jackie was relieved to have a change of subject.
"Mommy,"
"What do you need, sweetie?"
"Can Eric and I go out for ice cream?"
"Sure. Be good."
"I will. Bye, Donna."
Sometimes Donna wondered why couldn't herself and Eric just adopt a child? She was confident he wouldn't touch drugs again.
"She's so cute. Are you sure you don't want to talk about what happened between you and Hyde?"
"I'm sure." There was nothing left to be said.
Eric didn't want to do this but Tiffany left one of her favorite toys in her Father's office and he knew a high class snot like Brad would rather Fed-Ex it to his daughter then to deliver it in person so instead of going out for ice cream they had to go to his office first. He wondered if Brad would remember that he was the one who whacked him in the legs with a golf club?
"You go see your Dad, I have to use the little boy's room." Eric whispered when they got off the elevator. She laughed Eric was too silly. He was tall like an adult but he acted like a child himself.
"Okay!" She ran off.
Donna decided if Jackie didn't want to talk it was no good stewing in that large apartment all afternoon especially with Eric and Tiffany gone. Even though Donna didn't like doing this sort of thing she suggested she go get a makeover. Jackie reluctantly agreed knowing full well about what Donna was trying to do.
"And since I'm your friend, I expect freebees from your counter." She just hoped they did a tasteful makeover.
"It wouldn't hurt you to wear more mascara." Jackie sighed, her heart not into it.
Revelations
The décor of the restroom was quite reserved, there were mahogany doors around the urinals. Eric heard the front door swing open and a guy start shouting in his cell phone. It was Jackie's ex. He was such a bastard leaving his daughter alone in his office.
"I don't appreciate having to use the EMPLOYEES bog. Next time you want to take apart my toilet," Eric laughed under his breath, god forbid, he had to use a non-private restroom. "You do it off hours or you're fired." Brad dialed another number as Eric didn't want to leave the restroom until he did, now being grateful that these stalls had doors. Brad seemed cross that he had to leave a message on Jackie's machine.
"Jackie-I just came back from my European trip to find out you dumped that good for nothing Hyde character. You were smart to dump him. I don't want that loser raising MY child. However the part of the deal where you f*** me, we could still do."
'What?' Eric thought, he waited for Brad to leave before exiting the men's room. He quickly washed his hands and was greeted by a smiling Tiffany carrying her handheld computer game.
"Did you see your Dad?" Eric asked
"No, he was in a meeting."
"What kind of ice cream do you want?"
"Chocolate." She beamed
"You can't have ice cream without sprinkles." Eric advised.
"Rainbow!"
Eric realized he was privy to knowledge that he really shouldn't have been aware of. He and Hyde may never get their friendship back but if Jackie was under some sort of sexual bribe from her ex-husband it explained why her and Hyde broke up. (Yet again) Jackie didn't want Hyde to know about this "deal" because Hyde would have come down here and kicked his blue blood a**. He had to do something. He just didn't know what. Jackie was miserable and she deserved to be happy. Eric pictured Hyde being just as miserable and he too deserved to be happy. Regardless of the status of their friendship. God would not have had him in that restroom if he wasn't meant to overhear Brad on his cell phone. He just wasn't sure if he should talk to Donna first or just go ahead do something. He could mull the idea around in his brain while eating a hot fudge sundae. Eric realized he never could've had these concerned thoughts on a high zoned out mind.
Donna tried not to fidget around in the chair as the makeup artist kept adding more deep blue pigment to her eyes. She favored Earth tones and minimal cosmetics. The blue better be sheer because it was too heavy of a color in the compact. When the male makeup artist started to put a burnt orange color on her cheeks, Donna put her hand up to stop him.
"That color is way too dark."
He explained it's what all the top models were wearing and Donna replied, "I am not a model." Wishing the old Jackie would chime in, "You're telling me." instead of resting her back against the wall watching. Donna requested a light rosy shade for her cheeks instead.
She had to get to the bottom of why Jackie let Hyde go (again). Their relationship seemed more of a soap opera then hers and Eric's ever was.
LATER
Eric covered Tiffany with a blanket as she fell asleep on the sofa. They watched some of the Batman marathon on TVLand, she said it wasn't as "cool" as Star Wars. He figured Donna and Jackie decided to go out shopping or some other female bonding activity. Eric sat on a chair and grabbed a magazine off the table while waiting for Donna and Jackie to return. It didn't take him long to fall asleep. That's how Donna found him ten minutes later.
"Hey," She kissed his cheek, "Eric, wake up."
Jackie quietly went over to her daughter and picked her up. It was too early for her bedtime she needed to eat supper and get a bath before going to bed.
"Donna, I am up," Eric yawned as he rubbed his eyes, "I was just resting my eyes. Let's go outside and talk."
She sensed an urgency in his voice and hoped he wasn't thinking about doing Coke again.
"Okay."
"By the way, you look very pretty." He kissed her on the lips.
"Thank you, I got a makeover."
"You didn't need a makeover." Eric said as they went out the front door and stood by the elevators.
"What is it, Eric?"
He twisted his wedding ring as he stood against the wall.
"I know why Jackie broke up with Hyde."
"What? How? I spent all day trying to get her to open up."
"No one told me. I overheard her ex on his cell phone."
"You saw Brad?"
"Tiffany wanted to go to his office because she left a toy there, and I was in the restroom and he came in and I heard him on his phone." Eric went into what he heard the executive dill hole say and watched Donna's face twist with anger.
"That disgusting pig! He can't do this-and what's more why would Jackie put up with that?" Donna turned the doorknob to get back into the apartment it was locked.
Eric still had the key in his pocket from when he took Tiffany out.
"I suppose you are going to face Jackie with this."
"Damn right, Eric."
One of the things that Eric admired about Donna was her strong determined will. He didn't admire it much when they were separated and eventually divorced.
"Hey, Donna, how about just one kiss, since it looks like we won't be going out tonight?" Eric put his arms around her and pulled her close to him.
"Just one," She tried not to melt too much into his arms, "Why don't you take Tiffany to the movies tonight so I can talk to Jackie without any interruptions?" She asked as if the little girl were theirs.
"Later tonight you'll be begging for this 100% Coke free body."
"Eric," Donna tried not laugh, "Just open the door."
Twenty minutes later
Donna watched as Jackie pretended to be interested in straightening her bookshelf. She had a housekeeper, did she think Donna forgot?
"Thank you, Donna for having Eric take out Tiffany tonight. I need the break."
"Jackie, sit down. I know why you broke up with Hyde."
"What?" Jackie was too nervous to sit down. She was bluffing. How could Donna possibly know?
"I know."
"How?" She whispered. The lumberjack had to be bluffing. Had to be.
"Eric had to take Tiffany to Brad's office---"
"ERIC TALKED TO BRAD?" Jackie raised her voice
"No, he overheard him leave a phone message," Donna stood up and went to the answering the machine and played it back, "This one."
--"Jackie-I just came back from my European trip to find out you dumped that good for nothing Hyde character. You were smart to dump him. I don't want that loser raising MY child. However the part of the deal where you f*** me, we could still do."--
Jackie couldn't deny this to anyone anymore; she put her arms around Donna and cried.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She knew Hyde would have killed Brad with his bare hands.
"Donna, It may look like I have money, and compared to others I do. BUT I don't have the connections that Brad has-and he was going to hang Steven with every petty offense he has ever done so the adoption wouldn't go through. How could I do that to him?"
Donna gave Jackie some tissues from the box that was on the end table.
"You call your lawyer tomorrow and save that message because your well connected jerk of an ex-husband just incriminated himself. Tonight you call Hyde. No better yet, you-" Donna's cell phone rang, "Don't go anywhere, Jackie. Hello? No, he's out babysitting Tiffany. What?! Really?! That's great news and it couldn't come at a better time. We'll see you soon."
"Who was that?"
"Jackie, come with me, you are going to pack your suitcase and not ask any questions.-but first we're getting my cassette recorder and make a copy of that message in case you accidentally erase it."
Jackie's head was swirling who just phoned Donna and why did she want her to pack a suitcase?
"Donna! Explain."
"Jackie! Later. You'll thank me soon, just trust me, okay?"
"Was it Steven? Because if it was you are wasting time and I won't go anywhere."
Donna sighed she was about to lose her temper much like when she left Eric at Highpoint.
"Jackie, ENOUGH! You say you love Hyde-Eric and I both know about what Brad was trying to do-yet now you won't go to back to him?
Even though we have proof of Brad's admission. You love Hyde and I'm quite sick of the DRA-MA that is StevenHydeAndJackieBurkhart. You have a little girl to raise and you better start thinking on the messages you are sending her!"
Rather than get angry Jackie sat on the barstool, "You're right, Donna. I do love Steven and-Tiffany, I would never hurt my little girl. I don't know how you wound up being the genius? Okay, does my going away mean I have to leave my daughter? For once can't she come too?"
"Of course, she can. She and Eric should be back soon."
"Maybe you can call him at the movies so they don't go out to eat after?"
"Jackie people who use cell phones while the movie is on are rude."
"Send Eric a text message."
"Good idea."
Jackie didn't know where it came from but she went over to hug Donna to show her that she appreciated her for helping her out in all this. "Just don't tell me you love me."
"Shut up. Now come on, help me pack!"
JFK airport (two hours later)
"Our plane leaves in forty five minutes." Eric said to her while handing her a cup of tea.
"Thanks."
"Now do you care to tell me-where Jackie and Tiffany are going?" They were
able to use the private jet. Jackie felt odd using it now since Brad has become even more unbearable but Donna said as long as she had access to it, she shouldn't be afraid to use it, after all it was part of her divorce settlement.
"I can't, Eric, it's a surprise."
"Oh-I get it---are Jackie and Hyde getting back together?"
"I hope so, they've been through a lot-and I don't just mean now-"
"Believe it or not, I do agree with you. But there's something else you aren't telling."
"That's why it's a surprise, Eric. Are you going to eat all of those M&M's?"
"Here. Well, whatever you and Jackie have cooked up, I hope it works."
"Me too." They sat down in those uncomfortable blue plastic molded chairs to await the boarding call to St. Louis.
And Down the Stretch
Jackie took a deep breath as she focused on making sure Tiffany was all presentable in her blue dress and matching Mary Jane's.
"Are you ready?" Jackie asked Tiffany, but in reality she needed someone to ask her if SHE was the one that was ready.
"Yes, Mommy! Why do I have to be dressed up?" That was the millionth (or it felt like it) time she asked that.
"Because it's very important." Her hands were shaking so bad that she could barely ring the doorbell.
"Hello, we've been expecting the two of you!"
"Hi, Mrs. Forman!"
"Is Steven here?" Jackie whispered when they got inside.
"He's upstairs, sleeping."
"Mrs. Forman, did you make that other phone call?"
"Yes. He's in the basement with Red."
Tiffany looked out the window, "Eric and Donna are outside!"
"Donna, did YOU put a bid in for the house?" Eric asked
While they were waiting to board their flight to St. Louis when they were paged to get on the next flight to Kenosha instead. He knew this had to do with Donna's secrecy. Rather than fight it, he went along with it, wondering what the Hell was going on? He hated being out of the loop.
Hyde opened up his eyes to see Tiffany standing next his side of the bed. Was he in New York? Did he dream all this?
"Hi, Steven! You have to put your suit on!"
'What the Hell?' "I'm in no mood for your Mommy's mind games."
She looked at him confused. "I'm sorry, Tiffany," Hyde looked up and saw the suit (no doubt Mrs. Forman had everything to do with it being on the closet door.) Tiffany jumped up and it fell into her arms.
"I'll just put on the jacket."
"I had to put on Mary Jane's!"
He laughed, "What's going on?"
Mrs. Forman happily entered the room, "Good, you're up, Steven!"
"This is for your own good." Donna came in as Eric trailed behind her. It finally dawned on him what they were all up to! This could blow up over all their faces. This was not going to work. No one tells Steven Hyde what to do.
"Where's Mommy?" Tiffany asked
"Right outside, sweetie."
Hyde almost fell off the bed when he saw the Priest come in, followed by Red escorting Jackie down the "aisle".
"You and Mommy are getting married right NOW, Steven!" Tiffany burst.
"If that's what you want?" Jackie asked in the most quiet voice anyone ever heard her use.
"It's what I want," Hyde let a small smile go over his face, "It's all I ever wanted."
END