The Situation .
By Lady Cleo
This one's for Chase and everyone else who continued to review even though my lazy ass hadn't written chapter seven yet.
All Disclaimers apply!
Note: This is an alternate universe where Jackie never dated Kelso so lots of stuff hasn't happened. For example Jackie never set Donna up with Casey so Donna and Eric never got back together.
Chapter Seven: The Not So Typical, Typical Forman Christmas.
Everything in Point Place High tended to revolve around one certain brunette and her preppy group of followers. However since the widely discussed breakup of the perfectly perfect Burkhart and the well known ass Chip things had started to change. Jackie Burkhart was slowly but surely slipping into the background, evolving to a higher form of normal. Cynthia and Rodger were now the big news, their constant on again off again romance was the only thing to be talking about. They had even become bigger then Pam and Kelso.
Of course that didn't really mean anything. Everyone knew, that sooner or later Jackie Burkhart would return to the spotlight, dragging some handsome jock with her. Some where begging to doubt just when that would be. Especially after Pam told them all about the after school shock she'd just received.
Pam swore she witnessed it all.
The story goes like this:
It was after cheerleading practice and Jackie and Pam had gone to drop off some books at there lockers, not wanting to drag the books home for Christmas. Well Pam and her small bladder had to run off to the nearest bathroom. Just as the leggy blond was about to round a corner she saw Kevin, the handsome quarter back walk slowly up to the perfectly perfect cheerleader. At this point Pam was about to freak out, her thoughts over brimmed with possibilities. Not wanting to interrupt a possible life altering moment the blond remained hidden around the corner.
Kevin causally mentioned that he and Anna, his long time girlfriend, had recently spilt and he was dateless for the Christmas dance that night. Then he asked Jackie if maybe she would like to go with him. That's when that Hyde fellow and two of his little followers appeared down the hall, absolutely frightening Pam, they could like totally ruin this moment for Jackie. Anyway Kevin then asked the brunette is she had a date for the coming Christmas dance. Pam was overjoyed, her eyes sparkling with visions of the next biggest power couple since Jackie went out the senior class president last year. Hyde was looking livid down the hall, like he was about to attack some one, but Pam ignored that, focusing on the potential power couple.
Jackie seemed to pause for a second and glanced down the hall, where Pam noticed that Donna and Eric were holding back a murderous Hyde, about ready to charge down the hall and kill somebody.
Then, horror of all horrors, Jackie Beulah Burkhart smiled her typical 'you're not worthy of my time' pity smile and told the drop dead gorgeous hunk that she had already made plans with someone else. Pam couldn't tell them what happened next, on account of the fact that she fainted as soon as the words slipped out of Burkhart's perfect lips.
Rodger was convinced that Burkhart had caught some kind of rare disease that skewed the thought process. Cynthia was sure that Jackie was dating some handsome movie star or teenage model.
Pam's reply to this, "I think maybe I should dump Kelso since Kevin's free."
Jackie Burkhart was suddenly forgotten.
********** The Situation. Point The Burkhart Residence:
The tinsel had been tossed, the tree decorated with brilliant silver ornaments. The entire house brimmed with the Christmas spirit. The wreaths were hung; family Christmas cards sent out and the presents wrapped. The only thing missing was the picture perfect family. and Jackie didn't want to think about that.
She sat quietly on the couch listening to the wafting sound of a Christmas record. Her eyes intently focused in on her toes as she painted them a bright Christmas red. Fluffy cakes lay underneath the tall pine, his eyes intently focused in on a bobbing Christmas ornament. Outside the snow continued to pile up, the white flakes trickled down the window, making it a picture perfect Christmas.
She smiled as she gazed down at her drying nails, a perfect match with any of her Christmas outfits. The doorbell suddenly buzzed, startling the girl out of her admiration over the red toes. For a second she puzzled over wither or not she was hearing things, when the door bell rang again. Jackie bolted off the couch and down the hall, Fluffy Cakes on her heels. With a wide grin she pulled the door open, planning on bestowing Steven with a multitude of kisses, but then found that plan to be quiet impossible.
"Mrs. Foreman!"
Kitty Foreman stood in the doorway, covered from head to toes in warm jackets and layers, a plate of wrapped cookies in her hand, and a bright frozen smile plastered on her face. Jackie quickly stepped aside allowing the older woman entrance into the warmth.
Kitty laughed nervously as she handed the plate of cookies over to the younger girl. "Hello Jackie."
"You look frozen Mrs. Foreman, um would you like a cup of coffee or something?" Jackie smiled, nervous over how she should treat a potential, desired mother in law. "Oh honey I would love to, but I still have forty more Christmas cards to deliver, I just wanted to give you these cookies and invite you and your dad over for our annual Christmas Eve party!" Kitty laughed again.
Panic overwhelmed Jackie for just a second, but a quick snap decision seemed like an easy fix. "I would love to come, but I'll have to ask my father's secretary if she can make some time for him when he gets back."
Kitty's head jerked back, and she laughed nervously, random ideas about the Councilman whereabouts popping into her head as she headed back over towards the door. "Yes, you do that, and I'll just clear a place for him just in case he can come."
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence, the kitchen:
Red Foreman came home from a hard day of working, he was tired and ready for a quiet afternoon spent with his newspaper and no kids.
All plans were suddenly cancelled when he walked through the sliding glass door. "Red!" Kitty yelled storming into the kitchen angrily. "You'll never believe what I found out today. That idiot councilman we elected is neglecting his daughter."
Red rolled his eyes, dropping his briefcase by the door as he slipped out of his jacket. Councilman Burkhart wasn't a bad guy; after all he had managed to keep the plant open, ensuring Red his job. For a while there Red had been forced to imagine himself working in some idiotic job, something like a Pricemart manager.
"I went over to see Jackie and invite the two of them over to our Christmas Eve party."
"What the hell did you do that for Kitty? That squeaky annoying girl never shuts up! And the councilman, sure he saved the plant but I don't want to have to carry on a conversation with him."
"Well that good, because that cold uncaring basterd is not coming! What kind of father goes off for two month's leaving their only child alone in that big house while her mother whores around the Caribbean?" Kitty demanded angrily.
An idea popped into Red's mind, and idea that he knew Kitty had already had. "No!" Red yelled angrily. "We are not an orphanage! We do not take in every kid that needs a new home."
A fire lit up within the depth of Kitty's eyes, a fire ignited by the flames of menopause. "Red Foreman if you don't have the heart to take in a little girl, freezing in that monstrous home, lonely and probably starving slowly to death then I'm not sure your the man I want to be married too anymore." With a final angry, yet tearful sniffle Kitty stormed out of the room.
Red stood there for a second cursing himself when Hyde suddenly burst into kitchen, Eric and Kelso dragging behind him. "This is your fault, you Dumbass! You just had to date a high society loudmouth with a deadbeat dad." That off his chest Red stormed after his over-emotional wife.
"Man what was he talking about?" Kelso laughed, Eric and Hyde exchanged a brief glance before shrugging their shoulders. "Eric man I think your dads been smoking something!"
"No, he's probably just having a flashback." Eric declared walking over to the fridge. "So Kelso what are you doing now that Pam dumped you for Kevin."
"Man you just had to bring that up didn't you!" Kelso mumbled slouching into a nearby chair.
Hyde snickered, "Man that must have been some sight, Pam Macy dumping you in front of half the school."
Kelso sulked lower into his chair. "Parents decided that we needed to visit the grandparents. So I'm getting out of here for two weeks among the Florida chicks." Kelso laughed suddenly perking up. "Leaving you two losers by yourselves!"
**********
The Situation. The Burkhart Residence:
Jackie sat quietly, watching Mrs. Foreman pace around her living room, Fluffy Cakes napping quietly on the couch. She'd been pacing the room for only a few minutes, but already Jackie was beginning to worry about whatever was making the older woman nervous.
"Is there something wrong with Steven Mrs. Foreman?" Jackie asked quietly her heart jumping with fear at the very idea.
Kitty laughed nervously taking a seat beside the girl. "No, it's not Steven." She started to say, when an idea suddenly popped into her head and she laughed nervously. "It's just that Laurie called a few days ago and told us she's thinking of coming home for Christmas. And we'll she's always had a thing for Steven," Jackie sat up, her full attention now focused in on Kitty. "And I'm a little afraid that since he's dating you now she'll be even more attracted to him."
A red hue seemed to suddenly overwhelm Jackie's vision.
Kitty smiled nervously as she continued on, "So I was thinking that maybe if you came and stayed with us until your father returns you can stay in her room and she won't want to come home for Christmas." Kitty waited anxiously watching the younger woman eagerly.
"Give me thirty minutes to pack!"
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence:
Eric walked down the hallway quietly, his mind entirely focused on a certain red head as he passed the devil's room.
"Hey Eric!"
The voice barely managed to pass through his consciousness as he continued walking. "Hey Jackie." He finally managed to call back as he continued down the hall. It took a second for his reply to finally hit his brain. "Jackie?" Turning around Eric cautiously approached the room. Jackie and Mrs. Foreman were busy packing up Laurie's belongings, redecorating the room with all of Jackie's pink fluffy things. "Mom?"
Kitty looked up from the pile of stuffed animals. "Of Eric honey, Jackie's going to be staying with us for a while!"
Eric stood there for a second, stupefied. "Um, when did this happen? And why didn't anybody tell me?"
Kitty didn't seem to hear her son, as Jackie was adamantly explaining where she'd gotten several of her stuffed animals, and aphetically listing their names.
"Hey Foreman, Red's outside yelling Dumbass, so I'm guessing he wants to talk to you!" Hyde called as he climbed up the stairs. "Hey Foreman, stop standing there looking like a stupefied pigeon and go answer the man." When no answer came from the scrawny boy Hyde headed over to see just what had transfixed him.
"Steven!"
Two seconds later Hyde found his arms full of the soft subtle cheerleader as she peppered his face with kisses. Hyde blinked trying to fully understand what exactly was happening. "Uh, Jackie, what's going on?"
Jackie finally pulled away from him, her large eyes gazing up into his. "I'm protecting you!" That said, she placed a brief kiss on his lips and trotted back into the room.
Hyde blinked; baffled and confused he turned and started to walk away. "Wait a minute? Protecting me from what? How is she going to protect me?"
"By moving in!" Eric muttered, and then started walking towards the distant cry of "Dumbasses get down here now!"
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence, the basement, the circle:
Hyde: Man this is freaking weird, Jackie's going to be around all the time, every day, every night. (Pauses, then smirks) all night!
Eric: Man this is going to bite, can you imagine her hanging around twenty- four seven. Man, I was just getting used to her being the whole Jedi pilot instead of Darth Vader.
Fez: (Grins) Eric, do you mind if I sleep over tonight. Can you imagine Jackie walking around Bra-less?
Hyde: Hey, that's my girlfriend you're talking about! But yes I can imagine that. this is going to rock.
Eric: No, no this is going to suck. Man and I thought Laurie was bad, but this is going to be like twelve times worse.
Fez: (Grins) I can just see it now, she will fall desperately in love with me when she sees the glory of Fez twenty four hours a day!
Hyde: (Glares at Fez) Hey that's my girlfriend you're talking about!
Eric: Where are the girls?
Fez: Jackie took Donna shoe shopping.
Hyde: What?
Eric: Donna shoe shopping?
**********
The Situation. Point Place Mall:
Donna stood watching quietly as Jackie tried on her fourteenth pair of shoes. How the hell had the little brunette managed to talk her into this ridiculous trip. This was the fourth shoe store they had visited, and Jackie had already bought three pairs of shoes. "Jackie, I hate to interrupt your little love affair with shoes, but why exactly did you bring me along?"
Jackie looked up from the black heels she was trying on. "We'll I figured that if I'm going to be staying with the Foreman's until daddy comes back I have to do something about you and the scrawny boy."
"There's nothing wrong with Eric and me, were great friends!" Donna defended walking over to the pile of discarded shoes. She took a seat beside them and started digging through the pile, convinced that she could find at least one pair that looked exactly like the ones Jackie was trying on right now.
Jackie laughed, "If everything fine then why do you two mope around stalking each other, waiting for the other one to act."
Donna glared quietly, trying to remind herself that murder wasn't legal in Wisconsin, no matter how clever the murderess was.
"So here's what I'm going to do for you!" Jackie declared tossing aside yet another pair of shoes. "I'm going to help you work out your problems with that scrawny boy. "
"And just how are you going to do that?" Donna demanded.
"I've got the perfect plan."
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence, the basement, Christmas eve:
"No! The answer is a defiant no, never, over my dead body." Eric called out from his position on the couch. "I would never ever trust Jackie with my love life, or any part of my life for that matter."
Hyde walked out of his back room, carrying a small white box, which he tucked into his back pocket quickly. God he felt stupid. But Kitty had absolutely insisted he get his girlfriend a Christmas present, had dragged him to the mall, practically kicking and screaming. The basement door swung open, and the two girls entered.
"Um, Eric.. Can we talk outside?" Donna declared, reaching down she grabbed his hand and dragged him out the door, leaving Jackie in one corner of the room, and Hyde in the other corner.
The brunette stepped forward, holding the bag in her hand out in his direction. Hyde's eyebrows furrowed as he accepted the package, peaking into the package he blinked. "Boots?" He smirked happily, pulling them out of the bag he slipped off his old shoes and quickly slipped on the boots.
Jackie smiled, pleased with the gift. "Right, so shall we go upstairs and see what trouble the adults are brewing?" She started towards the stair, but Hyde didn't follow, tucking his hand into the pocket he pulled the gift out and tossed the box over his shoulder. If he had to give this to her he might as well do it with his own Zen style. Hyde reached, slipping the simple sliver chain around her neck, he quickly fastened the clasp and stepped back, watching as Jackie's face lit up.
She was speech less, her finger playing with the braided chain. "Before you say anything Mrs. Foreman practically forced me." She shut him up with a kiss, not wanting his words to ruin the moment. Holding unto him tightly, she squeezed her eyes shut..
The stage was lit, the black floor polished, the glittering background sparkling. Slowly the spot light swung around the stage until it landed on one small lady, Jackie Burkhart. She stood there, dressed in a long white silky dress, the skirt made up of long white feathers, wearing the simple silver chain around her neck. Her fine hair braided and piled atop her head. The music wafted in, some long forgotten tune.
"Think of what you're losing, by constantly refusing to dance with me. You'd be the idol of France with me." She began spinning across the stage, allowing the spot light to travel after her shadow, as Hyde walked out, his silhouette dancing across the stage to her side.
Jackie smiled, turning to him she began to sing again, "And yet you stand there and shake your foolish head rheumatically while I wait here so ecstatically. You just look and say emphatically."
"Not this season. There's a reason." Hyde sang gently stepping into the light behind her. Dressed in a black tuxedo, a top hat resting gently on his head. Stepping to her side he pulled his gloves on tighter before turning to the woman.
"I won't dance. Don't ask me. I won't dance. Don't ask me. I won't dance, Madame, with you. My heart won't let my feet do things they should do." Spinning away from her Hyde before gently adding, "You know what? You're lovely."
"So what? I'm lovely..."
"But oh, what you do to me. I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore. I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor." Reaching out he grabbed a hold of her hand, pulling the brunette to his chest.
Together they danced across the floor, weaving a pattern, with twirls and quick steps. "Ah, but when you dance you're charming and you're gentle. Especially when you do The Continental. But this feeling isn't purely mental. For heaven rest us I'm not asbestos. And that's why..." He took a quick breath, lifting her gently into the air, spinning the small woman back into his arms. "I won't dance. Why should I? I won't dance. How could I? I won't dance, merci beaucoup. I know that music leads the way to romance. And if I hold you in my arms... I won't dance."
"Jackie are you listening to me." His voice, not merely as melodic as before, shocked the brunette out of her stupor. "I said I think we should probably head upstairs."
"Right!" Jackie agreed turning towards the stair she started up them, then froze as Laurie slowly walked down the stairs. The heavenly dream that had played across her eyes moments ago was complete forgotten as the smaller girl narrowed her eyes.
"Hyde." Laurie began; Jackie lunged for the girl's throat.
**********
The Situation. Outside the Foreman Residence:
Donna stood there nervously watching as Eric slowly unwrapped the candle. "Wow a sand candle. Um, Donna didn't you get me on of these four years ago."
Donna nodded an affirmative, a nervous laugh slipping past her lips. "Um, yeah I did." Silence passed as Eric continued to stare at the candle. "This is stupid."
"What did you say Donna?"
"Jackie talked me into this ridiculous plan just to tell you that after the whole stupid breakup thing I still like you and even though I was right I'm sorry for the whole incident.!"
Eric laughed, "Wow, Jackie talked you into saying all of that?"
Donna blushed awkwardly, "Well, no I was supposed to bat my eyes and look at you like I wanted you or something. The candle was supposed to do the trick." She explained, "Supposedly it worked for some girl named Cindy or something."
"Yeah, Cynthia and Rodger, I heard about that. " Eric nodded, gazing down at the sand candle quietly. "So, what happens now?"
"I don't know!" Donna shrugged, gazing off the porch silently, the waves of red hair blocking her face.
Seconds passed in silence, only the sound of the breeze echoed across the pavement. "Donna, I" Eric began, "I love you, and I have so much to say and." Donna interrupted him, throwing her arms around Eric and shutting him up with a kiss.
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence, the kitchen:
"Man, that was priceless." Hyde laughed as he Jackie stood silently beside each other, watching Eric and Donna hold each other. The soft strains of Christmas carols wafted in from the living room. Jackie grinned, pleased with her little matchmaking endeavor, and the bruises she had bestowed upon the elder Foreman child. Turning to him she slipped her hands around his neck, her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck, her head resting lightly on his chest.
"The way Laurie just kind of hit the ground, dude where was a camera when you need one." Hyde smiled down at the small girl as he combed through the soft brown waves of her hair with his fingers and placed a soft kiss on the top of forehead. He was trapped by her presence, the way her eyes captured his, mesmerizing his thoughts, the way his entire body shook with the beating of his heart just because she waltzed into the room. Hyde pulled back from her, arms locking around her waist, he grinned devilishly, lifting the smaller girl off the ground, and twirling her in the air. Jackie giggled, her arms clutching his upper torso tightly as her feet glided through the air.
Finally setting her down Hyde smirked, "Damn woman, you're tuning me into Foreman!" he cursed, the smile that darted across his lips betraying the hard voice.
Jackie laughed, shaking her head, "No, I don't want a scrawny neighbor boy, I prefer my bad ass Zen master."
"Anything for you my little grasshopper." Jackie laughed at the nickname before she pulled his head down, gently pressing her lips to his. Hyde wasted no time, letting his hand resume it's caressing of the soft brown waves of hair as he gentle angled her head. He deepened the kiss, letting the other hand remain locked around her waist, gently pulling her closer.
Something told him that he'd gotten far too involved, he was in far too deep, and he was enjoying it far too much. But then again, maybe being trapped wasn't such a bad thing.
Note: The song, "I Won't Dance" is from the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodger's Move "Roberta". Music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach and Jimmy McHugh.
Next Chapter: Valentine's Day Blunder.
This one's for Chase and everyone else who continued to review even though my lazy ass hadn't written chapter seven yet.
All Disclaimers apply!
Note: This is an alternate universe where Jackie never dated Kelso so lots of stuff hasn't happened. For example Jackie never set Donna up with Casey so Donna and Eric never got back together.
Chapter Seven: The Not So Typical, Typical Forman Christmas.
Everything in Point Place High tended to revolve around one certain brunette and her preppy group of followers. However since the widely discussed breakup of the perfectly perfect Burkhart and the well known ass Chip things had started to change. Jackie Burkhart was slowly but surely slipping into the background, evolving to a higher form of normal. Cynthia and Rodger were now the big news, their constant on again off again romance was the only thing to be talking about. They had even become bigger then Pam and Kelso.
Of course that didn't really mean anything. Everyone knew, that sooner or later Jackie Burkhart would return to the spotlight, dragging some handsome jock with her. Some where begging to doubt just when that would be. Especially after Pam told them all about the after school shock she'd just received.
Pam swore she witnessed it all.
The story goes like this:
It was after cheerleading practice and Jackie and Pam had gone to drop off some books at there lockers, not wanting to drag the books home for Christmas. Well Pam and her small bladder had to run off to the nearest bathroom. Just as the leggy blond was about to round a corner she saw Kevin, the handsome quarter back walk slowly up to the perfectly perfect cheerleader. At this point Pam was about to freak out, her thoughts over brimmed with possibilities. Not wanting to interrupt a possible life altering moment the blond remained hidden around the corner.
Kevin causally mentioned that he and Anna, his long time girlfriend, had recently spilt and he was dateless for the Christmas dance that night. Then he asked Jackie if maybe she would like to go with him. That's when that Hyde fellow and two of his little followers appeared down the hall, absolutely frightening Pam, they could like totally ruin this moment for Jackie. Anyway Kevin then asked the brunette is she had a date for the coming Christmas dance. Pam was overjoyed, her eyes sparkling with visions of the next biggest power couple since Jackie went out the senior class president last year. Hyde was looking livid down the hall, like he was about to attack some one, but Pam ignored that, focusing on the potential power couple.
Jackie seemed to pause for a second and glanced down the hall, where Pam noticed that Donna and Eric were holding back a murderous Hyde, about ready to charge down the hall and kill somebody.
Then, horror of all horrors, Jackie Beulah Burkhart smiled her typical 'you're not worthy of my time' pity smile and told the drop dead gorgeous hunk that she had already made plans with someone else. Pam couldn't tell them what happened next, on account of the fact that she fainted as soon as the words slipped out of Burkhart's perfect lips.
Rodger was convinced that Burkhart had caught some kind of rare disease that skewed the thought process. Cynthia was sure that Jackie was dating some handsome movie star or teenage model.
Pam's reply to this, "I think maybe I should dump Kelso since Kevin's free."
Jackie Burkhart was suddenly forgotten.
********** The Situation. Point The Burkhart Residence:
The tinsel had been tossed, the tree decorated with brilliant silver ornaments. The entire house brimmed with the Christmas spirit. The wreaths were hung; family Christmas cards sent out and the presents wrapped. The only thing missing was the picture perfect family. and Jackie didn't want to think about that.
She sat quietly on the couch listening to the wafting sound of a Christmas record. Her eyes intently focused in on her toes as she painted them a bright Christmas red. Fluffy cakes lay underneath the tall pine, his eyes intently focused in on a bobbing Christmas ornament. Outside the snow continued to pile up, the white flakes trickled down the window, making it a picture perfect Christmas.
She smiled as she gazed down at her drying nails, a perfect match with any of her Christmas outfits. The doorbell suddenly buzzed, startling the girl out of her admiration over the red toes. For a second she puzzled over wither or not she was hearing things, when the door bell rang again. Jackie bolted off the couch and down the hall, Fluffy Cakes on her heels. With a wide grin she pulled the door open, planning on bestowing Steven with a multitude of kisses, but then found that plan to be quiet impossible.
"Mrs. Foreman!"
Kitty Foreman stood in the doorway, covered from head to toes in warm jackets and layers, a plate of wrapped cookies in her hand, and a bright frozen smile plastered on her face. Jackie quickly stepped aside allowing the older woman entrance into the warmth.
Kitty laughed nervously as she handed the plate of cookies over to the younger girl. "Hello Jackie."
"You look frozen Mrs. Foreman, um would you like a cup of coffee or something?" Jackie smiled, nervous over how she should treat a potential, desired mother in law. "Oh honey I would love to, but I still have forty more Christmas cards to deliver, I just wanted to give you these cookies and invite you and your dad over for our annual Christmas Eve party!" Kitty laughed again.
Panic overwhelmed Jackie for just a second, but a quick snap decision seemed like an easy fix. "I would love to come, but I'll have to ask my father's secretary if she can make some time for him when he gets back."
Kitty's head jerked back, and she laughed nervously, random ideas about the Councilman whereabouts popping into her head as she headed back over towards the door. "Yes, you do that, and I'll just clear a place for him just in case he can come."
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence, the kitchen:
Red Foreman came home from a hard day of working, he was tired and ready for a quiet afternoon spent with his newspaper and no kids.
All plans were suddenly cancelled when he walked through the sliding glass door. "Red!" Kitty yelled storming into the kitchen angrily. "You'll never believe what I found out today. That idiot councilman we elected is neglecting his daughter."
Red rolled his eyes, dropping his briefcase by the door as he slipped out of his jacket. Councilman Burkhart wasn't a bad guy; after all he had managed to keep the plant open, ensuring Red his job. For a while there Red had been forced to imagine himself working in some idiotic job, something like a Pricemart manager.
"I went over to see Jackie and invite the two of them over to our Christmas Eve party."
"What the hell did you do that for Kitty? That squeaky annoying girl never shuts up! And the councilman, sure he saved the plant but I don't want to have to carry on a conversation with him."
"Well that good, because that cold uncaring basterd is not coming! What kind of father goes off for two month's leaving their only child alone in that big house while her mother whores around the Caribbean?" Kitty demanded angrily.
An idea popped into Red's mind, and idea that he knew Kitty had already had. "No!" Red yelled angrily. "We are not an orphanage! We do not take in every kid that needs a new home."
A fire lit up within the depth of Kitty's eyes, a fire ignited by the flames of menopause. "Red Foreman if you don't have the heart to take in a little girl, freezing in that monstrous home, lonely and probably starving slowly to death then I'm not sure your the man I want to be married too anymore." With a final angry, yet tearful sniffle Kitty stormed out of the room.
Red stood there for a second cursing himself when Hyde suddenly burst into kitchen, Eric and Kelso dragging behind him. "This is your fault, you Dumbass! You just had to date a high society loudmouth with a deadbeat dad." That off his chest Red stormed after his over-emotional wife.
"Man what was he talking about?" Kelso laughed, Eric and Hyde exchanged a brief glance before shrugging their shoulders. "Eric man I think your dads been smoking something!"
"No, he's probably just having a flashback." Eric declared walking over to the fridge. "So Kelso what are you doing now that Pam dumped you for Kevin."
"Man you just had to bring that up didn't you!" Kelso mumbled slouching into a nearby chair.
Hyde snickered, "Man that must have been some sight, Pam Macy dumping you in front of half the school."
Kelso sulked lower into his chair. "Parents decided that we needed to visit the grandparents. So I'm getting out of here for two weeks among the Florida chicks." Kelso laughed suddenly perking up. "Leaving you two losers by yourselves!"
**********
The Situation. The Burkhart Residence:
Jackie sat quietly, watching Mrs. Foreman pace around her living room, Fluffy Cakes napping quietly on the couch. She'd been pacing the room for only a few minutes, but already Jackie was beginning to worry about whatever was making the older woman nervous.
"Is there something wrong with Steven Mrs. Foreman?" Jackie asked quietly her heart jumping with fear at the very idea.
Kitty laughed nervously taking a seat beside the girl. "No, it's not Steven." She started to say, when an idea suddenly popped into her head and she laughed nervously. "It's just that Laurie called a few days ago and told us she's thinking of coming home for Christmas. And we'll she's always had a thing for Steven," Jackie sat up, her full attention now focused in on Kitty. "And I'm a little afraid that since he's dating you now she'll be even more attracted to him."
A red hue seemed to suddenly overwhelm Jackie's vision.
Kitty smiled nervously as she continued on, "So I was thinking that maybe if you came and stayed with us until your father returns you can stay in her room and she won't want to come home for Christmas." Kitty waited anxiously watching the younger woman eagerly.
"Give me thirty minutes to pack!"
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence:
Eric walked down the hallway quietly, his mind entirely focused on a certain red head as he passed the devil's room.
"Hey Eric!"
The voice barely managed to pass through his consciousness as he continued walking. "Hey Jackie." He finally managed to call back as he continued down the hall. It took a second for his reply to finally hit his brain. "Jackie?" Turning around Eric cautiously approached the room. Jackie and Mrs. Foreman were busy packing up Laurie's belongings, redecorating the room with all of Jackie's pink fluffy things. "Mom?"
Kitty looked up from the pile of stuffed animals. "Of Eric honey, Jackie's going to be staying with us for a while!"
Eric stood there for a second, stupefied. "Um, when did this happen? And why didn't anybody tell me?"
Kitty didn't seem to hear her son, as Jackie was adamantly explaining where she'd gotten several of her stuffed animals, and aphetically listing their names.
"Hey Foreman, Red's outside yelling Dumbass, so I'm guessing he wants to talk to you!" Hyde called as he climbed up the stairs. "Hey Foreman, stop standing there looking like a stupefied pigeon and go answer the man." When no answer came from the scrawny boy Hyde headed over to see just what had transfixed him.
"Steven!"
Two seconds later Hyde found his arms full of the soft subtle cheerleader as she peppered his face with kisses. Hyde blinked trying to fully understand what exactly was happening. "Uh, Jackie, what's going on?"
Jackie finally pulled away from him, her large eyes gazing up into his. "I'm protecting you!" That said, she placed a brief kiss on his lips and trotted back into the room.
Hyde blinked; baffled and confused he turned and started to walk away. "Wait a minute? Protecting me from what? How is she going to protect me?"
"By moving in!" Eric muttered, and then started walking towards the distant cry of "Dumbasses get down here now!"
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence, the basement, the circle:
Hyde: Man this is freaking weird, Jackie's going to be around all the time, every day, every night. (Pauses, then smirks) all night!
Eric: Man this is going to bite, can you imagine her hanging around twenty- four seven. Man, I was just getting used to her being the whole Jedi pilot instead of Darth Vader.
Fez: (Grins) Eric, do you mind if I sleep over tonight. Can you imagine Jackie walking around Bra-less?
Hyde: Hey, that's my girlfriend you're talking about! But yes I can imagine that. this is going to rock.
Eric: No, no this is going to suck. Man and I thought Laurie was bad, but this is going to be like twelve times worse.
Fez: (Grins) I can just see it now, she will fall desperately in love with me when she sees the glory of Fez twenty four hours a day!
Hyde: (Glares at Fez) Hey that's my girlfriend you're talking about!
Eric: Where are the girls?
Fez: Jackie took Donna shoe shopping.
Hyde: What?
Eric: Donna shoe shopping?
**********
The Situation. Point Place Mall:
Donna stood watching quietly as Jackie tried on her fourteenth pair of shoes. How the hell had the little brunette managed to talk her into this ridiculous trip. This was the fourth shoe store they had visited, and Jackie had already bought three pairs of shoes. "Jackie, I hate to interrupt your little love affair with shoes, but why exactly did you bring me along?"
Jackie looked up from the black heels she was trying on. "We'll I figured that if I'm going to be staying with the Foreman's until daddy comes back I have to do something about you and the scrawny boy."
"There's nothing wrong with Eric and me, were great friends!" Donna defended walking over to the pile of discarded shoes. She took a seat beside them and started digging through the pile, convinced that she could find at least one pair that looked exactly like the ones Jackie was trying on right now.
Jackie laughed, "If everything fine then why do you two mope around stalking each other, waiting for the other one to act."
Donna glared quietly, trying to remind herself that murder wasn't legal in Wisconsin, no matter how clever the murderess was.
"So here's what I'm going to do for you!" Jackie declared tossing aside yet another pair of shoes. "I'm going to help you work out your problems with that scrawny boy. "
"And just how are you going to do that?" Donna demanded.
"I've got the perfect plan."
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence, the basement, Christmas eve:
"No! The answer is a defiant no, never, over my dead body." Eric called out from his position on the couch. "I would never ever trust Jackie with my love life, or any part of my life for that matter."
Hyde walked out of his back room, carrying a small white box, which he tucked into his back pocket quickly. God he felt stupid. But Kitty had absolutely insisted he get his girlfriend a Christmas present, had dragged him to the mall, practically kicking and screaming. The basement door swung open, and the two girls entered.
"Um, Eric.. Can we talk outside?" Donna declared, reaching down she grabbed his hand and dragged him out the door, leaving Jackie in one corner of the room, and Hyde in the other corner.
The brunette stepped forward, holding the bag in her hand out in his direction. Hyde's eyebrows furrowed as he accepted the package, peaking into the package he blinked. "Boots?" He smirked happily, pulling them out of the bag he slipped off his old shoes and quickly slipped on the boots.
Jackie smiled, pleased with the gift. "Right, so shall we go upstairs and see what trouble the adults are brewing?" She started towards the stair, but Hyde didn't follow, tucking his hand into the pocket he pulled the gift out and tossed the box over his shoulder. If he had to give this to her he might as well do it with his own Zen style. Hyde reached, slipping the simple sliver chain around her neck, he quickly fastened the clasp and stepped back, watching as Jackie's face lit up.
She was speech less, her finger playing with the braided chain. "Before you say anything Mrs. Foreman practically forced me." She shut him up with a kiss, not wanting his words to ruin the moment. Holding unto him tightly, she squeezed her eyes shut..
The stage was lit, the black floor polished, the glittering background sparkling. Slowly the spot light swung around the stage until it landed on one small lady, Jackie Burkhart. She stood there, dressed in a long white silky dress, the skirt made up of long white feathers, wearing the simple silver chain around her neck. Her fine hair braided and piled atop her head. The music wafted in, some long forgotten tune.
"Think of what you're losing, by constantly refusing to dance with me. You'd be the idol of France with me." She began spinning across the stage, allowing the spot light to travel after her shadow, as Hyde walked out, his silhouette dancing across the stage to her side.
Jackie smiled, turning to him she began to sing again, "And yet you stand there and shake your foolish head rheumatically while I wait here so ecstatically. You just look and say emphatically."
"Not this season. There's a reason." Hyde sang gently stepping into the light behind her. Dressed in a black tuxedo, a top hat resting gently on his head. Stepping to her side he pulled his gloves on tighter before turning to the woman.
"I won't dance. Don't ask me. I won't dance. Don't ask me. I won't dance, Madame, with you. My heart won't let my feet do things they should do." Spinning away from her Hyde before gently adding, "You know what? You're lovely."
"So what? I'm lovely..."
"But oh, what you do to me. I'm like an ocean wave that's bumped on the shore. I feel so absolutely stumped on the floor." Reaching out he grabbed a hold of her hand, pulling the brunette to his chest.
Together they danced across the floor, weaving a pattern, with twirls and quick steps. "Ah, but when you dance you're charming and you're gentle. Especially when you do The Continental. But this feeling isn't purely mental. For heaven rest us I'm not asbestos. And that's why..." He took a quick breath, lifting her gently into the air, spinning the small woman back into his arms. "I won't dance. Why should I? I won't dance. How could I? I won't dance, merci beaucoup. I know that music leads the way to romance. And if I hold you in my arms... I won't dance."
"Jackie are you listening to me." His voice, not merely as melodic as before, shocked the brunette out of her stupor. "I said I think we should probably head upstairs."
"Right!" Jackie agreed turning towards the stair she started up them, then froze as Laurie slowly walked down the stairs. The heavenly dream that had played across her eyes moments ago was complete forgotten as the smaller girl narrowed her eyes.
"Hyde." Laurie began; Jackie lunged for the girl's throat.
**********
The Situation. Outside the Foreman Residence:
Donna stood there nervously watching as Eric slowly unwrapped the candle. "Wow a sand candle. Um, Donna didn't you get me on of these four years ago."
Donna nodded an affirmative, a nervous laugh slipping past her lips. "Um, yeah I did." Silence passed as Eric continued to stare at the candle. "This is stupid."
"What did you say Donna?"
"Jackie talked me into this ridiculous plan just to tell you that after the whole stupid breakup thing I still like you and even though I was right I'm sorry for the whole incident.!"
Eric laughed, "Wow, Jackie talked you into saying all of that?"
Donna blushed awkwardly, "Well, no I was supposed to bat my eyes and look at you like I wanted you or something. The candle was supposed to do the trick." She explained, "Supposedly it worked for some girl named Cindy or something."
"Yeah, Cynthia and Rodger, I heard about that. " Eric nodded, gazing down at the sand candle quietly. "So, what happens now?"
"I don't know!" Donna shrugged, gazing off the porch silently, the waves of red hair blocking her face.
Seconds passed in silence, only the sound of the breeze echoed across the pavement. "Donna, I" Eric began, "I love you, and I have so much to say and." Donna interrupted him, throwing her arms around Eric and shutting him up with a kiss.
**********
The Situation. The Foreman Residence, the kitchen:
"Man, that was priceless." Hyde laughed as he Jackie stood silently beside each other, watching Eric and Donna hold each other. The soft strains of Christmas carols wafted in from the living room. Jackie grinned, pleased with her little matchmaking endeavor, and the bruises she had bestowed upon the elder Foreman child. Turning to him she slipped her hands around his neck, her fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck, her head resting lightly on his chest.
"The way Laurie just kind of hit the ground, dude where was a camera when you need one." Hyde smiled down at the small girl as he combed through the soft brown waves of her hair with his fingers and placed a soft kiss on the top of forehead. He was trapped by her presence, the way her eyes captured his, mesmerizing his thoughts, the way his entire body shook with the beating of his heart just because she waltzed into the room. Hyde pulled back from her, arms locking around her waist, he grinned devilishly, lifting the smaller girl off the ground, and twirling her in the air. Jackie giggled, her arms clutching his upper torso tightly as her feet glided through the air.
Finally setting her down Hyde smirked, "Damn woman, you're tuning me into Foreman!" he cursed, the smile that darted across his lips betraying the hard voice.
Jackie laughed, shaking her head, "No, I don't want a scrawny neighbor boy, I prefer my bad ass Zen master."
"Anything for you my little grasshopper." Jackie laughed at the nickname before she pulled his head down, gently pressing her lips to his. Hyde wasted no time, letting his hand resume it's caressing of the soft brown waves of hair as he gentle angled her head. He deepened the kiss, letting the other hand remain locked around her waist, gently pulling her closer.
Something told him that he'd gotten far too involved, he was in far too deep, and he was enjoying it far too much. But then again, maybe being trapped wasn't such a bad thing.
Note: The song, "I Won't Dance" is from the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodger's Move "Roberta". Music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach and Jimmy McHugh.
Next Chapter: Valentine's Day Blunder.
