Chapter Thirteen: Here Comes The Bride!
Jackie had spent the night at Donna's as it seemed easier as all the preparations were being made at the Forman's and Pinciotti's. She woke up in a haze; she felt like the last several months had been a dream. She looked down and saw a couple of bridal magazines and realized she was getting married today. To be specific today at 3pm. She sprang out from the bed and rushed into the bathroom. She quickly ran a bath, as she wanted to look radiant. When the bath was full she got in a bathed herself in her favourite lavender bubble bath. She washed and conditioned her hair with a formula specially designed for her, one of daddy's gifts. It felt weird to her knowing that she wasn't going to be Jackie Burkhart anymore she was going to be Jackie Kelso. She got out of the bath and wrapped a warm towel around herself. As she walked out of the bathroom and into Donna's bedroom she heard a lot of commotion going on outside. She walked towards the closed window that overlooked the Forman's garage and looked out.
She saw Eric, Fez, Donna, Michael, Mr Forman, Mrs Forman and Mr Pinciotti. They were all talking and she couldn't make out what they were saying. Then she saw Steven carrying a suitcase and realised he was leaving. Her heart ached in pain. She wanted to tell him she loved him that no matter what happens she always will but the fear of him rejecting her again got the better of her. She brought her hand up to the windowpane and attempted to open it but it wouldn't budge. At that moment she wanted to shout out at him for him to stay. She loved him but she was destined to be with Michael. She took the window as an example. If it was her fate to be with Steven the window would have opened. At this thought she felt defeated. She took one last look at Steven and moved away from the window to begin getting ready.
She dried off her body and pulled on a bathrobe. She started to dry her hair. She got up and turned on the radio the voices of ABBA floated through the room. Jackie caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and burst into tears. The brush she was holding fell to the floor and slid off the bed to get it but instead she just laid her body on the floor and listened to ABBA.
Hyde walked out of the kitchen with suitcase in tow. The el Camino was parked in front of the Vista Cruiser. He loaded his suitcase in the back and closed it. He took a few steps towards the mass of people that were gathered in the garage. Hyde wished that Jackie were there so he would at least get a good bye but he guessed she was to busy getting ready. He walked towards Mrs Forman and gave her a hug. He pulled back but she pulled him back in.
"Mrs Forman I...can't breathe" He said in between breaths. She finally let him go. She had tears in her eyes.
"Mrs Forman I appreciate everything you've done and I will always think of you as a mom. And don't worry I wont be gone forever. I am really gonna miss you." Hyde said.
Kitty clearly looked touched. "Now Steven you make sure you phone us every week and don't forget about the ones who love you." She said while sobbing towards the end. Red stepped forward and put his arm around Kitty. "Steven I'm given you gas money that must go on gas you got me."
"Yeah I understand. Thanks Red." Hyde said.
"Your welcome dumbass!" Red said while hugging Hyde. They both pulled back after about a second.
"Hey why does he get a hug?" Eric yelled.
"Because dumbass he's leaving and you will most defiantly get one when your free loading ass leaves!" Red said.
Kelso and Fez walked over to Hyde.
"Here I brought you some things for the road." Fez said while giving him a big bag of candy.
"Wow Fez, umm jelly beans." Hyde said as he opened the bag. He was about to put them a way when Fez said.
"What Jelly beans, no you can't have them!" And he grabbed the bag of candy out of his hand.
"BURN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kelso shouted. Hyde gave him an annoyed look and turned back to Fez.
"But Fez..."
"I am sorry Hyde but I love jelly beans." Fez pleaded.
"Don't worry buddy. Now if you score with a totally hot chick you have to tell me." Hyde said.
"Don't worry I will. Hot babes I am coming." Fez shouted. Everyone laughed. Hyde hugged Fez.
"Take care little buddy."
"So if there are any hot girls in California that don't want you and would much rather make out with a totally hot guy give them my phone number." Kelso said.
Hyde grew annoyed. He couldn't believe Jackie had agreed to marry Kelso.
"Err Kelso what day is it and also what time is it?" Hyde innocently asked.
"Well Hyde it's December 14th and it's 11:30, oh shit it's my wedding day!" Kelso hugged Hyde and then ran off to get ready. Everybody looked after him in shock. Bob approached Hyde.
"Aww geez..." Bob said it looked as if he was going to cry, everybody looked on in disgust including Donna.
"Bob I am not hugging you." Hyde said. Bob just gave him this wounded dog look and Hyde just gave in.
"Oh and by the way if you see any of those really nice man rings pick up a couple for me." He said as he walked back to Donna. She walked up towards Hyde we a tear in her eye.
"God look at me you've made me cry you dill hole." Donna teased. Hyde just laughed.
"I thought you were mad at me?" Hyde asked.
"Yeah well I still am cos I still think you should talk to Jackie, but I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye to one of my oldest friends. I'm gonna really miss you." She sobbed.
"Yeah well I'm gonna miss you too." He brought her into a tight hug. Hyde was saying goodbye to all his friends and felt really wrong. The hug was long and neither Hyde nor Donna let go. Eric walked other.
"Hey let go of my girlfriend." He laughed. Donna and Hyde let go.
"And what are you gonna do Forman?" Hyde asked.
"I'm..gonna...bore you with Star wars stories that what I'm gonna do." Eric replied.
"Yeah well if that's what you're fighting with I guess I have to let go then." Hyde smiled.
"Are you sure you wanna leave man, cos you got it pretty good here. I mean free food and a great set of friends." Eric said while putting his arm around Donna.
"Nah man, the way I see it is that there are more things out there and I wanna see 'em." Eric pulled Hyde into a hug.
"Yeah well have a great time and said us a postcard."
"What the hell is happening today? I think I've been hugged like seven times today." Hyde groaned.
"Well man it's cos we love ya." Eric teased.
Hyde walked towards the car and opened the driver's door when he felt Donna grab him. He turned around.
"Hyde did you even say goodbye to Jackie?" Donna asked.
Hyde didn't say anything and got in his car. As he pulled out of the drive way an instinct within him told him to look up. He did and saw Jackie looking down at him. He stared at her until he saw her retreating figure.
Everyone said goodbye as he pulled out of the driveway. The goodbye's kept going until they couldn't see him anymore.
Mrs Forman turned to everyone and said. "Come on everybody we have a wedding to go to." And with that everybody went his or her separate ways to get married.
Donna walked to her room where she heard a little whimper. She saw Jackie crying against the wall and quickly walked towards her. She kneeled down beside Jackie.
"Jackie what's wrong?" Donna asked in concern.
Jackie was so deep in her own thoughts it took a while for her to register the fact that Donna had even spoke to her. She moistened her lips with her tongue and spoke.
"Yeah I'm fine. I just really happy." She wiped her eyes with the palm her hand and allowed Donna to help her up. They both walked to the bed.
"Jackie, Hyde's gone. He left a couple of minutes ago."
"Really. Well now that that's out of the way we have to start getting ready. I have so much to do. My make up, my hair, get in to my dress and I only have a few hours." Jackie sighed. Donna put her arms around her.
"Don't worry I'll help you."
It was now 2:30 and Kelso, Eric, and Fez were in the back having a farewell drink. By now all the guests had arrived. Now all they were waiting on was Jackie. Kelso, Eric and Fez came out of the back room and stood near the alter. Eric was best man and Fez was one of the groomsmen. All the boys cleaned up pretty well as they were dressed in fine black tuxes.
Kitty stood near the alter and demanded all three of the boys pose for a picture to send to Hyde. After that was done the church started to settle down. Jackie's side was clearly looking upon Kelso's side in disgust at the arguing that was going on amongst Kelso's brothers. The minister walked through and everyone remained quiet.
Kitty looked proudly at the church and at the beautiful arrangement of the flowers that ran down both sides of the pew. The church looked really beautiful. Organ music erupted in the church and the beginning bars of the wedding march could be heard. Everybody looked down the aisle that revealed Jackie in a stunning wedding dress. She wore her hair down that cascaded over her shoulders. Her make up was picture perfect. Jackie looked around the church and suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe. But she regained her composure and gripped onto her daddy's arm. All the brides' maids and grooms men had walked down the aisle and now it was her turn. She looked at her dad and nodded for him to start moving. Okay. Breathe this isn't hard. Just one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be Michael's wife. Wow Donna looks amazing.
Jackie's dress glided across the carpet and gave her the appearance of her floating on thin air. The veil glided across the floor. It was held place by a beautiful tiara that sparkled as she walked. Everybody looked at how innocent and beautiful Jackie looked. After what seemed like an eternity Jackie had reached the alter.
She looked across and saw Michael smiling. He leaned forward towards her and whispered to her that she looked wonderful. The entire hall fell silent and her dad had left her.
"Now we are here to celebrate the union of Jackie Burkhart and Michael Kelso. Their love is a love that has survived many tests that had been thrown at them. And I am here to make their vows to each other real under the power of God. These two deserve each other and may they set the example of love to any other couple." The minister said.
Jackie gazed at Donna and Eric and realised that they are a couple that really love each other not her and Michael. She turned back to the minister.
"Jackie do you take Michael Kelso to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health for richer or for poorer till death do you part." The minister asked.
Jackie just stared at Michael. She couldn't go through with it. She loved Steven and she'd be cheating herself if she married Michael. A sad look appeared on Jackie's face and her eyes looked up at Michael filled with sorrow.
"I'm sorry Michael." She whispered.
"I'm really sorry but..." She looked around the room "..I can't do this I can't marry you."
The whole room erupted in a shock. All eyes where on Jackie. Kelso didn't say anything.
Jackie turned to run but was stopped by a hand on her wrist. She turned back around and saw Michael with tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
"Why Jackie?" He asked.
".......Because I am in love with someone else." She lifted her hand and touched his cheek. "I will always love you just not in the way you want me to." She stood on her tiptoes and placed a chaste kiss on Kelso's cheek. And with that she ran down the aisle with out looking back. Immediately Donna and Eric ran after her while fez and Mrs Forman consoled Kelso.
Jackie ran as fast as her legs could carry her in heels. She stopped and took off her shoes this gave enough time for Donna and Eric to catch up with her. She heard voices calling her name.
"Jackie what are doing?" Donna called.
"I love Steven and I need to tell him that." Jackie said.
"Well his plane leaves at 3:45 which means we have 20 minutes to try and stop. Come on I'll drive you to the airport." Eric said. Jackie leaped in to the car as did Donna and then they sped off.
Authors Note: I wanna say a huge thank you to pokey fro reviewing my story it really mean a lot to me and I hope you all enjoy the next installment.
Jackie had spent the night at Donna's as it seemed easier as all the preparations were being made at the Forman's and Pinciotti's. She woke up in a haze; she felt like the last several months had been a dream. She looked down and saw a couple of bridal magazines and realized she was getting married today. To be specific today at 3pm. She sprang out from the bed and rushed into the bathroom. She quickly ran a bath, as she wanted to look radiant. When the bath was full she got in a bathed herself in her favourite lavender bubble bath. She washed and conditioned her hair with a formula specially designed for her, one of daddy's gifts. It felt weird to her knowing that she wasn't going to be Jackie Burkhart anymore she was going to be Jackie Kelso. She got out of the bath and wrapped a warm towel around herself. As she walked out of the bathroom and into Donna's bedroom she heard a lot of commotion going on outside. She walked towards the closed window that overlooked the Forman's garage and looked out.
She saw Eric, Fez, Donna, Michael, Mr Forman, Mrs Forman and Mr Pinciotti. They were all talking and she couldn't make out what they were saying. Then she saw Steven carrying a suitcase and realised he was leaving. Her heart ached in pain. She wanted to tell him she loved him that no matter what happens she always will but the fear of him rejecting her again got the better of her. She brought her hand up to the windowpane and attempted to open it but it wouldn't budge. At that moment she wanted to shout out at him for him to stay. She loved him but she was destined to be with Michael. She took the window as an example. If it was her fate to be with Steven the window would have opened. At this thought she felt defeated. She took one last look at Steven and moved away from the window to begin getting ready.
She dried off her body and pulled on a bathrobe. She started to dry her hair. She got up and turned on the radio the voices of ABBA floated through the room. Jackie caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and burst into tears. The brush she was holding fell to the floor and slid off the bed to get it but instead she just laid her body on the floor and listened to ABBA.
Hyde walked out of the kitchen with suitcase in tow. The el Camino was parked in front of the Vista Cruiser. He loaded his suitcase in the back and closed it. He took a few steps towards the mass of people that were gathered in the garage. Hyde wished that Jackie were there so he would at least get a good bye but he guessed she was to busy getting ready. He walked towards Mrs Forman and gave her a hug. He pulled back but she pulled him back in.
"Mrs Forman I...can't breathe" He said in between breaths. She finally let him go. She had tears in her eyes.
"Mrs Forman I appreciate everything you've done and I will always think of you as a mom. And don't worry I wont be gone forever. I am really gonna miss you." Hyde said.
Kitty clearly looked touched. "Now Steven you make sure you phone us every week and don't forget about the ones who love you." She said while sobbing towards the end. Red stepped forward and put his arm around Kitty. "Steven I'm given you gas money that must go on gas you got me."
"Yeah I understand. Thanks Red." Hyde said.
"Your welcome dumbass!" Red said while hugging Hyde. They both pulled back after about a second.
"Hey why does he get a hug?" Eric yelled.
"Because dumbass he's leaving and you will most defiantly get one when your free loading ass leaves!" Red said.
Kelso and Fez walked over to Hyde.
"Here I brought you some things for the road." Fez said while giving him a big bag of candy.
"Wow Fez, umm jelly beans." Hyde said as he opened the bag. He was about to put them a way when Fez said.
"What Jelly beans, no you can't have them!" And he grabbed the bag of candy out of his hand.
"BURN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kelso shouted. Hyde gave him an annoyed look and turned back to Fez.
"But Fez..."
"I am sorry Hyde but I love jelly beans." Fez pleaded.
"Don't worry buddy. Now if you score with a totally hot chick you have to tell me." Hyde said.
"Don't worry I will. Hot babes I am coming." Fez shouted. Everyone laughed. Hyde hugged Fez.
"Take care little buddy."
"So if there are any hot girls in California that don't want you and would much rather make out with a totally hot guy give them my phone number." Kelso said.
Hyde grew annoyed. He couldn't believe Jackie had agreed to marry Kelso.
"Err Kelso what day is it and also what time is it?" Hyde innocently asked.
"Well Hyde it's December 14th and it's 11:30, oh shit it's my wedding day!" Kelso hugged Hyde and then ran off to get ready. Everybody looked after him in shock. Bob approached Hyde.
"Aww geez..." Bob said it looked as if he was going to cry, everybody looked on in disgust including Donna.
"Bob I am not hugging you." Hyde said. Bob just gave him this wounded dog look and Hyde just gave in.
"Oh and by the way if you see any of those really nice man rings pick up a couple for me." He said as he walked back to Donna. She walked up towards Hyde we a tear in her eye.
"God look at me you've made me cry you dill hole." Donna teased. Hyde just laughed.
"I thought you were mad at me?" Hyde asked.
"Yeah well I still am cos I still think you should talk to Jackie, but I couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye to one of my oldest friends. I'm gonna really miss you." She sobbed.
"Yeah well I'm gonna miss you too." He brought her into a tight hug. Hyde was saying goodbye to all his friends and felt really wrong. The hug was long and neither Hyde nor Donna let go. Eric walked other.
"Hey let go of my girlfriend." He laughed. Donna and Hyde let go.
"And what are you gonna do Forman?" Hyde asked.
"I'm..gonna...bore you with Star wars stories that what I'm gonna do." Eric replied.
"Yeah well if that's what you're fighting with I guess I have to let go then." Hyde smiled.
"Are you sure you wanna leave man, cos you got it pretty good here. I mean free food and a great set of friends." Eric said while putting his arm around Donna.
"Nah man, the way I see it is that there are more things out there and I wanna see 'em." Eric pulled Hyde into a hug.
"Yeah well have a great time and said us a postcard."
"What the hell is happening today? I think I've been hugged like seven times today." Hyde groaned.
"Well man it's cos we love ya." Eric teased.
Hyde walked towards the car and opened the driver's door when he felt Donna grab him. He turned around.
"Hyde did you even say goodbye to Jackie?" Donna asked.
Hyde didn't say anything and got in his car. As he pulled out of the drive way an instinct within him told him to look up. He did and saw Jackie looking down at him. He stared at her until he saw her retreating figure.
Everyone said goodbye as he pulled out of the driveway. The goodbye's kept going until they couldn't see him anymore.
Mrs Forman turned to everyone and said. "Come on everybody we have a wedding to go to." And with that everybody went his or her separate ways to get married.
Donna walked to her room where she heard a little whimper. She saw Jackie crying against the wall and quickly walked towards her. She kneeled down beside Jackie.
"Jackie what's wrong?" Donna asked in concern.
Jackie was so deep in her own thoughts it took a while for her to register the fact that Donna had even spoke to her. She moistened her lips with her tongue and spoke.
"Yeah I'm fine. I just really happy." She wiped her eyes with the palm her hand and allowed Donna to help her up. They both walked to the bed.
"Jackie, Hyde's gone. He left a couple of minutes ago."
"Really. Well now that that's out of the way we have to start getting ready. I have so much to do. My make up, my hair, get in to my dress and I only have a few hours." Jackie sighed. Donna put her arms around her.
"Don't worry I'll help you."
It was now 2:30 and Kelso, Eric, and Fez were in the back having a farewell drink. By now all the guests had arrived. Now all they were waiting on was Jackie. Kelso, Eric and Fez came out of the back room and stood near the alter. Eric was best man and Fez was one of the groomsmen. All the boys cleaned up pretty well as they were dressed in fine black tuxes.
Kitty stood near the alter and demanded all three of the boys pose for a picture to send to Hyde. After that was done the church started to settle down. Jackie's side was clearly looking upon Kelso's side in disgust at the arguing that was going on amongst Kelso's brothers. The minister walked through and everyone remained quiet.
Kitty looked proudly at the church and at the beautiful arrangement of the flowers that ran down both sides of the pew. The church looked really beautiful. Organ music erupted in the church and the beginning bars of the wedding march could be heard. Everybody looked down the aisle that revealed Jackie in a stunning wedding dress. She wore her hair down that cascaded over her shoulders. Her make up was picture perfect. Jackie looked around the church and suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe. But she regained her composure and gripped onto her daddy's arm. All the brides' maids and grooms men had walked down the aisle and now it was her turn. She looked at her dad and nodded for him to start moving. Okay. Breathe this isn't hard. Just one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be Michael's wife. Wow Donna looks amazing.
Jackie's dress glided across the carpet and gave her the appearance of her floating on thin air. The veil glided across the floor. It was held place by a beautiful tiara that sparkled as she walked. Everybody looked at how innocent and beautiful Jackie looked. After what seemed like an eternity Jackie had reached the alter.
She looked across and saw Michael smiling. He leaned forward towards her and whispered to her that she looked wonderful. The entire hall fell silent and her dad had left her.
"Now we are here to celebrate the union of Jackie Burkhart and Michael Kelso. Their love is a love that has survived many tests that had been thrown at them. And I am here to make their vows to each other real under the power of God. These two deserve each other and may they set the example of love to any other couple." The minister said.
Jackie gazed at Donna and Eric and realised that they are a couple that really love each other not her and Michael. She turned back to the minister.
"Jackie do you take Michael Kelso to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health for richer or for poorer till death do you part." The minister asked.
Jackie just stared at Michael. She couldn't go through with it. She loved Steven and she'd be cheating herself if she married Michael. A sad look appeared on Jackie's face and her eyes looked up at Michael filled with sorrow.
"I'm sorry Michael." She whispered.
"I'm really sorry but..." She looked around the room "..I can't do this I can't marry you."
The whole room erupted in a shock. All eyes where on Jackie. Kelso didn't say anything.
Jackie turned to run but was stopped by a hand on her wrist. She turned back around and saw Michael with tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
"Why Jackie?" He asked.
".......Because I am in love with someone else." She lifted her hand and touched his cheek. "I will always love you just not in the way you want me to." She stood on her tiptoes and placed a chaste kiss on Kelso's cheek. And with that she ran down the aisle with out looking back. Immediately Donna and Eric ran after her while fez and Mrs Forman consoled Kelso.
Jackie ran as fast as her legs could carry her in heels. She stopped and took off her shoes this gave enough time for Donna and Eric to catch up with her. She heard voices calling her name.
"Jackie what are doing?" Donna called.
"I love Steven and I need to tell him that." Jackie said.
"Well his plane leaves at 3:45 which means we have 20 minutes to try and stop. Come on I'll drive you to the airport." Eric said. Jackie leaped in to the car as did Donna and then they sped off.
Authors Note: I wanna say a huge thank you to pokey fro reviewing my story it really mean a lot to me and I hope you all enjoy the next installment.