Chapter 5- Where will I go?
Simultaneously Hyde and Jackie both gasped in surprise at his comment.
"What? Do you love me?" Jackie was completely confused. Since when did Hyde start loving her, or even liking her for that matter?
"No…I mean yes…wait no!" He stammered, unsure at what to say. "I'm sorry." He finally managed to get out.
"You really do love me." For the first time since the accident a genuine smile spread across Jackie's face.
"Yeah, I guess I do, but I never meant for you to find out yet. You know, considering everything that's happened." Hyde was nervous. He was suddenly overcome with a fear that Jackie would never love him back. That he was just setting himself up for disappointment.
"This makes me feel better, knowing someone cares for me in a world where I have no one." Jackie sighed as she continued. "But I'm really not ready for the stress and commitment of a relationship yet. I hope you understand. I do want to be with you, I do love you, but it will probably be a while before I'm ready."
A sense of relief spread over Hyde. "Jackie, I've realized that I'll do whatever it takes to be with you. I'm here for you in any and everyway you want. Take as much time as you need." He hugged Jackie gently and started the car in the direction of the Forman's house.
When Hyde and Jackie arrived there was a lawyer waiting for Jackie.
"Miss. Burkhart I'm so sorry for your loss but I was wondering if I could please have a word? Your friend Donna said you would be here. Mr. McKay greeted Jackie as she stepped inside Eric's house accompanied by Hyde.
"Of course Mr. McKay, is there any problem with my parents Will? Jackie grasped Hyde's hand and he gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Last night I was reviewing the Will of Mr. and Mrs. Burkhart and it seems everything is in order except for one thing…Mr. McKay stopped and stared at Jackie for a moment, "my dear I'm very sorry to tell you that your parents haven't specified where you will be going now that they have, passed on. I've done some research and you have no living relatives in the position to take you. Since you are just 17 your only option is foster care."
Hyde looked at Jackie who's shocked face suddenly clouded with angry tears.
"My parents forgot about me? There must be some mistake. You obviously didn't review the Will well enough!" Jackie jumped up from the table she was seated at, nearly knocking it over just as Red and Kitty Forman walked in.
"What's going on here?" Red glanced from a furious Jackie to a bewildered lawyer.
"This lawyer says I have to live in foster care because he says my parents didn't leave instructions in their Will on where I'll live now that they're….." Jackie's voice trailed off as her anger broke and she ran crying into Hyde's arms.
"Oh Jackie, sweetie!" Kitty put her arms around Hyde and Jackie.
"Steven take Jackie into the other room. Kitty and I are going to talk to Mr. McKay." Red sternly but kindly spoke to Hyde as Hyde ushered Jackie out of the room.
They curled up on the sofa in the living room. Jackie buried herself in Hyde's arms.
"I can't believe my parents forgot about me! I know they weren't model parents but I was their only child. Am I so horrible that they just didn't care?" Her voice was hoarse and Hyde could sense the water works coming.
"No of course not. Most adults don't think they'll have to leave their children before they're grown, it wasn't your fault." Hyde tried to come up with a believable answer to Jackie's question. He didn't want to tell her the truth. Pam and Jack Burkhart were terrible parents as well as people. She drank, he stole and Hyde knew when they were alive they had no time for Jackie. His thoughts were interrupted as Kitty, Red and Mr. McKay walked through the door. Mr. McKay began to speak.
"Miss. Burkhart, I've been talking with the Forman's and we have a suggestion…Mr. Forman…" He turned to Red who took a seat next to Jackie.
"Look Jackie, I know you've been through a lot lately so Kitty and I have something to ask you…" And in a rare act of kindness, Red asked Jackie if she would come live with them.