In The Beginning
Chapter Nine: The End of Jackie Kelso
Jackie groaned as she lifted her head up from her pillow.
Her first time in the circle did not go over so well...
Jackie had already started to feel the repercussions of what she had done when Donna, Eric, Kelso, and Fez stormed through the side door, laughing about how Pam Macy accidentally locked herself in the bathroom at the Hub. Jackie thought this was the funniest thing she had heard all day, and was ready to laugh and ask for a retelling of the story, as she smoothed her skirt down and readjusted herself, but she felt extremely uncomfortable...and kind of paranoid.
"Were you in there with her?" Jackie shouted out to Kelso, who had taken a seat next to her, slapping his knee as he laughed.
"What?" Kelso asked, since everyone had been laughing so hard he didn't hear her.
"Nothing." Jackie placed a hand over her forehead, which had begun to throb.
Kelso just gave her a weird look as the gang turned their attention to Hyde. It was obvious that Eric had told everyone else what was going on, by their sad expressions.
"Quit it." Hyde muttered, giving Jackie one last look, before he stood up.
"Hyde..." Eric began, standing up as well. "Maybe you should talk about it..."
"Stop acting like such a girl, Forman." Hyde said, cracking a smile. "I'm fine." He looked around the whole room, and confirmed it once more, "I'm fine."
No one said anything and with one last look, Hyde turned and left the basement. As soon as his footsteps were no longer heard, everyone turned to Jackie.
"What?" Jackie asked, feeling sicker by the minute.
"I thought you hated Hyde." Eric said flatly, sitting back down.
"I did." Jackie said, coughing gently. "I mean, I do."
"Then why were you down here with him? By yourselves?" Kelso asked, jealousy increasing by the second.
"I was looking for you!" Jackie screeched, wheezing again.
"Geez, Jackie, it was just a question!" Kelso shouted back.
"Who gave you the right to question me?" Jackie stood up, grabbing her purse and jacket. "I'm NOT the one who cheats!"
She stuck her nose up in the air, triumphantly, and left the remaining four to puzzle what exactly went on in the basement between the cheerleader and the pothead.
But that was last night....and the only parts Jackie could remember was the before and after. She knew she had said something to Hyde, but what was said, she wasn't sure of...she just hoped it wasn't too revealing because well...she was known for her big, fat cheerleader mouth and well, she had to admit...that even though he was scruffy, and poor, she might just be attracted to Steven Hyde.
She supposed she always was...since first grade when she caught him staring at her, with that skeptical look...
Since he helped her run away from Kelso and then from her mom.
Since...forever.
But what was she to do about it? There was no way the feelings were mutual and besides, she was with Kelso.
Jackie groaned again as she got dressed that morning, thanking god it was a Sunday and that her mom was in Mexico for the weekend.
Upon realizing she was all alone in the house, since it was the help's day off and her father was at a business conference that weekend, she skipped her usual routine of applying make up and setting her hair, and just slipped into an old pair of jeans and a tee shirt and lazily piled her hair on top of her head in a bun.
She practically had a seizure when she caught her reflection in the hallway mirror. Her skin was splotchy, and pale, but her eyes were red and puffy and larger then usual. Hyde's stash was probably low quality...or maybe it was just because the tiny cheerleader wasn't used to such things. Either way, Jackie marched past the mirror and sat in her living room, feeling quite alone.
The sun cascaded into the living room, leaving splashes of yellow on the big, fluffy couches. Jackie sat, with her legs tucked neatly under her, not sure of what it is she should do. Usually, she would call up a friend and they would give each other make overs, or go to the movies. But Jackie couldn't even think of a friend to do that with anymore...well, except for Donna, of course, but she had never called Donna up before.
Usually, she would be with Michael, and Donna would show up, and then they'd hang out. Jackie never went out of her way to be nice to Donna or to invite Donna somewhere.
And she wasn't about to start.
Jackie felt a persistent tug on her heart at this thought, because deep down inside, she really enjoyed Donna's company. She pushed the idea out of her head, and decided that painting her nails would be just as fun, when the doorbell rang.
Jackie hesitated to answer, only out of habit, since usually one of the maids would do it. But as the doorbell chimed again, Jackie slowly realized that no one else was home and she'd actually have to do it herself.
She huffed as she stood up, pushing back all her stray hairs and shoving her hands in her front pockets as she unlocked the door and Donna timidly walked in.
Jackie shut the door behind her with a smile, gesturing for Donna to sit in the living room with her.
"Jackie, I need your help."
"Finally!" Jackie squealed, pulling a piece of Donna's hair, "First we need to introduce you to my good friend, conditioner."
"What?" Donna asked, with a confused strain in her eyes. "No. I have a boy problem."
"Oh." Jackie turned forward and let her hands drops to her lap. "Let me guess...Eric?"
"No."
"What?" Jackie jumped forward and looked at Donna squarely. "Who else is there?"
"Hyde."
Jackie felt her heart sink at the mention of his name, but simply smiled. "Oh, Donna." She shook her head sadly, laughing gently.
"He kissed me."
"What?!" Jackie screeched, but then covered it up with a fit of giggles. "Details, Donna!"
"Well," Donna began, quite unsure of what to say, "His lips, touched mine."
"Well," Jackie rolled her eyes. "Was it good?"
"I don't know."
"How can you not know, Donna?"
"Well, I mean, it was my first kiss."
"No surprise there." Jackie said flatly, as Donna pinched her. "Ow! So what's the problem?"
"I like Eric."
"No, really?" Jackie widened her eyes in a mocking way.
Donna rolled her eyes and pinched Jackie again, "Since why are you sarcastic?"
Jackie knew the answer to that one; since she spent the night talking to Hyde, but she just shrugged in response.
"I don't like Hyde, not that way." Donna continued. "What do I do?"
"Ok, Donna, this is really easy. In fact, you can use it to your advantage!" Jackie squealed, leaning in closer to Donna, to whisper, even though no one was really around, "Just date Hyde until Eric gets jealous and declares his love for you."
"What? I'm not pitting them against each other, Jackie. They're best friends."
"Which is why it will work!"
"No." Donna sat back, taking a breath to think. "I think I should just tell Hyde that I don't like him that way, and that I like Eric."
"Fine, do it your way. Be predictable." Jackie shrugged, watching Donna carefully as she stood up.
"Well, thanks, I think." Donna said slowly. "Are you home alone?"
"Yeah." Jackie looked around, trying to not make herself look like a charity case. "Donna, do you think Hyde likes you..."
Donna gave Jackie a suspicious look before she continued.
"Because maybe he just kissed you because of you know, all this drama he's been dealing with at home. Maybe he's just confused."
"You like Hyde!" Donna screamed.
Jackie jumped up quickly, "What? NO!"
"Yes, you soooo do!"
"No, I don't. Shut up."
"Jackie and Hyde, sitting in a tree..."
"Donna, shut up, or I'll kick you." Jackie placed her hands on her hips as Donna danced around, continuing her song, "I mean it!"
"K-I-S-S-I-owwww!" Donna clutched her shin, where Jackie just kneed her. "That hurt, you midget!"
"Good." Jackie spat. "I don't like Hyde, ok? I'm dating Michael!"
"Ok." Donna went towards the door quietly. "First comes marriage..."
"Donna!" Jackie started to run after Donna, but only saw the door slam in her face.
Jackie sighed loudly, staring back at her empty house.
She knew Donna wouldn't tell anyone, but still...
The fact that someone else knows just made it even more real.
It scared Jackie completely.
It could be the one thing that could get between her and her popularity...
But did she even care about popularity anymore?
Jackie sighed again, deciding that sitting here alone in self pity was no way to spend a nice, sunny Sunday afternoon.
She ran upstairs, slipping on the worn jean jacket that was laid neatly on the top of her closet, enjoying the scent that still lingered on the collar and started to walk down her street, letting the sunshine seep into her. She wasn't about to go anywhere in public, she looked like a mess. She figured that she just needed a place to sit and think; and that the perfect place would be the school courtyard.
Jackie was just about to turn off the corner of her street when she heard a familiar, goofy laugh behind her, along with a girly one. Jackie quickly ducked behind a large bush and watched two people exit Pam Macy's house, one being a very skanky Pam Macy herself. Jackie couldn't quite make out who the boy was, that Pam's lips were permanently attached to...but he seemed very familiar.
Jackie's jaw dropped when Pam and the boy separated, and started to walk down the street together.
She perked her ears up and made sure she was out of view as they walked by.
"Pam, thank god I have you."
Jackie's heart felt crushed, but not as hard as she thought it would be.
"I mean, Jackie won't even let me feel her up, but you," He paused, swooping Pam Macy back into his arms, kissing her lightly, "You put out on the first date, and that's why I love you."
Jackie couldn't stay silent any longer.
She knew Michael cheats; he always cheated. That didn't surprise her, or hurt her. But the fact that he was having SEX with that cheap slut who used to be her best friend, and was telling her that he loved her...that hurt. Because he never said those words to her...even though she did, plenty of times, whether she really meant it or not. A part of her did love Michael...the part that also wanted to impress her mother and be the typical cheerleader; the part of her that was dying slowly.
Jackie stepped out of the bushes, watching their entangled bodies push against the wall of a house, and she felt tears starting to roll off her cheeks. And soon, a sharp cry came from her throat, deep down inside.
Michael and Pam turned around, both letting go of each other instantly.
"Jackie!" Michael screamed, running towards her.
She stepped back, giving him a threatening look.
"I don't want to hear it." Jackie said, wrapping her arms around herself.
"But Jackie..."
"You have wasted too much of my time already, Michael." Jackie said confidently, giving Pam a sour look.
"Jackie, just let me apologize, please..." His eyes looked truly sorry this time, but Jackie couldn't let herself be hurt again and again. She had to stay strong.
"Don't make this harder then it already is, ok?" She said with a sigh and walked off towards the Elementary school.
She could barely believe she had done it.
This was it; there was no turning back...
Jackie took a glance backwards, to see Pam and Kelso yelling at each other.
She focused straight ahead, spotting the familiar building and finding the courtyard gates, which she had no problem slipping into, because she was so small.
There was no turning back.
She wouldn't let him hurt her again.
She wouldn't let anyone hurt her again.
From now on, it was just Jackie. She didn't need a boyfriend to keep her happy. She doesn't need anyone. The only person she has is herself; it's always been that way, but now she sees that it HAS to be that way.
It hurts too much for it to be any different.
This was the end of Jackie Kelso.
Chapter Nine: The End of Jackie Kelso
Jackie groaned as she lifted her head up from her pillow.
Her first time in the circle did not go over so well...
Jackie had already started to feel the repercussions of what she had done when Donna, Eric, Kelso, and Fez stormed through the side door, laughing about how Pam Macy accidentally locked herself in the bathroom at the Hub. Jackie thought this was the funniest thing she had heard all day, and was ready to laugh and ask for a retelling of the story, as she smoothed her skirt down and readjusted herself, but she felt extremely uncomfortable...and kind of paranoid.
"Were you in there with her?" Jackie shouted out to Kelso, who had taken a seat next to her, slapping his knee as he laughed.
"What?" Kelso asked, since everyone had been laughing so hard he didn't hear her.
"Nothing." Jackie placed a hand over her forehead, which had begun to throb.
Kelso just gave her a weird look as the gang turned their attention to Hyde. It was obvious that Eric had told everyone else what was going on, by their sad expressions.
"Quit it." Hyde muttered, giving Jackie one last look, before he stood up.
"Hyde..." Eric began, standing up as well. "Maybe you should talk about it..."
"Stop acting like such a girl, Forman." Hyde said, cracking a smile. "I'm fine." He looked around the whole room, and confirmed it once more, "I'm fine."
No one said anything and with one last look, Hyde turned and left the basement. As soon as his footsteps were no longer heard, everyone turned to Jackie.
"What?" Jackie asked, feeling sicker by the minute.
"I thought you hated Hyde." Eric said flatly, sitting back down.
"I did." Jackie said, coughing gently. "I mean, I do."
"Then why were you down here with him? By yourselves?" Kelso asked, jealousy increasing by the second.
"I was looking for you!" Jackie screeched, wheezing again.
"Geez, Jackie, it was just a question!" Kelso shouted back.
"Who gave you the right to question me?" Jackie stood up, grabbing her purse and jacket. "I'm NOT the one who cheats!"
She stuck her nose up in the air, triumphantly, and left the remaining four to puzzle what exactly went on in the basement between the cheerleader and the pothead.
But that was last night....and the only parts Jackie could remember was the before and after. She knew she had said something to Hyde, but what was said, she wasn't sure of...she just hoped it wasn't too revealing because well...she was known for her big, fat cheerleader mouth and well, she had to admit...that even though he was scruffy, and poor, she might just be attracted to Steven Hyde.
She supposed she always was...since first grade when she caught him staring at her, with that skeptical look...
Since he helped her run away from Kelso and then from her mom.
Since...forever.
But what was she to do about it? There was no way the feelings were mutual and besides, she was with Kelso.
Jackie groaned again as she got dressed that morning, thanking god it was a Sunday and that her mom was in Mexico for the weekend.
Upon realizing she was all alone in the house, since it was the help's day off and her father was at a business conference that weekend, she skipped her usual routine of applying make up and setting her hair, and just slipped into an old pair of jeans and a tee shirt and lazily piled her hair on top of her head in a bun.
She practically had a seizure when she caught her reflection in the hallway mirror. Her skin was splotchy, and pale, but her eyes were red and puffy and larger then usual. Hyde's stash was probably low quality...or maybe it was just because the tiny cheerleader wasn't used to such things. Either way, Jackie marched past the mirror and sat in her living room, feeling quite alone.
The sun cascaded into the living room, leaving splashes of yellow on the big, fluffy couches. Jackie sat, with her legs tucked neatly under her, not sure of what it is she should do. Usually, she would call up a friend and they would give each other make overs, or go to the movies. But Jackie couldn't even think of a friend to do that with anymore...well, except for Donna, of course, but she had never called Donna up before.
Usually, she would be with Michael, and Donna would show up, and then they'd hang out. Jackie never went out of her way to be nice to Donna or to invite Donna somewhere.
And she wasn't about to start.
Jackie felt a persistent tug on her heart at this thought, because deep down inside, she really enjoyed Donna's company. She pushed the idea out of her head, and decided that painting her nails would be just as fun, when the doorbell rang.
Jackie hesitated to answer, only out of habit, since usually one of the maids would do it. But as the doorbell chimed again, Jackie slowly realized that no one else was home and she'd actually have to do it herself.
She huffed as she stood up, pushing back all her stray hairs and shoving her hands in her front pockets as she unlocked the door and Donna timidly walked in.
Jackie shut the door behind her with a smile, gesturing for Donna to sit in the living room with her.
"Jackie, I need your help."
"Finally!" Jackie squealed, pulling a piece of Donna's hair, "First we need to introduce you to my good friend, conditioner."
"What?" Donna asked, with a confused strain in her eyes. "No. I have a boy problem."
"Oh." Jackie turned forward and let her hands drops to her lap. "Let me guess...Eric?"
"No."
"What?" Jackie jumped forward and looked at Donna squarely. "Who else is there?"
"Hyde."
Jackie felt her heart sink at the mention of his name, but simply smiled. "Oh, Donna." She shook her head sadly, laughing gently.
"He kissed me."
"What?!" Jackie screeched, but then covered it up with a fit of giggles. "Details, Donna!"
"Well," Donna began, quite unsure of what to say, "His lips, touched mine."
"Well," Jackie rolled her eyes. "Was it good?"
"I don't know."
"How can you not know, Donna?"
"Well, I mean, it was my first kiss."
"No surprise there." Jackie said flatly, as Donna pinched her. "Ow! So what's the problem?"
"I like Eric."
"No, really?" Jackie widened her eyes in a mocking way.
Donna rolled her eyes and pinched Jackie again, "Since why are you sarcastic?"
Jackie knew the answer to that one; since she spent the night talking to Hyde, but she just shrugged in response.
"I don't like Hyde, not that way." Donna continued. "What do I do?"
"Ok, Donna, this is really easy. In fact, you can use it to your advantage!" Jackie squealed, leaning in closer to Donna, to whisper, even though no one was really around, "Just date Hyde until Eric gets jealous and declares his love for you."
"What? I'm not pitting them against each other, Jackie. They're best friends."
"Which is why it will work!"
"No." Donna sat back, taking a breath to think. "I think I should just tell Hyde that I don't like him that way, and that I like Eric."
"Fine, do it your way. Be predictable." Jackie shrugged, watching Donna carefully as she stood up.
"Well, thanks, I think." Donna said slowly. "Are you home alone?"
"Yeah." Jackie looked around, trying to not make herself look like a charity case. "Donna, do you think Hyde likes you..."
Donna gave Jackie a suspicious look before she continued.
"Because maybe he just kissed you because of you know, all this drama he's been dealing with at home. Maybe he's just confused."
"You like Hyde!" Donna screamed.
Jackie jumped up quickly, "What? NO!"
"Yes, you soooo do!"
"No, I don't. Shut up."
"Jackie and Hyde, sitting in a tree..."
"Donna, shut up, or I'll kick you." Jackie placed her hands on her hips as Donna danced around, continuing her song, "I mean it!"
"K-I-S-S-I-owwww!" Donna clutched her shin, where Jackie just kneed her. "That hurt, you midget!"
"Good." Jackie spat. "I don't like Hyde, ok? I'm dating Michael!"
"Ok." Donna went towards the door quietly. "First comes marriage..."
"Donna!" Jackie started to run after Donna, but only saw the door slam in her face.
Jackie sighed loudly, staring back at her empty house.
She knew Donna wouldn't tell anyone, but still...
The fact that someone else knows just made it even more real.
It scared Jackie completely.
It could be the one thing that could get between her and her popularity...
But did she even care about popularity anymore?
Jackie sighed again, deciding that sitting here alone in self pity was no way to spend a nice, sunny Sunday afternoon.
She ran upstairs, slipping on the worn jean jacket that was laid neatly on the top of her closet, enjoying the scent that still lingered on the collar and started to walk down her street, letting the sunshine seep into her. She wasn't about to go anywhere in public, she looked like a mess. She figured that she just needed a place to sit and think; and that the perfect place would be the school courtyard.
Jackie was just about to turn off the corner of her street when she heard a familiar, goofy laugh behind her, along with a girly one. Jackie quickly ducked behind a large bush and watched two people exit Pam Macy's house, one being a very skanky Pam Macy herself. Jackie couldn't quite make out who the boy was, that Pam's lips were permanently attached to...but he seemed very familiar.
Jackie's jaw dropped when Pam and the boy separated, and started to walk down the street together.
She perked her ears up and made sure she was out of view as they walked by.
"Pam, thank god I have you."
Jackie's heart felt crushed, but not as hard as she thought it would be.
"I mean, Jackie won't even let me feel her up, but you," He paused, swooping Pam Macy back into his arms, kissing her lightly, "You put out on the first date, and that's why I love you."
Jackie couldn't stay silent any longer.
She knew Michael cheats; he always cheated. That didn't surprise her, or hurt her. But the fact that he was having SEX with that cheap slut who used to be her best friend, and was telling her that he loved her...that hurt. Because he never said those words to her...even though she did, plenty of times, whether she really meant it or not. A part of her did love Michael...the part that also wanted to impress her mother and be the typical cheerleader; the part of her that was dying slowly.
Jackie stepped out of the bushes, watching their entangled bodies push against the wall of a house, and she felt tears starting to roll off her cheeks. And soon, a sharp cry came from her throat, deep down inside.
Michael and Pam turned around, both letting go of each other instantly.
"Jackie!" Michael screamed, running towards her.
She stepped back, giving him a threatening look.
"I don't want to hear it." Jackie said, wrapping her arms around herself.
"But Jackie..."
"You have wasted too much of my time already, Michael." Jackie said confidently, giving Pam a sour look.
"Jackie, just let me apologize, please..." His eyes looked truly sorry this time, but Jackie couldn't let herself be hurt again and again. She had to stay strong.
"Don't make this harder then it already is, ok?" She said with a sigh and walked off towards the Elementary school.
She could barely believe she had done it.
This was it; there was no turning back...
Jackie took a glance backwards, to see Pam and Kelso yelling at each other.
She focused straight ahead, spotting the familiar building and finding the courtyard gates, which she had no problem slipping into, because she was so small.
There was no turning back.
She wouldn't let him hurt her again.
She wouldn't let anyone hurt her again.
From now on, it was just Jackie. She didn't need a boyfriend to keep her happy. She doesn't need anyone. The only person she has is herself; it's always been that way, but now she sees that it HAS to be that way.
It hurts too much for it to be any different.
This was the end of Jackie Kelso.