In The Beginning
Chapter Twenty Nine: Always
Hyde had been dreading this day for weeks.
He knew he'd have to go to school, since Red had threatened to kick his ass for cutting gym so much lately. Was it his fault that he'd rather accompany Jackie for lunch then prance around in tiny gym shorts? Hardly.
And he knew that he would have to keep up a smile in front of Jackie. He couldn't tell her. Well, he could. But he wasn't sure how. It was hard for him – and she, of all people, would probably understand that the most – but he just couldn't actually let words spill out of his mouth when it came to his...issues.
He wasn't a man of emotion.
When it came to rebellious debauchery or getting high – hell, Steven Hyde was your man. But when it came to sharing, caring, or declaring, he became numb, zen. He put up his mask and never let it down.
It had been easier when he didn't have her there, by his side, always watching him. Jackie had this way of looking straight through him, to his very core. Even with sunglasses, she could see his emotions, clearly displayed across his eyes.
But he still kept himself in check that morning, slipping on his shades and shoving his hands in his pockets so Jackie wouldn't see his trembling fingertips. The sight of Eric and Donna, all kissy-faced and mushy, made him sick. And he knew Jackie was watching him, demanding for that sort of attention. But not today.
Today was different.
He kept pretty quiet on their walk to school, reassuringly squeezing Jackie's hand and blowing into her ear, so she wouldn't see that he was acting different, working extra hard to cover up his insecurities.
He felt his body tense when her hand left his, and she kissed his cheek gently, running after Donna towards the girl's bathroom, as he ran to catch up with the guys.
Eric gave him a tender pat on the back, which he tried to ignore.
He wasn't surprised that out of all his friends, the only one that remembered what today was Eric. That's how Eric was, that's why Eric was his best friend.
Hyde didn't attend any of his classes that day.
Usually, he'll show up for a few, bookless and tired.
He'd sleep, or stare at the wall. Or think about random things.
But today all he could think about was what today was, so he sat outside, deep in thought, underneath the shade of one of the blooming trees. Summer was coming, which he was excited for. His birthday was in August and he would be getting his license, finally. He couldn't wait to be cruising around in whatever piece of crap he could afford, windows open, Led Zeppelin blasting, Jackie's hair being thrown against the wind as she sat by his side. He owed it to her, really, to take her out on a real date. They could go all the way to Kenosha, or Sheboygan, if they wanted.
As the sun reflected off his shades, and he dug his hands into the long blades of grass, he remembered something that had happened a few days ago.
He didn't know why it suddenly popped into his head... but it had slipped from his mind until recently.
That day had been torture. That morning, Donna came out; promptly informing Hyde that Jackie would be staying home, before she sucked Eric's face off.
Hyde pushed this information to the back of his mind, walking ahead of the couple, alone, so he wouldn't have to see their extreme closeness. He actually attended class, but by mid afternoon, he missed her face. Out of habit, he had skipped gym, waiting for her by the picnic table, and slowly it dawned on him, that she was at home, sick in bed, and not coming. He missed the scent of her perfume, those little dimples that curved into her smiles, the ones that she reserved just for him. He missed the stupid things she said that made him laugh, or the stifled giggles she would let out when he kissed her. He missed her lips, her tongue, her breath against his.
He smacked his head onto the picnic table, trying to break his thoughts before it consumed him. But as a small smile spread across his lips, he knew he had to see her, at that very moment, or his brain would explode.
So he cut his last three classes, walking home briskly, quickly stopping by the Forman's to grab something to drink. It had been a hot day, and he had to walk all the way home. He couldn't wait to get his freakin' license.
"Steven, bring this to poor Jackie, will you?" Kitty shoved a plastic container, steaming from the sides, into his hands, pushing him out the slider. "Wait." She held him for a second. "Shouldn't you be in school?"
He didn't say anything, letting his smile do all the talking and Kitty nodded, dreamily, and let him go without another word. She knew that Red would reprimand him later, but for now, he needed to see her.
The Pinciotti house was empty, since Donna was still in school and Bob was at his store. He crept up the stairs, grabbing a spoon from the kitchen on his way up, and gently knocked on the door to Donna's, and now Jackie's, bedroom.
He heard her coughing for him to come in.
She was surprised to see him, but was so sick that she barely showed any expression besides disgust. She drank the soup happily, sniffling all the while.
He didn't notice all the things she had.
He didn't notice that her nose was pink, that her hair was greasy, or that Donna's overly large sweatshirt was loosely clinging to her sweaty skin.
He did see that her eyes were glistening as she slurped her soup adorably, that a few freckles he had never noticed underneath all the usually worn make up sprinkled her button nose, and that she looked so natural, that his breath caught in his throat, his heart started pounding and his brain was instantly relieved from seeing her.
"When did you get so damn gorgeous?"
God, did he really just say that?
She practically choked on her soup as she looked at him, startled.
"Yeah, I would kiss you, but you're contagious." He laughed it off. "I'll stop by later, to see how you're doing, ok?" He took the bowl from her; planting a soft kiss on her forehead and watching her lay back down in bed, closing her eyes dreamily.
Why that random moment had popped into his head, just now, on this day of all days, was bewildering but it did make him smile, it did distract him for a second.
He thanked god that time ticked fast that day, and that Jackie was quickly approaching him as he sat at a picnic table, their usual one was occupied by another couple, some juniors he didn't recognize very well. But they gave him a dirty look, as most did in their school. Those who didn't know Hyde, thought he was trouble. And they were half right, he guessed.
Things had went pretty smoothly until Hyde noticed one of Jackie's cheerleader friends running up to him, screaming on and on about some Queen. His mind drifted as Jackie sputtered, "Oh my god!", forgetting all about him for the time being.
He couldn't believe it had been a year.
A whole year since...
"Michael Kelso!"
The name made his brain hurt and he looked up at Jackie as they both shouted, "WHAT?"
Dana, he thought her name was, rambled on about how Kelso had been left back and some more crap about Summer Queen, and Hyde just blanked out.
He stared down at the picnic table, almost laughing when he saw 'pam is a hussy' sprawled on it. He read all the little messages etched into the wood, skipping over the girl's phone numbers, because well, the only girl he would ever call lived right next door to him.
He took a sip of his coke as Dana disappeared and Jackie sat back down, rambling on about lavender shirts, and he noticed a particular, large engraving.
M.K. + J.B. = Forever.
Oh, god.
If they had been sitting at their regular table, he wouldn't have seen this.
Not today, he kept thinking.
His mask was starting to crumble as Jackie asked him what was wrong and he looked into her eyes, which looked confused and sad, probably a reflection of his own.
He wanted to tell her why he was feeling like crap today. But...he just couldn't find the words.
He left the situation as quickly as he could, practically knocking into three familiar blondes, huddled and whispering. They burst into a fit of giggles as he walked past them. He walked around the school aimlessly, passing by the picnic tables, where he saw Jackie, with two of the blondes sitting across from her. She looked Zen, something she had picked up from him. He studied her carefully, as her face changed from Zen to panicked, and she quickly left the table. The two girls were laughing and high fiving each other.
Why didn't they just leave her alone?
He knew that now he'd have to pick up the pieces.
He went towards her locker, very slowly, and there she was, rummaging through it breathlessly.
He couldn't think of anything to say but a simple 'hey' and 'are you ok?'.
When she asked him if he was ok, he wanted to smash his face into her locker.
No, he's not ok.
It had been a year!
A full year.
But he couldn't tell her that. A huge, conflicted grin made it's way to his face as he coerced her into cutting and they somehow ended up at the old Burkhart mansion. Didn't they always end up there?
As they sat down on her bed, she placed her delicate hand on his shoulder, pleading with him for her to just say what was wrong.
So she knew he was being different. She knew that today, of all days, he was acting different. So much for acting the same. She always saw through him, didn't she?
But he didn't feel like talking, not just yet...
*********
An hour has passed and Jackie grew restless. Her house was cold, and dark, and she was slightly worried about her cutting class. What if they called Bob? She didn't want to let him down. And how many classes was Steven missing? He had so much potential... he could really be something, and he was wasting it by running off with her.
"Steven?" She whispered into the darkness.
"I'm here." He said quietly.
He had moved, apparently, from her bed to her vanity chair.
He turned to her, the only thing lighting up his face was the moonlight streaming through her window.
"Can we talk now?" She asked timidly, sitting up so she could face him.
His sunglasses weren't on, she noticed his blue eyes right away.
They looked so sad, almost like that day in the nurse's office, when they had been fighting. Who knew back then that they would be where they are now?
Jackie remembered the sight of Hyde's bruises and shuddered.
Her parents left her sure, but only with emotional scars.
If her father ever touched her... she wouldn't know what to do.
He was so strong, she thought, as he took a seat next to her on the bed, reaching out for her hand, which she quickly placed in his, squeezing hard.
But he was so weak inside, too. She knew that. And he knew that she knew.
"Jackie," He paused, looking up at the moon before turning back to her. "I know I've been kind of an ass today, but, well,"
She really wanted to detest. He hadn't been that bad. Just his usual grumpy self. Maybe a little heavy on the grumpy, though. But she kept her mouth shut. There were few times in life when Jackie Burkhart remained quiet.
One - When someone threatens her.
Two - When someone kisses her.
Three - When someone looks like they have a whole lot on their mind,
and interrupting them would screw up their train of thought.
In this case, it was number three that made her think twice before
speaking.
"I should have told you this before, but..." He rolled his eyes, almost
waiting for her to interrupt, sincerely grateful when she didn't.
"Well,"
God, why was it so hard for him to speak?
"It's been a year since my parents left."
Her face went through so many stages in a matter of seconds.
Contempt, regret, guilt, pity.
He hated that last one.
Of all people, Jackie shouldn't pity him.
She understood though, and quickly took that look of her face,
touching his cheek tenderly.
"Why didn't you say something?"
"I tried." He muttered, inching closer to her. "It's not a big deal,
really."
"It obviously is, Steven." She smoothed her fingertips over his soft
lips, craving them suddenly. When was the last time they had made out?
When was the last time she had let him touch her? Why was she thinking
of pure physical craving when he needed her, emotionally, for the
first time, like, ever? "You don't have to hide yourself from me."
He nodded, and she couldn't take that sad expression in his eyes
anymore, letting her lips quickly glide against his.
Before she knew it, he had taken charge, groping her angrily, letting
out all of the frustration of today, this stupid day that made him
feel completely lost. She groaned as his hands went from her neck to
her chest, stroking the tips of her breasts softly over her shirt,
which was beginning to get thick with sweat.
"Steven," She moaned, but barely audible.
She wasn't sure what was happening. They hadn't been this physical in
a while. And usually at this point, he would pull away, out of
courtesy. He was afraid to hurt her, she knew that. But today was
different, he was a wreck, and she knew that too.
He continued to nip at her lips, letting his right hand slip towards
her bare stomach, her shirt riding up against him as he lay down on
top of her.
His hands were warm, and calloused, and she longed to have them stay
on her skin forever, but a part of her felt nervous. Why wasn't he
pulling away? This is where he would stop. Why wasn't he stopping?
What if he didn't stop?
His hand slowly inched down, his fingers playing numbly with the top
lace of her panties. Somehow, her skirt had slid down, her creamy,
white thighs pressing against the rugged jeans he had been wearing.
With one swift movement, his hand was underneath her underwear and
Jackie moaned in surprise, pleasure, and fear.
His fingers massaged her gently, and at first she enjoyed it.
It was something new, something good.
She didn't want him to stop, she decided, as waves of excitement
poured over her body.
His fingers quickened, and Jackie felt his skin pressing against hers
in small circles, quicker and quicker.
What once was pleasure was now just pain, and Jackie yelped softly
into his shoulder.
"Steven," She groaned, pushing against him. "Steven!"
His fingers stopped, and he quickly got up, wiping his hand against
his pants.
He looked almost as scared as she did.
"Sorry." He blurted absently.
She picked up her skirt, rubbing softy at her underwear. She could
feel her pulse vibrating against her legs, and her sweat starting to
subside.
"God, Jackie, I'm so sorry."
She expected him to run off, in typical Hyde fashion.
And they'd pretend it never happened.
But he didn't. He stood silent, then moved towards her, sitting down
next to her, kissing her lips softly.
"Jackie, can you promise me something?"
She looked up at him strangely.
Wow, today has been such a weird day, for both of them.
She knew that tomorrow he'd be back to his same old self, but today,
he was going to be soft, vulnerable.
She waited for him to continue.
"Promise me, that no matter what, you'll never leave me."
Jackie stared at him blankly, not sure of what to think.
"Everyone leaves, Jackie. I don't think I could handle it if you did."
"Steven," She laughed softly, kissing his forehead and gripping his
hand, "I'll always be here."
"Ok." He nodded, letting a gleam of happiness finally wash over him.
The day was almost over, after all. "That's cool."
She laughed. He was back. But that was ok.
The next day, Hyde was back to his usual self.
During lunch, as Jackie blabbed on about lavender shirts, she glanced
down at the table, to grab her coke, and realized something different.
A fresh heart had been carved, which was apparent from the clean,
crisp shavings coming off of the initials.
Inside, it read – S.H. + J.B. = Always.
And for some reason, Jackie decided that always was a lot longer then
forever.
Chapter Twenty Nine: Always
Hyde had been dreading this day for weeks.
He knew he'd have to go to school, since Red had threatened to kick his ass for cutting gym so much lately. Was it his fault that he'd rather accompany Jackie for lunch then prance around in tiny gym shorts? Hardly.
And he knew that he would have to keep up a smile in front of Jackie. He couldn't tell her. Well, he could. But he wasn't sure how. It was hard for him – and she, of all people, would probably understand that the most – but he just couldn't actually let words spill out of his mouth when it came to his...issues.
He wasn't a man of emotion.
When it came to rebellious debauchery or getting high – hell, Steven Hyde was your man. But when it came to sharing, caring, or declaring, he became numb, zen. He put up his mask and never let it down.
It had been easier when he didn't have her there, by his side, always watching him. Jackie had this way of looking straight through him, to his very core. Even with sunglasses, she could see his emotions, clearly displayed across his eyes.
But he still kept himself in check that morning, slipping on his shades and shoving his hands in his pockets so Jackie wouldn't see his trembling fingertips. The sight of Eric and Donna, all kissy-faced and mushy, made him sick. And he knew Jackie was watching him, demanding for that sort of attention. But not today.
Today was different.
He kept pretty quiet on their walk to school, reassuringly squeezing Jackie's hand and blowing into her ear, so she wouldn't see that he was acting different, working extra hard to cover up his insecurities.
He felt his body tense when her hand left his, and she kissed his cheek gently, running after Donna towards the girl's bathroom, as he ran to catch up with the guys.
Eric gave him a tender pat on the back, which he tried to ignore.
He wasn't surprised that out of all his friends, the only one that remembered what today was Eric. That's how Eric was, that's why Eric was his best friend.
Hyde didn't attend any of his classes that day.
Usually, he'll show up for a few, bookless and tired.
He'd sleep, or stare at the wall. Or think about random things.
But today all he could think about was what today was, so he sat outside, deep in thought, underneath the shade of one of the blooming trees. Summer was coming, which he was excited for. His birthday was in August and he would be getting his license, finally. He couldn't wait to be cruising around in whatever piece of crap he could afford, windows open, Led Zeppelin blasting, Jackie's hair being thrown against the wind as she sat by his side. He owed it to her, really, to take her out on a real date. They could go all the way to Kenosha, or Sheboygan, if they wanted.
As the sun reflected off his shades, and he dug his hands into the long blades of grass, he remembered something that had happened a few days ago.
He didn't know why it suddenly popped into his head... but it had slipped from his mind until recently.
That day had been torture. That morning, Donna came out; promptly informing Hyde that Jackie would be staying home, before she sucked Eric's face off.
Hyde pushed this information to the back of his mind, walking ahead of the couple, alone, so he wouldn't have to see their extreme closeness. He actually attended class, but by mid afternoon, he missed her face. Out of habit, he had skipped gym, waiting for her by the picnic table, and slowly it dawned on him, that she was at home, sick in bed, and not coming. He missed the scent of her perfume, those little dimples that curved into her smiles, the ones that she reserved just for him. He missed the stupid things she said that made him laugh, or the stifled giggles she would let out when he kissed her. He missed her lips, her tongue, her breath against his.
He smacked his head onto the picnic table, trying to break his thoughts before it consumed him. But as a small smile spread across his lips, he knew he had to see her, at that very moment, or his brain would explode.
So he cut his last three classes, walking home briskly, quickly stopping by the Forman's to grab something to drink. It had been a hot day, and he had to walk all the way home. He couldn't wait to get his freakin' license.
"Steven, bring this to poor Jackie, will you?" Kitty shoved a plastic container, steaming from the sides, into his hands, pushing him out the slider. "Wait." She held him for a second. "Shouldn't you be in school?"
He didn't say anything, letting his smile do all the talking and Kitty nodded, dreamily, and let him go without another word. She knew that Red would reprimand him later, but for now, he needed to see her.
The Pinciotti house was empty, since Donna was still in school and Bob was at his store. He crept up the stairs, grabbing a spoon from the kitchen on his way up, and gently knocked on the door to Donna's, and now Jackie's, bedroom.
He heard her coughing for him to come in.
She was surprised to see him, but was so sick that she barely showed any expression besides disgust. She drank the soup happily, sniffling all the while.
He didn't notice all the things she had.
He didn't notice that her nose was pink, that her hair was greasy, or that Donna's overly large sweatshirt was loosely clinging to her sweaty skin.
He did see that her eyes were glistening as she slurped her soup adorably, that a few freckles he had never noticed underneath all the usually worn make up sprinkled her button nose, and that she looked so natural, that his breath caught in his throat, his heart started pounding and his brain was instantly relieved from seeing her.
"When did you get so damn gorgeous?"
God, did he really just say that?
She practically choked on her soup as she looked at him, startled.
"Yeah, I would kiss you, but you're contagious." He laughed it off. "I'll stop by later, to see how you're doing, ok?" He took the bowl from her; planting a soft kiss on her forehead and watching her lay back down in bed, closing her eyes dreamily.
Why that random moment had popped into his head, just now, on this day of all days, was bewildering but it did make him smile, it did distract him for a second.
He thanked god that time ticked fast that day, and that Jackie was quickly approaching him as he sat at a picnic table, their usual one was occupied by another couple, some juniors he didn't recognize very well. But they gave him a dirty look, as most did in their school. Those who didn't know Hyde, thought he was trouble. And they were half right, he guessed.
Things had went pretty smoothly until Hyde noticed one of Jackie's cheerleader friends running up to him, screaming on and on about some Queen. His mind drifted as Jackie sputtered, "Oh my god!", forgetting all about him for the time being.
He couldn't believe it had been a year.
A whole year since...
"Michael Kelso!"
The name made his brain hurt and he looked up at Jackie as they both shouted, "WHAT?"
Dana, he thought her name was, rambled on about how Kelso had been left back and some more crap about Summer Queen, and Hyde just blanked out.
He stared down at the picnic table, almost laughing when he saw 'pam is a hussy' sprawled on it. He read all the little messages etched into the wood, skipping over the girl's phone numbers, because well, the only girl he would ever call lived right next door to him.
He took a sip of his coke as Dana disappeared and Jackie sat back down, rambling on about lavender shirts, and he noticed a particular, large engraving.
M.K. + J.B. = Forever.
Oh, god.
If they had been sitting at their regular table, he wouldn't have seen this.
Not today, he kept thinking.
His mask was starting to crumble as Jackie asked him what was wrong and he looked into her eyes, which looked confused and sad, probably a reflection of his own.
He wanted to tell her why he was feeling like crap today. But...he just couldn't find the words.
He left the situation as quickly as he could, practically knocking into three familiar blondes, huddled and whispering. They burst into a fit of giggles as he walked past them. He walked around the school aimlessly, passing by the picnic tables, where he saw Jackie, with two of the blondes sitting across from her. She looked Zen, something she had picked up from him. He studied her carefully, as her face changed from Zen to panicked, and she quickly left the table. The two girls were laughing and high fiving each other.
Why didn't they just leave her alone?
He knew that now he'd have to pick up the pieces.
He went towards her locker, very slowly, and there she was, rummaging through it breathlessly.
He couldn't think of anything to say but a simple 'hey' and 'are you ok?'.
When she asked him if he was ok, he wanted to smash his face into her locker.
No, he's not ok.
It had been a year!
A full year.
But he couldn't tell her that. A huge, conflicted grin made it's way to his face as he coerced her into cutting and they somehow ended up at the old Burkhart mansion. Didn't they always end up there?
As they sat down on her bed, she placed her delicate hand on his shoulder, pleading with him for her to just say what was wrong.
So she knew he was being different. She knew that today, of all days, he was acting different. So much for acting the same. She always saw through him, didn't she?
But he didn't feel like talking, not just yet...
*********
An hour has passed and Jackie grew restless. Her house was cold, and dark, and she was slightly worried about her cutting class. What if they called Bob? She didn't want to let him down. And how many classes was Steven missing? He had so much potential... he could really be something, and he was wasting it by running off with her.
"Steven?" She whispered into the darkness.
"I'm here." He said quietly.
He had moved, apparently, from her bed to her vanity chair.
He turned to her, the only thing lighting up his face was the moonlight streaming through her window.
"Can we talk now?" She asked timidly, sitting up so she could face him.
His sunglasses weren't on, she noticed his blue eyes right away.
They looked so sad, almost like that day in the nurse's office, when they had been fighting. Who knew back then that they would be where they are now?
Jackie remembered the sight of Hyde's bruises and shuddered.
Her parents left her sure, but only with emotional scars.
If her father ever touched her... she wouldn't know what to do.
He was so strong, she thought, as he took a seat next to her on the bed, reaching out for her hand, which she quickly placed in his, squeezing hard.
But he was so weak inside, too. She knew that. And he knew that she knew.
"Jackie," He paused, looking up at the moon before turning back to her. "I know I've been kind of an ass today, but, well,"
She really wanted to detest. He hadn't been that bad. Just his usual grumpy self. Maybe a little heavy on the grumpy, though. But she kept her mouth shut. There were few times in life when Jackie Burkhart remained quiet.
One - When someone threatens her.
Two - When someone kisses her.
Three - When someone looks like they have a whole lot on their mind,
and interrupting them would screw up their train of thought.
In this case, it was number three that made her think twice before
speaking.
"I should have told you this before, but..." He rolled his eyes, almost
waiting for her to interrupt, sincerely grateful when she didn't.
"Well,"
God, why was it so hard for him to speak?
"It's been a year since my parents left."
Her face went through so many stages in a matter of seconds.
Contempt, regret, guilt, pity.
He hated that last one.
Of all people, Jackie shouldn't pity him.
She understood though, and quickly took that look of her face,
touching his cheek tenderly.
"Why didn't you say something?"
"I tried." He muttered, inching closer to her. "It's not a big deal,
really."
"It obviously is, Steven." She smoothed her fingertips over his soft
lips, craving them suddenly. When was the last time they had made out?
When was the last time she had let him touch her? Why was she thinking
of pure physical craving when he needed her, emotionally, for the
first time, like, ever? "You don't have to hide yourself from me."
He nodded, and she couldn't take that sad expression in his eyes
anymore, letting her lips quickly glide against his.
Before she knew it, he had taken charge, groping her angrily, letting
out all of the frustration of today, this stupid day that made him
feel completely lost. She groaned as his hands went from her neck to
her chest, stroking the tips of her breasts softly over her shirt,
which was beginning to get thick with sweat.
"Steven," She moaned, but barely audible.
She wasn't sure what was happening. They hadn't been this physical in
a while. And usually at this point, he would pull away, out of
courtesy. He was afraid to hurt her, she knew that. But today was
different, he was a wreck, and she knew that too.
He continued to nip at her lips, letting his right hand slip towards
her bare stomach, her shirt riding up against him as he lay down on
top of her.
His hands were warm, and calloused, and she longed to have them stay
on her skin forever, but a part of her felt nervous. Why wasn't he
pulling away? This is where he would stop. Why wasn't he stopping?
What if he didn't stop?
His hand slowly inched down, his fingers playing numbly with the top
lace of her panties. Somehow, her skirt had slid down, her creamy,
white thighs pressing against the rugged jeans he had been wearing.
With one swift movement, his hand was underneath her underwear and
Jackie moaned in surprise, pleasure, and fear.
His fingers massaged her gently, and at first she enjoyed it.
It was something new, something good.
She didn't want him to stop, she decided, as waves of excitement
poured over her body.
His fingers quickened, and Jackie felt his skin pressing against hers
in small circles, quicker and quicker.
What once was pleasure was now just pain, and Jackie yelped softly
into his shoulder.
"Steven," She groaned, pushing against him. "Steven!"
His fingers stopped, and he quickly got up, wiping his hand against
his pants.
He looked almost as scared as she did.
"Sorry." He blurted absently.
She picked up her skirt, rubbing softy at her underwear. She could
feel her pulse vibrating against her legs, and her sweat starting to
subside.
"God, Jackie, I'm so sorry."
She expected him to run off, in typical Hyde fashion.
And they'd pretend it never happened.
But he didn't. He stood silent, then moved towards her, sitting down
next to her, kissing her lips softly.
"Jackie, can you promise me something?"
She looked up at him strangely.
Wow, today has been such a weird day, for both of them.
She knew that tomorrow he'd be back to his same old self, but today,
he was going to be soft, vulnerable.
She waited for him to continue.
"Promise me, that no matter what, you'll never leave me."
Jackie stared at him blankly, not sure of what to think.
"Everyone leaves, Jackie. I don't think I could handle it if you did."
"Steven," She laughed softly, kissing his forehead and gripping his
hand, "I'll always be here."
"Ok." He nodded, letting a gleam of happiness finally wash over him.
The day was almost over, after all. "That's cool."
She laughed. He was back. But that was ok.
The next day, Hyde was back to his usual self.
During lunch, as Jackie blabbed on about lavender shirts, she glanced
down at the table, to grab her coke, and realized something different.
A fresh heart had been carved, which was apparent from the clean,
crisp shavings coming off of the initials.
Inside, it read – S.H. + J.B. = Always.
And for some reason, Jackie decided that always was a lot longer then
forever.