In The Beginning
a/n: Sorry this took so long, but i promise to finish this story. I think there's just going to be or two more chapters!
Chapter 32: The Summer Dance, Part 2
The next day in school, the rumor mill was buzzing with the newest and juiciest piece of gossip: Jackie Burkhart & Michael Kelso had reunited!
Jackie knew what everyone was whispering about as she walked down the long hallway to her locker, biting her lip as she kept a fake smile plastered on her face. She opened her locker slowly, waving to Sandy Jenkins, who was giggling and whispering to Dave Parker.
"I heard that the only reason she was even dating that Hyde kid was because he was paying her!" Sandy whispered, in a very obvious way. Jackie rolled her eyes and gave a sideways glance as Dave shook his head in awe.
"But he's poor. How could he afford her?" Dave asked Sandy, rather loudly.
"Shh..!" Sandy screeched, holding a finger to her mouth symbolically. "He was paying her in pot, duh!" Sandy flipped her blond curls out of her face before continuing. "Whatever, all I know is that Jackie and Kelso are back together and they're really obvious about it, if you know what I mean."
"I don't know, Sandy…" Dave glanced at Jackie, who quickly averted her eyes back to the contents of her locker, smirking softly. "They're both in my gym class and they barely spoke to each other."
"Duh!" Sandy screeched again, hushing her voice back down to a loud whisper. "That's cause they're only together for the sex. Supposedly, Kelso is a really good lay. Pam Macy told me just the other day!"
Dave shrugged, causing Sandy to click her tongue in annoyance.
Jackie had heard enough, laughing to herself softly as she slammed her locker shut, briskly walking towards the two.
"Actually, for the record," Jackie said with a sharp tone, "Steven is much better in bed then Micheal."
Sandy's jaw dropped and Dave smirked in the way that boys do.
Oh yes, Jackie definitely wasn't helping the gossip situation, but if you can't beat them, join them. Jackie sidestepped the two and walked towards the cafeteria, spotting Donna and Fez. Jackie smiled to herself as she realized how bored Donna looked and that Fez was beaming.
Jackie took a seat next to Donna, who smiled as her eyes lit up upon her arrival.
"And the conga lines!" Fez slapped his knee as he laughed. "Oh, I cannot wait for the Summer Dance, Donna. We will be the grooviest dancers there, no?"
Donna half smiled, turning towards Jackie, her eyes pleading.
"Uh," Jackie smiled softly towards Fez, "Fez, can we cut the Summer Dance talk? I'm bored to death of that subject. The whole school is obsessed."
"That's because it's this Friday!" Fez stood up, grabbing his milk carton and taking a sip. "Only two more days until that dance floor is ours, Donna!" He bowed oddly before ushering off, probably in search of Kelso to brag about his dancing skills.
"Jackie, I don't know if I can do this anymore." Donna sighed sadly. "Fez has been talking non stop about this stupid dance and I," Donna paused, "I miss Eric."
"You have to be strong, Donna!" Jackie placed her hand on her friend's shoulder, squeezing it supportively. "How will our men ever learn if we don't force our ways down their throats?"
Donna blinked widely at Jackie, before grimacing. "Don't look now, but the Kelso fan club is making a beeline right towards us."
Jackie rolled her eyes, pulling on Donna as she stood up. "Don't leave me here!" Jackie hissed as Stacey and Lacey sat opposite them, giggling and flipping their hair incessantly.
"Hey girls!" Donna smiled dryly as Stacey and Lacey cast her a dirty look. "I'd love to stay and chat but, er, I have to go..." Donna started walking off before either could protest, not that they would. Jackie swore revenge under her breath as she turned to face the two vivacious blondes.
"Jackie!" Lacey shrieked, "Is it true? Are you and Michael an item?"
Jackie glared at the two as they eagerly awaited Jackie's response.
"No." Jackie rolled her eyes as the blondes sighed in relief. "We're just going to the dance together."
"But," Stacey cleared her throat softly, "What about Hyde?"
Jackie felt a knot forming in her stomach. She so didn't want to discuss her relationship woes with the clueless duo. Instead, she forced a bright smile, baring her pearly whites as she decided to have some fun with the annoying big mouths in front of her.
"I'm just so excited for the Summer Dance!" Jackie squealed happily, a dreamy like stance displayed across her features. Stacey and Lacey shrank a little in their seats, eyeing Jackie with slight envy, that grew as she continued. "I mean, Michael is going to look so handsome in his tux! And I'll be Summer Queen and he'll be Summer King and it'll be just like old times!" Jackie stood up, grabbing her books before making her grand exit from the two speechless blondes. "And I just can't wait till after the dance!" Jackie winked at the two, flipping her hair dramatically as she sashayed away from Lacey and Stacey, practically giggling to herself as she heard the two bickering over what Jackie had just said.
Jackie ignored the rest of the hushed whispers around as she walked towards the parking lot. She had to get out of the school, as quickly as possible. So what if she missed a couple of classes? If one more bumbling idiot asked her if it were true that her and Michael were bumbling uglies again, she'd scream, and then everyone would be gossiping about how Jackie Burkhart is a psycho nutcase, and that's just what she needed. She couldn't believe she used to want to be the center of attention, how previously she loved days like this, when everyone was preoccupied with the events in her love life, true or not. Now, she could barely stomach the idea of people knowing her business.
Jackie decided to hide out in the Hub for a while, she didn't want Bob seeing her come home too early and start asking questions.
"I'm going crazy, man!" Eric ranted to Hyde, just as he had been doing for 10 minutes now. Hyde glanced around, noticing Pam Macy and her cronies at a nearby picnic table. They looked as if they were seriously discussing something, but Hyde figured it was probably something lame like shampoo. He turned towards Eric, who was banging his fist on the wooden picnic table they were sitting at, the same one Hyde had carved his initials into, along with Jackie's, what seemed like years ago, but in reality was only a couple of weeks. He stretched his hand over the carving, which read SH + JB Always. Always - what a joke. Technically, he supposed, he was still with Jackie. Though he hadn't talked to her in almost a week, not since she announced that she was taking Kelso, not him, to the stupid Summer Dance. Sure, Hyde had brought it on himself, but Jackie needed to learn that she couldn't control him. Right? It had become more apparant to Hyde that all of his reasons for going 'on strike' were shrinking which each passing hour. It especially hit him hard when Jackie bounced into the Forman's kitchen, in nothing but short shorts and a pink bikini top, her hair cascading softly down her back. She ran in for some water, taking a break from tanning, in preperation for the upcoming Dance of course, Donna behind her, also in barely there shorts and a bikini. Eric, who was sitting at the table, practcially salivated at the sight of her. They hadn't spoken since the infamous strike fight either, and Eric was taking it hard. In fact, that's what Eric has been moaning and bitching about all lunch period. I miss Donna. I miss kissing her. I even miss talking to her. Why are we on strike again? We should cave. Let's cave!
And for the past ten minutes, Hyde couldn't help but think similar thoughts.
I miss Jackie. I miss kissing her. I even miss talking to her. Why am I on strike again? I should cave!
But Hyde was a little stronger with the efforts then Eric, and reminded Eric every once in a while, as well as himself why they were on strike. They were men! They weren't going to let some chatty brunette pixie boss them around! Especially with her soft, creamy skin and the juiciest lips he'd ever been lucky enough to taste.
Hyde snapped out of it as he spied Pam Macy, staring holes into him, Stacey and Lacey giggling as she did so. Did Pam Macy just wink at him? He turned towards Eric once more, trying to forget all about Pam Macy and her blonde followers.
"And Fez is making it so much worse!" Eric pratically whined. "He's being going on and on about the dance. I hate dances, but I was really looking forward to this one! It's the last one of the year, you know?"
Hyde stared at Eric blankly, who stood up, in a huff.
"Fine, you know what, Hyde? Not all of us can be so "zen", Eric made tiny air quotes, "about matters of the heart!" Eric stomped off in a fury, Hyde watching him leave, noticing that Pam Macy was now sitting alone, eyeing him as she batted her lashes. She took about five seconds to saunter up to his table, squeezing in next to him.
"Hey stranger!" Pam said huskily, which Hyde was pretty sure she thought was a very sexy way of saying hello. "So, I heard that you don't have a date to the Summer Dance." Pam crossed her legs underneath the table, stroking his leg with her foot softly, "Guess who happens to need a date?"
"Let me think." Hyde muttered, happy that his sunglasses were sitting comfortably on the bridge of his nose.
"Seriously, Steven," Pam let her guard down for a second, placing some space between them. "I really had my heart set on Kelso, but he ditched me for well, you know..." Pam looked almost pained and Hyde began to feel sort of sorry for her. "I know you can relate and well, I remember what a good kisser you were." Pam smiled, almost sincerely. "I thought we could have fun, if we went to the dance together." Pam stood up slowly, "But if you don't want to, I understand." Pam started to walk away as Hyde pondered the thought. This was his chance of getting back at Jackie for taking Kelso. He couldn't even imagine the look of horror on Jackie's face when her sworn enemy was glued to his arm at the dance!
"Pam," Hyde stood up, catching up with her. "I'll pick you up at eight."
"Oh, Steven!" Pam threw her arms around him, and made what sounded almost to be a snicker. She kissed his cheek softly. "Thanks." She threw him another cutesy smile before making her way back into school. Hyde kicked the ground, pretty sure he had just made a mistake, but whatever.. Jackie would see him with Pam, freak out, and apologize for being such a controlling bitch. And then they could make up and make out. Just like old times.
Hyde heard the bell ring and wondered if he should even bother to go to his final class. He was really craving a burger and decided to ditch, seeing as how there was nothing keeping him in school these days anyway. He'd only stay for his last few classes so he could catch a glimpse of Jackie between them. Without her, it all seemed sort of pointless.
Jackie took a sip of her pop, swirling the straw around the cup absent mindendly. The Hub was eerily empty, seeing as how everyone was pretty much still in school. Except for one greasy looking kid hogging an arcade game and the one guy who actually works there, Jackie was alone. She was starting to get used to that feeling, of being alone. She hadn't spoken to Steven since the big fight and knew he was probably steaming mad that she was taking Kelso, of all people to the dance. But, he asked for it! Jackie sighed, kicking her feet into the air unhappily. She stood up slowly, throwing the rest of the pop into the garbage, ready to make an exit, when all of a sudden the greasy arcade junkie turned around, smearing ketchup onto her pale pink shirt.
"Geez, I'm sorry." The kid muttered, turning back to his game.
Jackie rolled her eyes up towards the sky. Figures. She burst into the bathroom, grabbing at some paper towels and wiping at the red stain forming on her shirt. She ran the shirt under the sink, water splashing everywhere. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, forcing herself to stop. She looked awful. Her shirt was wet and red, clinging to her body tightly. Her hair was frizzing out, probably because of this great heat wave in Wisconsin. The thought of the heat made her think about a couple of days ago, when Jackie forced Donna to tan with her in the Forman's driveway, knowing and hoping that Steven would pass by. Upon realizing she was inside, Jackie made a big deal about how thirsty she was and sauntered inside, making sure to shake her body just so. She knew he was watching. His eyes practically bulged at the sight of her. Oh, yeah, he missed her.
Jackie let out a gentle laugh, throwing the rest of the used paper towels in the garbage and heading towards the door, practically colliding into a customer.
"Sorry." Jackie mumbled, slightly frazzled when she realized just who she had bumped into.
"Jackie..." Hyde said with surprise, staring at her shirt, stained and dripping.
"Ketchup." Jackie smiled ironically. "I never liked this shirt anyway." Jackie wasn't even faking her wide smile, seeing him, being this close to him again was driving her nuts. She wanted to rip her shirt off and make love to him, right there on the floor of the Hub, dirty as it was.
"Shouldn't you be in school?" Hyde asked, slipping his sunglasses into his shirt collar.
Jackie raised her eyebrows and they both chuckled.
"I had to get out of there, I guess." Jackie shrugged.
"Yeah," Hyde nodded, "I know what you mean."
A moment of akward silence stood between them before Jackie cleared her throat.
She wasn't about to give up. And she could see he was on the cusp of caving in.
"Well," Jackie smiled. "Later!." She started to turn, grinning knowingly as he grabbed her wrist tenderly.
"This is stupid..." He mumbled. "Why don't we just make up?"
Jackie turned to face him once more, crossing her arms across her chest, waiting for her apology.
"I forgive you." Hyde said gently, grabbing her waist and pulling her in close.
"Ok..." Jackie sighed contently, before snapping out of it. Wait, what? She pushed herself away. "Forgive me for what?"
"For being so controlling." Hyde said matter of factly. He was screwing it up and he knew it but he wasn't about to cave. They were both to stubborn for their own good.
"Bye, Steven." Jackie rolled her eyes and walked out of the Hub, stomping her foot in frustration. Why wouldn't he cave? She pulled all the tricks she knew. She ignored him, she pranced around him in skimpy clothes, she wore the perfume she knew he loved, and still - nothing.
"You're being so immature, you know that?" Hyde followed her outside.
"Oh, right." Jackie snorted. "I'm the one who's immature." Jackie started to walk briskly towards the Pinciotti's house.
"Don't walk away from me!" Hyde scurried to catch up with her.
"And I'm the controlling one?" Jackie asked dryly, quickening her pace.
"Jackie, come on..." Hyde groaned and she heard his footsteps halt. "Can't we just forget about everything?"
Jackie turned around slowly, shuddering as a crack of thunder boomed around them.
"Finally," Hyde muttered under his breath.
"Yeah, I've been waiting for this heat wave to crack." Jackie said unsurely.
Hyde stepped closer to her, wrapping his arm around her wasit as drops of water came down around them, soaking into Jackie's already disheveled shirt.
"Let me kiss you." Hyde looked deep into her eyes, his breath drawling upon her cheeks.
They hadn't been this close to each other in a week, which felt more like a year.
Jackie felt her knees weaken as she started to wiggle free from him, "Don't be so controlling." She mocked.
She felt pressure around her waist as he hugged her tightly, resting his forehead against hers, smashing his lips againsts hers as water drops fell between them, making the kiss sloppy and wet, but still completely hot.
"Wow." Jackie stumbled, letting her arms go loose as Hyde caught her. Jackie opened her mouth, laughing as she swallowed some water, now drenching them as it rained harder.
"Every time I kiss you," Hyde brought her back to him, "It's like I'm doing it for the first time."
Jackie nodded in understanding, taking his hand as lightening lit up the curves of his face.
"Let's go!" Hyde grabbed her hand, as they ran towards shelter, the first thing they spotted, the Library.
The librarians stared at them as they dripped into the main hall, Jackie giggling as Hyde escorted her to the Reference section, empty and teeming with books. He pressed her up against one of the stacks, a few books falling out onto the floor. They both smiled and began to kiss, more passionately this time. Hyde's hands pressed hers against the books above them, and then cupped her cheeks, moving downwards. She wanted him so badly, she couldn't take it.
"Excuse me!"
Jackie and Hyde broke apart, guilitly smiling as a snarky librarian pointed to the exit sign.
They left the building, Jackie ran into the rain, spinning around.
"This is crazy!" Jackie screeched to no one in particular. "Let's do something wild!" She looked up at Hyde, who ran towards her, kissing her hard on the mouth.
"You're crazy." Hyde smirked, kissing her again.
"I must be if I'm dating you." Jackie laughed, as they walked back towards the houses, forgetting her whole 'let's do something wild' statement. There was only one thing Jackie really wanted to do at this point and it usually required a bed. A cot in the Forman's basement would do, as well.
"Well, Summer Queen, you said you wanted to do something wild..." Hyde scooped her up off her feet, spinning her around in the rain as she laughed.
"I'm not Summer Queen yet!" Jackie laughed. "Don't jinx it."
Hyde rolled his eyes playfully, putting her back down.
"So, what color is your dress again?" Hyde asked as they reached the Forman's house, heading down the stairs to the basement to avoid Kitty and Red.
"Why?" Jackie wrung her hair out, surprised that Hyde even cared.
"So I can get the right color corsage." Hyde laughed. "God knows I'll screw it up somehow."
"Steven," Jackie paused, her gaze following him as he stepped inside.
Jackie had forgotten about everything they had been fighting over for the past week and it was all slowly rushing back to her, as the rain came to a steady stop.
Hyde watched her strangely as she stood by the door, giving him a sympathtic look.
"I'm going with Michael." She leaned against the door.
"You were."
"I am." Jackie placed her hands on her hips, her clothes clinging to her body. "It's too late for him to find another date. I can't do that to him."
"Are you kidding?" Hyde retorted. "Any girl in our school would love to have him."
"I promised him I would go." Jackie bit her lip, hoping he would understand. "I owe him this."
"And what about me?" Hyde mumbled. "Am I supposed to sit here and smile while Kelso takes you out?"
Jackie shrugged, torn over it all.
"Whatever, Jackie." Hyde muttered. "I'm tired of your mind games."
"It's not a game, Steven!" Jackie almost screamed, stepping into the basement. "It just wouldn't be right to ditch Michael!"
"You're only going with him to make me jealous!" Hyde spat out angrily, taking a seat.
Jackie felt a familiar knot forming in her stomach. It was true and she would gladly take Steven to the Summer Dance. God knows she wanted to take him all along, but now that Kelso thought he was going with her, he had been so excited, talking about it all the time. She hadn't seen him that happy in weeks, she just couldn't bear to take that all away.
"I'm sorry, but Michael is my friend." Jackie looked at Hyde squarely, praying that he would let it go and be ok with her decision. "I can't cancel on him."
Hyde stared at Jackie for what seemed like forever. She was so hot and cold. One minute, he could've sworn she was ready to make love to him, the next she wanted to take KELSO to this stupid dance. This dance that wasn't that stupid to her, which meant it wasn't stupid to him.. if it made her happy. He just wanted to go with her, have a good time, and maybe after they'd.. but, whatever. Now, she can do that with Kelso. He should've seen this coming. She always goes back to Kelso, one way or another. He'll never be good enough for Jackie. For a minute, he thought he might be...
"Leave." Hyde grumled softly.
Jackie stared blankly at him, tears forming in the creases of her eyes.
How did such a wonderful moment of reunion turn into this?
"Steven, please..." Jackie sat down next to him, placing her hand on his.
"I said leave, Jackie!" Hyde threw her hand off of him and stood up, towering over her. "It's just what you'll end up doing anyway! So, get it over with. Get out of here! I can't stand looking at you anymore!"
Jackie gulped, tears flowing down her cheeks.
He'd never yelled at her like that, throughout all their problems. Never with that much anger. She really screwed it up this time. Way to go, she thought to herself. Jackie stood up slowly, trembling with fear. Fear of Hyde, fear of what she'd do now.. fear of just living.
"Jackie, I..." Hyde was about to apologize. He had lost his cool, as he tends to do.
Jackie shook her head and headed towards the door. "I'm leaving." She said bitterly. "It's what I'm good at."
Hyde's chest burst at these words, swelling with anger and remorse.
Jackie ran up the stairs quickly and straight to Donna's room, crying into a pillow, praying that Donna didn't catch her like this.
Hyde slammed the door behind her, throwing his sunglasses back on his face incase Eric or Fez came downstairs. The last thing he needed was one of his friends to catch up all messed up cause of Jackie. Hyde sat down on his chair, watching the TV with extreme concentration.
"Dammit!" He yelled, kicking at the table, which tipped over, along with everything on it.
Did he really just lose Jackie because of some stupid dance and Kelso!