Well after everyone was supposed to be asleep at the Foreman's house, Eric found himself tossing and turning in his bed. After about thirty minutes of not being able to fall asleep, he made his way down to the kitchen.
Once he was down in the kitchen, Eric realized that he had not been the only one who couldn't sleep that night. Hyde sat with one of the barstools pulled up to the oven. He had a Budweiser in his hand and was staring at the phone.
"What are you doing?" Eric asked as he pulled a Bud out of the refrigerator for himself.
"Waiting for Eppie to call," Hyde answered as he took a large swig of the beer.
"God, Hyde, it's late," Eric popped open his own beer. "I'm sure she's already back at the dorm with Donna."
"No, something's not right," Hyde shook his head. "I just know."
"Do you really believe that theory you gave us about her stepfather and crap?" Eric asked.
"No," Hyde admitted. "Bet there is something she's not tellin' us."
"What do you think it could be?" Eric was really getting curious now.
"Honestly?" Hyde glanced over toward Eric long enough to see him nod his response and then began watching the phone again. "I think she was sexually abused."
"Oh Hyde, come on man," Eric began to protest.
"No, really, man," Hyde cut him off. "Haven't you ever wondered why she won't go near one of us guys but she'll let Donna and Jackie gussie her up like that. I've even noticed that she won't even look Red in the eye."
"Frankly, that's a good idea," Eric pointed out.
"At least she won't be on the receiving end of one of Red's glares," Hyde agreed with a small chuckle.
"Okay, so she won't let us touch her," Eric got back on the subject. "Maybe she's just from a conservative family or something."
"I don't think so," Hyde shook his head. "If she were from a conservative family, she wouldn't have allowed Jackie to put make-up all over her face."
"If she had been sexually abused, why is she going out with this guy then?" Eric asked.
"I don't know," Hyde shrugged. "She's probably hoping to get over her fear."
Eric was contemplating this when the phone rang. Hyde jumped up and grabbed the receiver before the second ring.
"Eppie?" Hyde answered the phone. "Where are you?" There was a pause and Hyde bit his bottom lip as he listened. "I'll be right there." Hyde hung up the receiver, pulled his keys out of his pocket, and headed for the sliding glass door. Noticing Eric wasn't following him, Hyde turned back to his friend. "Ya comin'?"
Eric smiled and threw his empty beer can away as he passed the trashcan on the way out.