Taxi
Chapter 3
Future, flashbacks and AU. All characters involved but mainly Donna, Jackie, Hyde and Eric. I heard this song on the radio and it reminded me of a couple on the show. Red is very OOC in this chapter, but I thought about the 7th season finale.
Disclaimer: I don't own That 70's Show or Taxi by Harry Chapin.
Summer 1990She pulls back, a stunned look on her face: Hyde what are you doing?
They are still in an embrace, their faces still close together, looking directly into her eyes. He uses his rough and gruff voice: I wanted to kiss you. I needed to kiss you.
Why?
Donna, I think I love you. I think I've always loved you!
(Donna pulled away and touched his face gently) Hyde, I (She was trying to find the right words) I love you to, but we're not IN LOVE. There's only one person I've ever been in love with just like there's only one person you've ever been in love with.
(Hyde couldn't believe he'd been turned down) No, Donna I'm in love with you. I mean I think about you all the time.
We've barely spoken in 10 years!
But, I keep thinking back to New Year's Eve 1979. Things could have been different, I mean, how could you take Forman back so easily?
(Donna realized Hyde needed some answers and figured he should get the whole story) It wasn't as cut and dry as it seemed. See I knew Eric still cared for me, even though he broke up with me.
How?
About two weeks before he came home, I had a talk with….
Who?
(Donna closed her eyes for a second remembering the conversation and how it changed her life)
December 1979Donna felt so alone. Her father was leaving for Florida and Randy had just asked her to move in with him. She liked Randy but…. There always was a but with Randy. Randy was nice, good looking, really seemed to care for her, but he just…… She hated to compare him to someone else. She always compared him to someone else. Listen, she kept telling herself, someone else left me. Get on with your life.
She walked over to the Forman's, just like she did yesterday just like she's done everyday since she's been 6 years old. Only now, the one person she wanted to talk to was in Africa, the one she leaned on for the tough decisions in her life left her and broke up with her. Maybe someone will be here and give me some advice? Who?
Mrs. Forman would just tell me to forget about Randy and move in with them until Eric comes home. Hyde would ask me to circle up and that wouldn't do any good cause I can never remember what I talk about in the circle. Jackie would try and give me a makeover so I'll feel better about myself. "You know you make the best decisions when you feel pretty". Fez, if I want to talk to Fez I'll get him when he's coming out of my closet in the morning. Besides do I really want to take advise from him?
She walks into the driveway and sees Mr. Forman working on the Vista Cruiser, again. For the first time in a long time, she really looked at him. He looked old, sad, defeated. He lost that glint in his eyes that told you, "I'm a bad ass, don't screw with me". She thinks to herself, "He's been working in the garage by himself a lot recently, he's been working on the Vista Cruiser. Hell, no one even drives it anymore, why bother."
Hi, Mr. Forman.
(She startled him and he bumps his head on the hood) Dam, Donna, didn't see ya there.
What're you doing?
Well, my dumbass son never changed the spark plugs and the engine is running rough.
(That instant, Donna realizes how much Red missed Eric. I guess we all miss him to some degree. There was a connection between the two of them they've never shared.) He never was too good at mechanic things, unless you count building star wars models.
(Red pulls his head out of the engine and turns towards her) Naw, I can't count those, although, you know if he would have put as much energy into engines or electrical wiring or something useful as he put into building those stupid things he probably could have made a career out of it.
(Donna thinks for a minute about how nimble and strong his bony fingers really where and how when they held hands, her heart would skip a beat and how secure she felt. That wasn't helping matters.) I don't think he's cut out for any manual labor job, that's why he went to Africa so he could go to college.
(Red had a smile on his face) That's true, I mean hell he had problems sweeping the garage without pulling a muscle. (Red finally looks at her, realizes something is wrong.) I think I'm going to regret this but what's wrong?
You know how you said a couple of weeks ago; you didn't mind me seeing Randy?
(Red goes to the fridge and grabs 2 beers.) Yeah, well it's true, look Eric broke up with you.
Well, with my dad moving, I've nowhere to go. Randy asked me to move in with him.
(He closes the hood of the car and he motions for them sit on the front hood. He hands her one and speaks as he takes a sip of beer.) Donna, I've known you about your whole life, and one thing I can say is you're pretty smart. Except when it came to my son.
(At first Donna could hardly think, here she was on the front of the Vista Cruiser, sitting, thinking and talking about her life. Just like she's always done, only this time the wrong Forman is sitting next to her. Then, what Red said starts to sink in and she is surprised) Thanks, Mr. Forman I think that's the first nice thing you've ever said to me.
(With a small smile on his face.) Well, don't go repeating it. Anyway, why aren't you putting those smarts to work for you?
What do you mean?
I mean you've always wanted to go to college, why not now?
I…. Just…don't know. I would have to leave Point Place to do that.
What's keeping you here? Randy? Or is it some memory?
(Donna very deep in thought) Well … I don't know.
Well what, you and I both know Eric broke up with you and granted you your freedom to do what you want. Some how I don't think, he was thinking about Randy. I have a feeling it had to do with you moving on in your life without him.
(Donna getting a little agitated) Why would I need him to grant me freedom? Besides I like Randy? You even said so yourself.
(For the first time in a long time, Red decided to open a little to her. Probably because she is the closest to Eric he will ever get. And he can share the pain she's going thru. They both are acting like not having him around is no big deal. But both of them know that's a lie. He knows he can tell her anything and she'll keep it too herself.) You miss him, don't you? I know I do. I can't even put a finger why. I'm mean, he does nothing but piss me off. I'm just worried, I guess.
(Donna is shocked at Red's display of emotion, but it really makes her think.) Worried about what?
Him. Have you seen what goes on over there, you know he's not a very strong boy.
Mr. Forman, you'd be surprised at how strong he is both physically and emotionally. You always act like you don't care, you're happy he's gone.
That's all for Kitty. Anyhow, what I'm getting at; no matter where you are; you're gong to have to deal with him once he comes home.
But what about Randy?
What about him, Eric's not here, so you can do as you feel. But like I said you'll still have to deal with Eric's return whether it's here or at college.
Eric and I are over. I don't ever want to see him again.
Donna you know that's not true. He's been a big part of your life.
Big part of my heartache; actually all my heartache.
(They both continue to sip their beers. Red continues) Look, I've seen you all googly-eyed over Randy but if Eric were to walk thru that garage door, how do you think you'd feel?
(Donna makes a fist and punches thin air) I'd want to kick his ass.
(Red smiles) Welcome to my world. But after that?
I guess that depends?
Depends on what… him? And what about Randy?
Um, …. I didn't even think about him.
(Red smirks) Wonder why?
(Donna tilts her head) Maybe because I was thinking about someone else.
Would that someone else be my dumbass son? I know you don't want to admit this, but just like me, you love him and miss him.
(She looks at him with shocked expression.) What did you say?
(Red stares straight ahead..) Nothing, I said, you miss him.
(Donna put her hand on Red's arm and looks him dead in the eyes) I think you said something else.
(Red turned his head and looked down at the beer in his hand.) I'm not repeating it and if you tell anyone, I'll deny it.
(She turns back away from him. For the first time in a long, long time her mind is clearing.)
(Red continues) You need to think about yourself, why waste your time with someone when you heart is somewhere else.
(Her voice hopeful) Mr. Forman, do you know something I don't?
I'd like to think I know my son better than anyone that's not in this room. (This comment also makes her smile.) But I never thought he'd go to Africa, I didn't think…
(He just stopped talking and took a sip of his beer only it was empty.)
(Donna didn't speak either; she stared at him, waiting for Red to finish.)
I didn't think he'd have enough balls to go thru with it. Maybe he's stronger than I thought.
(Donna trying to break the tension.) I know I couldn't believe it either. I mean, he's afraid of butterflies! (Punches Red in the arm and backs away from him)
Hell, I wasn't worried about that …… I figured he would never be able to leave you.
(Donna got right back up to next Red) WHAT?
(Red got off the car, got 2 more beers and sat back down next to her. Still staring straight ahead, not looking at her.) I can honestly say I didn't want him to go.
Did you tell him that?
No, never. You know my son when he sets his mind to something can be very determined. Look how I tried to keep the two of you from getting married; he wouldn't budge. I thought this time if I played it cool, he would realize what he's giving up by going to Africa.
Giving up?
You! You're the most important thing in his life. Always have been. I figured he would finally realize this and quit his dream of going to school in some god-forsaken country.
(This confuses Donna even more.) Then why did he break up with me?
That I don't know …. Couldn't deal being without you?
How did breaking up with me help him deal?
You know the mind works in strange ways, especially his. (They both smile at this.) Maybe by NOT hearing your voice or maybe by NOT receiving a letter, he figured he'd be able to forget about you.
(Donna put her hand on Red's shoulder) Was he able to forgot about me? Does he ever ask about me?
(Red knew he'd never asked his mother because she would try and make something more out of it.) Only to me. It's always his first question.
Did you tell him about Randy?
(His voice very quiet) Yeah.
What'd you say?
(His voice barely above a whisper.) The truth; that you like him; kissed him and have been with him.
(All this talk about Eric has really made her think about him and miss him even more. A small tear slowly descends down her cheek. She wipes it away.) Listen I want you to tell him, I've never "been" with him.
Whatever, it doesn't matter.
(Donna turns to Red and very boldly) Yes, it matters to me and make sure you tell him that nothing important has gone on between us. Promise?
Ok. Ok.
Well, what did he say about me and Randy?
Nothing, what can he say? He got all choked up and wanted to get off the phone right away.
(Her voice is childlike, almost in a baby talk.) Does he … Is ….. there another girl?
No. None he thinks is anything more than a friend.
(Donna relieved.)
(Red continues.) He pretty much only talks about the kids, the school and how much he misses everyone. The thing is he loves it. He gets so excited talking about making a difference in someone's life but I don't know how much longer that will be enough to keep him there. Donna, you know, he said he doesn't go a day without thinking and worrying about you. He's very lonely.
I can't blame him. I mean I don't know how he's done it this long. I don't think I could give up everything and move away and never see anyone for a year. (Donna hears Red say how much Eric misses her and makes her think about him even more. This gets her very serious, and more tears are starting to slowly crawl down her cheeks.) Mr. Forman, tell Eric …. Tell Eric …… (Donna trying to think of the right words. She wants to say so much but can't convey them properly. She figures she'd go for something simple.) Tell Eric I miss him, will you please next time you talk to him.
(Red turns to Donna wipes the tears away and takes both of her hands into his.) Donna, I'm sorry.
Sorry for what?
(He turns away from her, gets off the hood and wipes his eyes trying to do so without her noticing.) I'm sorry, I wasn't able to afford to pay for his school, and then the two of you would be together.
(She didn't know how to respond to that so she gets off the car, walks over to him, rubs his back, and knows it's now time to leave him alone.) Mr. Forman thanks. I needed someone to talk to today to clear my mind and well, you helped. (She gives him a small peck on the cheek and leaves.)
(As she walks away, she sees him open the hood of the Vista Cruiser and he starts mumbling) Dam, dumbass, Eric, he must be using cheap gas in the car…….
Summer 1990(Hyde looks at her and can't believe Red) Are you telling me, Red …. Red … cr…..had tears in his eyes. I can't even say it. I guess, Red told him, that must've been why Forman came home.
(Donna smiles) He reminded so much of Eric that day. I needed someone to talk to and he was just perfect. Red and my relationship was never the same after that. Anyhow about us, look you had numerous times to try and get me. Like after Eric gave me the promise ring or when he went to Africa.
Well…I just..
No, Hyde.I've never thought of you as more than a friend. We've been friends forever and were always better as just friends. It would never work. You know it and I know it. You're just using me as a crutch. Something happened, have you seen Jackie recently?
No, I'm so over Jackie!
No you're not, you did see her. When?
Yeah, around Christmas last year…..