It was a month later, and Jackie and Kelso were still a couple. It was lunch, and Jackie was sitting with the gang, when Katie, a cheerleader, came up to her. "Jackie, I hate to pull you away from what seems like such an… interesting conversation, but I need to talk to you about next weeks game."

"Yea, ok. Michael, I'll be right back."

"So, Jessika and I were thinking that since you're the smallest cheerleader, you could-"

"Katie, stop. I'm quitting the squad. I can't cheer anymore."

"What? How are we supposed to cheer on Friday? Jackie, this isn't some stupid after school event like, math team or a job. This is cheerleading. We keep this school how it is. We control it, we get everything. Are you really going to let down every person on the squad, and the school, just because you're afraid of a little work?"

"Katie, that's not why I'm quitting and-"

"Then why are you?"

"It's personal, private. And I'm not letting down the whole school. Some people don't care about sports and cheerleading and school spirit."

"You know what, you're right. You're only letting down the people that matter.", Katie said as she walked off.

Jackie walked back to her seat next to Michael. "So, what did she want?" Kelso asked.

"I don't know, I quit before she told me."

"Jackie, you quit cheerleading? I thought you wanted to be a professional cheerleader." Donna asked.

"I did, but it's so superficial and unnecessary. I couldn't do it anymore."

"Is this really Jackie? Miss-Bitch Jackie Burkhart?" Hyde said.

"Haha, very funny. I'm not hungry, I'm gonna go. I'll see you later."

LATER

Jackie was asked many times why she quit. Mostly she gave everyone the same answer, that it was superficial and unnecessary, which was true, but also because she couldn't imagine going out there, in front of everyone wearing a skirt that short. The idea terrified her. To get her mind off of her current life, she decided to read her diary. It was from when she first started dating Michael.

Dear Diary,

Today, Michael asked me to the movies. I think we're going to get married. It'll be so perfect, since we're both so good looking. Oh my god, I'll have the perfect life then. I'll have a beautiful family, be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, be idolized for my good looks, and be rich. Money is amazing.

The entry continued, but Jackie stopped there. She couldn't believe that was her writing, her feelings. Money didn't help at all. Sure, you had food and water and a house and other necessary things, but it didn't bring happiness. At least, not anymore. Jackie was learning that now. She threw the book into the wall, hoping it would bring her some comfort. It didn't.

Then the doorbell rang. A pang of fear came to Jackie's stomach. She went down the stairs to answer it, and Michael stood there. "Oh, hi Michael. I'm so glad you're here-"

"Jackie, how could you quit cheerleading without telling me first?"

"I didn't know it was that big of a deal."

"I wanted to date the hottest, most popular cheerleader in school. Now I can't do that if I'm with you. You kept secrets from me."

"Oh please, Michael, like you've never kept any secrets from me. Laurie? Pam Macy?"

"Look, that was different ok?"

"Michael, if you're this upset about my new feelings, maybe we shouldn't be together, because they aren't going anywhere, they're permanent."

"Fine, maybe we shouldn't be together."

"Fine, get outta my house! Now!"

"Fine" Kelso yelled as he walked for the door.