Breaking Free

By: Ereye

Summary: Along the same lines as the current popular trend of "Jackie leaves and comes back years later," only I don't want them to have to wait so long. And she won't be pregnant. But there's heartache, growing up, angst and, eventually, mushiness. What more can people want?

Disclaimer: Don't own it.

Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews. They really make my day!

Chapter 4: Homecoming

The butterflies in Jackie's stomach became more and more insistent the closer she got to Point Place. She let out a slow breath, trying to get rid of the nauseous feeling.

She pulled into the Foreman's driveway, her heart twinging at how familiar everything was. She stopped the car, staring straight ahead for a few minutes before glancing over at Mark.

She hoped it was OK with Donna that she brought him. She wanted some back up – and a small part of her wanted to rub it in Hyde's face.

But she ignored that part of her – because if that was true, then she wasn't really over him.

And she had to be over him. She was getting married in two months.

Jackie reached for the sliding door, ready to open it and walk in like she used to. She paused, wondering if she still had that privilege.

She looked back at Mark, who was still sitting in the car. He was going to give her a few minutes alone to catch up with her friends.

Before she could wonder about it more, she opened the door and walked in. The kitchen was empty, and Jackie's heart beat even faster. She just wanted to get it over with!

She poked her head into the living room to find it was empty too. She took a couple deep breaths to calm herself, knowing where she had to go next.

Opening the basement door, she could hear the TV and voices. Smiling to herself at how some things never change, Jackie decided she would surprise her old friends.

She started going down the stairs slowly and softly, avoiding the third step that squeaked. Then she heard his voice. And her heart skipped a beat. He, Fez and Eric were having one of their stupid, TV-related debates.

Oh, how she had missed this.

Wait! No, she hadn't. Jackie squared her shoulders. She was just confused about seeing him again after so long. It was only natural. She loved Mark now.

She decided waiting any longer meant that she was afraid to see him. And since that obviously wasn't true, she piped in with an "Eric, that's so stupid" – not even really sure what he had just said and that she was supposedly mocking him about.

Donna and Fez shrieked and ran over to hug her, while Eric stood up, trying to hide the smile on his face.

"Oh my God, we weren't even speaking of the devil, and in she walks."

Jackie cocked her head and glared at him, still avoiding looking over at the other person in the room.

"Oh, Eric. I've missed you too." She was surprised at how un-sarcastic she sounded, not wanting to admit that the statement was actually true.

Finally, she looked over at him. He was sitting in his usual chair – which had been for so long their chair. He had his sunglasses on, so she couldn't see his eyes. But, if she could still read his body language, he was as uncomfortable as she was. Trying to diffuse the situation, she smiled.

"Steven."

"Jackie."

She was just as beautiful as he remembered. The room came alive when she walked in, making him realize yet again that their group just wasn't complete without her in it.

His heart broke as he looked at her; he wanted to stand up and go to her, take her in his arms and beg her to never leave him again.

But he was Hyde. He was Zen.

And he was scared she'd say no.

He had been preparing for this moment ever since Donna had spoken to Jackie on the phone. But the way his stomach felt right now, it was like all his hard work was for nothing. She still took his breath away.

Why, why did he have to be so stubborn?

But he could tell she was nervous and uncomfortable too. Her mannerisms were still as obvious to him now as if these two years hadn't passed. And the fact that she was uncomfortable actually made him happy. It gave him hope.

Hope that maybe, just maybe their time apart has been as hard on her as it has been on him. That maybe she still loved him. Maybe she could forgive him. Maybe he still had a chance at happiness and love.

And she smiled at him again. He had to force himself from smiling back.

And he knew deep inside, if he worked hard enough the next couple days, there won't be any "maybe's" about it.

At that moment, Kitty's trademark laugh echoed downstairs to them. She had obviously just gotten home from the store.

She called downstairs. "Jackie, your friend didn't have to wait in the car!"

Kitty hopped down the stairs, going over to give Jackie a hug.

But Hyde was paying attention to the guy that had followed Kitty down. A tall, handsome man, nice clothes, white teeth, perfectly groomed hair.

Hyde hated him.

"Uh… everyone, this is Mark. My fiancée."

And Hyde's heart broke all over again.