-1Chapter 4

Title: Underneath the Stars
(from Mariah Carey)


The fourth of July was the one of the guy's favorite holiday. Of course any guy would enjoy a day entirely devoted to eating and drinking all day till night falls and you can light stuff on fire. Of course every year Donna had to remind them that they can't light just anything on fire, it had to be designated firecrackers and maybe the occasionally m80.

This year was just like all the years before, with one exception. In the month since she had arrived there Jackie and Donna had grown very close, after their rocky start of course. Bob, along with Kitty, who immediately took a liking to Jackie, didn't doubt that Donna would come around and they would become good friends. However there was one friendship Jackie had developed that was a surprise to everyone.
Jackie had begun to spend time in the basement daily with Eric and his friends, who eventually became Jackie's friends. She and Eric shared several burns together and respected each other for it. When Donna would be spending time with Eric alone, Jackie was kept company by the other three, who were each in their own way extremely funny and interesting. She adjusted to Fez's creepiness and was starting to not even notice. She learned to not be surprised at anything Kelso did or say. She was even able to completely zone him out when he hit on her. Though she wouldn't admit it, she was mostly interested in getting to know Hyde. Maybe because getting to know him was the most challenging. Or because of the mysterious way he had about him. It definitely wasn't because she liked him. Sure he was hot but that wasn't it.
After joining many circles and watching TV together daily, as well as various trips to the drive in with the gang, even once or twice just the two of them. She would learn a little more about him every time they were alone together. It didn't take too long to learn that Hyde rarely made even small talk with her if his friends were around. She wasn't bothered by it. She could tell that was his way. It started with simple things like sharing his thoughts about a Charlie's Angels episode and then possibly letting her in on one of his conspiracy theories. She would tell him about California and some of the crazy nights she had there, which of course he topped with a story of his own. Then one night they were leaving the Photo Hut, he asked her out of nowhere.
"So, heard from your mom?"
Taken by surprise Jackie didn't respond immediately but then said.
"Oh well she sent me a postcard but that's all"
"What'd it say?
"Thinking of you, some nerve huh? She might as well of put 'you happen to cross my mind' instead huh?" She joked to lighten the mood.
Hyde chuckled at her comment before finally sharing a piece of his own experience.
"Yeah mine's was a call" he said not looking at her. "I mean I guess I should be a little grateful she did at least that right"
"What'd she say? Jackie asked, as he had.
"Oh she just called to let me know that the rent's paid for the month and she was sure I'd be able to handle taking care of myself"
"Parents can suck sometimes" Jackie knew not to show pity or try to consol him. He didn't want that. As for her, well she still felt hurt about the situation with her parents but more and more it was going away and right then she felt happy that he could open up to her even for one minute.

"Jackie hurry up would you, the guys are gonna eat all Ms Forman's cookies if we don't hurry and I love those cookies" Donna shouted from the kitchen interrupting Jackie's train of thought.
"Okay I'm here, I'm ready and I'm sorry" Jackie burst through the door. "What do I carry?"
"Bring the chips, I got the dip" Donna instructed Jackie who followed her out the door. "Why are you all cute today?" Donna smiled teasingly as they walked next door.
"Donna please I'm cute everyday"
"No you put extra time into the clothes, the make up and even the hair" Donna pointed out stopping before the turned the corner into the driveway. "I think you wanna look cute for someone special"
"Just because I like to look good every once in a while does not mean I'm looking cute for anyone"
"Not even Hyde?" Donna raised her eyebrows smiling from ear to ear convinced she was right.
"God do you ever quit. Steven is my friend. Okay plus come on you should know better he hates girls like me"
"Yet he spends every waking moment with you"
"He spends every waking moment with Fez too"
"Not since you've been around" Donna added before walking away from Jackie to meet the guys.
Jackie ignored the looks Donna gave her at the barbeque. They sat in the driveway while Red barbequed and Kitty drank. Kelso was rambling on about his latest flavor of the week, while Fez whined jealously.
"So what's up for tonight?" Jackie asked looking to be filled in as she had been throughout the summer.
"Oh we go to the park and they have this big fireworks show" Donna answered.
"Yeah last year Kelso almost got beat up by this big biker guy for hitting on his woman" Hyde laughed while thinking back.

"Well, you're the one who said she was looking at me first" Kelso tried to defend himself.

"Yeah, I guess I should've noticed the guy with his arm around her, he was big enough" Hyde smiled proudly.

"Yeah, even I noticed him" Kelso said as if it was obvious.
Jackie almost asked why he still hit on her but then realized who'd she'd be asking.

"So what time does this fireworks deal happen?" Jackie switched back to the original topic.
"Oh well the fireworks start a little after 8 when it is dark" Fez said happily. "But the ladies show up by 7 and they are really the only reason I go at all"

"I hear that" Kelso shouted in agreement.

Hyde just shook his head as Jackie, laughed along with Donna and Eric.

Once Red was finished Barbequing and the guys drank the beer they'd stolen from Red, everyone sat together at the table set up outside.

"Well this is lovely, everyone together spending the holiday this way" Kitty gleamed possibly a little tipsy. "I just love when you kids get together like this"

"Kitty they're here everyday" Red pointed out.

"But not on the Nation's birthday" Kitty laughed loudly.

"Let's just eat okay" Red began by serving himself and then everyone followed. While platters of food were passed around Jackie couldn't stop watching everyone and how comfortable they were with each other. She felt especially happy when she realized she was a part of all of it too. She had friends and they loved her. Across from her was Hyde and when she lifted her eyes towards him she found he was looking her way as well. At first she thought that she was caught staring at him, but then realized they were both caught. She was incapable of preventing the smile that formed on her face. He let a smirk slip as well and then as expected that brief moment was over and Jackie knew that she couldn't deny what was happening anymore. She was falling for him and it could only get worse. But, now she was beginning to think that maybe the idea of Hyde seeing her more than a friend was more possible than she had originally thought.

The park was filled with people setting up blankets to mark their spots for the show. There were vendors selling ice cream, pretzels, hot dogs, cotton candy, jewelry, painting, silly hats and bumper sticker. There were even a few games with big stuffed animals as prizes. Jackie stuck with Hyde after the rest left to either make out or find someone to make out with.
"So what do you usually do for the fourth?" Hyde asked as they wandered aimlessly through the park.
"Well, I don't go every year but the majority of the years I would go to the pier for the 4th of July"
"The Pier?"
"Santa Monica?" She clarified. "They have carnival rides, games and a lot of different foods. So I'd spend the day lying out and then as it got later I'd go on the rides then watch the fireworks over the ocean"
Hyde straightened up looking forward trying to erase the image of Jackie lying out at the beach.
"Sounds like you might be disappointed this year" he warned.
"Are you kidding me this is already the best 4th of July I've ever had" she informed insistently.
"We haven't even done anything all day" Hyde pointed out.
"So"
"How is that fun?"
"God Steven, haven't you ever been happy just enjoying the company you keep?" As she asked her question she watched his reaction trying to see if she could pick up anything from his expression.
"Well," he grinned "So far I haven't kept any company that was anything special" he teased receiving a light punch in the arm. "Oh no offensive"
"Whatever?" She turned her head hiding her grin.
"That's cool" he ignored her faux anger.
Instead of saying another word he walked over to one of the vendors and paid for something Jackie couldn't see through all the people. He returned appearing out of the crowd to where he left Jackie and she saw a cotton candy in his hand.
"I know there's no beach but this is the best I can do" handing her the sugary sweet fluff he looked away at anything but her glowing face.
"Steven" she called softly and he looked back at her. "Thank you" was all she said but the way she stared at him was unlike anything he'd ever seen. It was so strange to him, all it was, was a look. He had no experience with feelings like this. Hell, he had no experience with feelings period. Maybe there were a few but not like this. He didn't do this. Did he?
"Hey lets go find the others it's almost dark" he lead the way and she followed closely still coming down from her high. Pushing through the crowd she almost lost him a few times and finally he reached down and took her hand so they wouldn't be separated. She caught him give her a quick look as their hands joined before continuing to search for their friends.
Catching a glimpse of Donna red hair Jackie pulled Hyde's hand that direction.
"I see them" she said then led the way over to the two sitting on the blanket.
"Hey guys we've been looking all over for you" Jackie said coming up from behind them. Dona looked up from the ground at Jackie and Hyde then back at their hands intertwined before they quickly dropped both hands to their side. Knowing Steven would feel embarrassed if Eric or Donna teased she quickly but casually explained.
"God it's insanity here, I almost got lost like 5 times" Jackie coolly sat down next to Donna.
Suspiciously Donna gave Jackie the once over but decided to drop it.
"Where are the other two morons? Hyde asked in very cool Hyde fashion as he joined the 3 on the blanket sitting next to Jackie
"Well Kelso ran into Pam and it turns out she has a cousin here from Montana or something who according to Pam is a real slut"
"'According to Pam' " Hyde repeated then laughed.
"I don't get it" Jackie said feeling left out.
"Oh" Donna offered to explain. "Pam's a slut"
"Ohhhhh" Jackie caught on. "I get it"
Suddenly speakers set up around the park began to play patriotic music and everyone's attention went upward.
For fifteen minutes the park quietly enjoyed the loud booms followed by burst of color filling the skies. Donna lay back against Eric watching the show together. Jackie glanced over at her cousin and the little neighbor boy who made her so happy. After looking back up at the next display that went off she looked over at Hyde who looked away from the sky into her eyes. She simply gave him a little smile before he spoke.
"So this is pretty much it. Still the best 4th you've ever had?"
"Actually even more so than the first time I said it" she reiterated.
"Well you're crazy. I mean it's good that you had a great time but you're still crazy"
"I think so too"
She knew so. She was crazy over this guy and she knew there was even more to him than meets the eye.