A/N: I wanted to thank all the reviewers. Someone wanted to know who was who's kids, so:
Eric and Donna Forman:
Callie L. Forman (20)
Parker L. Forman (16)
Vista M. Forman (14)
Steven and Jackie Hyde:
Jon Steven Jack Red Hyde (16)
Paige Katherine Donna Erica Hyde (11)
William Leo Hyde (6)
Eric Jack Hyde (6)
Fez and Laurie:
Candy Katherine (20)
Kit-Kat Sarah (19)
Pez Marie (16)
Cookie Sue (11)
Brownie Anne (6)
Kelso and Brooke:
Michael Holder Kelso (21)
Allan Michael Holder Kelso (20)
Alexander Michael Holder Kelso (19)
Wesley Michael Holder Kelso (17)
Bruce Michael Holder Kelso (12)
Vi Michelle Holder Kelso (5)
Chapter 5: Holding Hands, Hugging, and Other Stuff That Starts With 'H'
Point Place, Wisconsin
September 20th, 2003
2:45 p.m.
Forman Kitchen
Fourteen year old Vista Forman walked into her kitchen from her driveway and went straight to the icebox. She took out a can of Pepsi just as the phone rang. Vista knew who it was and what it was about. She also knew she was the one that had to answer the phone. Moving faster then she knew she could, Vista went to the phone and answered.
"Hello? Yes, this is she. Yes, yes I did." A look of sadness crossed her face. "Yes sir, I understand. I knew what would happen when I did it, sir. My parents? I-I'll let them know. I promise." Vista hung up. Taking a deep breathe, she walked back outside.
*
Forman Basement
September 20th, 2003
5:15 p.m.
'Life' was by far everyone's favorite game. It allowed them to get more money then their friends and to lord it over them. Holder, Jon, and Parker played 'Life' in the basement that same afternoon.
Holder looked lovely down at his career card. "I can't believe I'm a doctor."
Jon made a face. "Neither can I." He looked down at his career card. "And I'm stuck being a cop."
They both glanced over at Parker for his comment on his career as a computer guy. Parker sucked his lips in before speaking. "I kissed Chase a few days ago."
The statement hung in the air for a few moments. Parker Forman had kissed Chase? This was news. It was a well known fact that the two liked each other, but no one thought they'd ever act on it.
"Is that why she and Pez have been giggling in corners for the last few days?" Jon mused. He leaned back in his chair. "I thought it was a girl thing."
Holder nudged Parker in the side. "I can't believe you kept this from us. Details, man."
Parker looked between his two best friends and shrugged. "I-I, uh, it was just a kiss. We kissed and I brought her home. We really haven't spoken since then."
"Weak, Forman. But, that does explain why she hasn't been around much."
Holder laughed. "Maybe you're a bad kisser, Parker."
"I am not! It's just a very confusing time for the both of us."
"Confusing because you're a bad kisser?" Holder questioned. He and Jon exchanged a high-five. "You suck at kissing. You're a sucky kisser. You-" Jon threw a plastic car at Holder. "Ow, my eye!"
Parker gave his two friends a look and wondered why he was friends with them. "I'm thinking of asking Chase out on a real date. Something with just the two of us where we can hang out and be alone."
Holder, who know had his right hand over his right eye smiled happily. "Project!"
Jon raised an eyebrow at Holder. "You are such a woman."
*
Forman Driveway
September 20th, 2003
5:25 p.m.
Pez and Chase sat in the two chairs by the sliding doors of the Forman driveway around that same time. Pez had heard about the kiss the night it happened and it had been the main topic of conversation for the last few days. Pez was thrilled that Chase and Parker had finally acted on their feelings. Chase wasn't so sure.
"I passed Park in the hall today. I said 'Hey, Parker. Do you want to have lunch together today?' And he said: 'I'm busy.' That was all!" Chase leaned deeper into the lawn chair. "He's an ass."
"He looks nothing like a donkey." Pez stated in a confused tone.
"No," Chase sighed. "Pez. Pez, he's an ass. Not an ass."
"Ohh. Yes, I'm confused by that." Pez shrugged lightly. "However, there are more important things to worry about. Like, why haven't you two talked. Or gone on a date. A date would be the next step."
Chase groaned. "The idiot hasn't asked me." She folded her hands over her chest. "I think he's nervous I'll say no. But, I won't. 'Cause I want to go on a date. It's the whole reason I let him kiss me! I mean, have I been working toward nothing this whole time?"
"It would appear that way. But, if he were to ask you on a date, would you know how to behave?" Pez turned in her chair to look at Chase. "First dates are important."
"I know." Chase looked around nervously, not wanting anyone to hear. "Pez, could you maybe help me out with that? I…I've never been on a real date before."
Pez smiled sweetly. "Project!"
*
Hyde Backyard
September 20th, 2003
7:45 p.m.
The house and backyard had once belonged to Bob and now it belonged to Steven and Jackie Hyde. Jon, his younger sister, and all the other kids used to play in the backyard when they were little. Now, it was pretty much used for Jackie and Hyde to make-out.
Jon Hyde sat on the bench with Holder Kelso. Between them was a bowl of popcorn and in front of them was Parker Forman. Parker stood there, wearing his best slacks and his favorite button down shirt. Around his neck was a necklace and six of his fingers had rings on. He looked like a teenage Bob.
"You look like a teenaged Bob." Holder remarked. "I mean, you really look like Bob. You are his grandson, but damn man."
Jon nodded. "You look like an idiot. Like a skinny, overly geeky, jewelry wearing idiot."
Parker looked down at his outfit and then back up at his friends. "I do not! I look classy." He noticed their looks. "Don't I?"
"Nope."
"Sorry, man. Let's try another outfit." Jon looked toward the house. "Hey, get out here!"
The backdoor opened and an eleven year old girl walked outside. She was very short and petit. The girl's hair was dirty blond and curled. Her outfit was the latest in pre-teen fashion and she was carrying a large suitcase.
"No…no." Parker backed away. "You are not letting your little sister give me a fashion makeover."
"Now," Paige Katherine Donna Erica Hyde started. She was completely ignoring Parker. "I went over to your room and got out your best outfits." Paige put down the suitcase and opened it up. All there eyes peered into it; there was only two pairs of pants and a shirt. "The rest were ugly or geeky." Paige looked Parker over. "You look like an idiot. Like a skinny, overly geeky, jewelry wearing idiot."
"I…" Parker sighed sadly. "look like a skinny, overly geeky, jewelry wearing idiot. Okay, Paige give me a new outfit." The others smiled.
*
Forman Kitchen
September 20th, 2003
8:05 p.m.
Donna Forman and Jackie Hyde sat at the kitchen table, the Forman message machine between them. Just five minutes before they had come in to hear the end of a message from the high school principle. It was about Vista and apparently something important had happened to Vista and Donna and Eric were supposed to call the school Monday morning. Only Vista hadn't said anything about it. This, of course, made Donna worried. What had happened to Vista and why hadn't she said anything?
"Look Donna," Jackie started. "maybe she just got into trouble? Like she did when Holder spray painted that locker."
Donna thought about it for a moment before shrugging. "No, I think it's something else." A look of worry crossed her face. "Maybe she's doing badly?"
"Who's doing badly?" Eric asked as he and Hyde entered from the living room.
"Vista. She's flunking out and her principle called to tell you." Jackie blurred out. Donna glared. "Well, you said."
Hyde grinned sweetly at his wife before moving over to sit beside her. "How do you even know?"
Donna pressed the machine. A moment later Mr. Bolling's filled the kitchen. "Mr. And Mrs. Forman, this is Mr. Bolling. I'm calling in regards to Vista. She's done something, which you two should know about. Please call me first thing Monday morning." The message ended and the four adults were silent for a second.
"He sounds upset." Hyde comment. "Like she finally got bored with being freakishly smart and started getting Fs."
"No," Eric waved a dismissive hand. "she wouldn't do that."
Jackie gasped suddenly. "Maybe she's become a slut?! I always said she was to cute to be that smart."
Donna glared at her best friend. "She hasn't become a slut and she hasn't gotten bored." She glanced up at Eric. "What do you think, honey?"
"Uh," Eric paused for a second. "I…don't really know. We could ask her."
"Ask who?" Vista asked as she walked into the kitchen from the driveway.
"Vista, honey, how's school?" Eric asked carefully. Everyone stared at Vista. "Is it good?"
"Uh…" Vista looked at them. She was a little nervous by it all. "it's nice. Bye!" She quickly rushed back outside.
Hyde nodded to himself. "She's so done something."
Donna and Eric exchanged a nervous glanced. Vista was their smart kid. She couldn't not be the smart kid anymore. The next day and a half would be super long.
*
Forman Basement
September 21st, 2003
9:56 a.m.
Parker walked down stairs and into the basement to find Jon and Holder waiting for him. Today they were going to start on the 'dos' and don'ts' of the dating scene. Jon and Holder had both been on dates, so they would know how to act. Parker didn't want to be a loser on the most important date ever.
"Okay," Jon said. "we start with the dos. Get down here, Forman." Parker did as he was told. "We start with what you say when you ask her. What are you planning to say."
Parker felt himself grown nervous. "Uh, Chase would you like to go out with me sometimes? Like, on a date.?" He moved from foot to foot and dreaded what Holder and Jon would have to say.
"No!" Holder yelled in Parker's face. "So wrong. You say something smooth and aloof. Like 'Hey, Chase. You have a thang, I have a thang. Let's get together and make-out sometime.'"
Parker made a face. "I'm not saying that."
"Okay, then say: 'Hi, I might be at the Hub tonight. You might be there?' It's cool enough and leaves room for a conversation." Jon suggested. Parker couldn't see through Jon's sunglasses, but he was sure Jon's eyes were laughing at him.
"Why can't I just ask her out like a normal person?"
"Because," Holder stated overdramatically. "it's not cool. Chase is cool. You have to not be yourself to get her to go out with you."
"Be she likes me."
"Trust us, she'll like a cooler you much better." Jon assured his friend. "Now, there are three main rules that you should always follow on a date."
Holder leaned against the back of the sofa. "Rule number one," he cleared his throat. "never pay the girl a direct complement. Always generalize. An example would be 'You look hot.' But never tell her 'You have pretty eyes.'"
Parker nodded to himself. It sounded easy so far.
Jon sat down in his chair. "You know real number two. Never directly ask a girl out. And while on a date never say 'Would you like…' say 'I'm getting a…' and let her say what she wants. If she doesn't say anything, she doesn't want anything."
Parker raised an eyebrow. That rule didn't sound all that nice.
"Rule three is the whole reason for dating, the good-night kiss. Get the good night kiss, never settle for a hug." Holder gave the thought a disgusted look. "Also, if asked if you'll call, don't say 'Yeah, tomorrow.' 'Cause it's rude to lie to a girl.-"
"You are such a girl." Jon interpreted with a small scoff.
"Like I was saying, just say 'Yeah, I'll do that.'" Holder finished.
"Oh yeah, and don't be a wimp. Be a man. Thank you can handle it, Forman?"
Parker nodded to himself. "Yeah, yeah I think so. It should be easy. No problem." He smiled, but he really wasn't so sure.
*
Forman Living Room
September 21st, 2003
10:06 a.m.
They were now on a mission. It was clear they could not go another day without knowing what was going on with Vista and they were on a mission to find out the truth. Donna and Eric Forman sat in their living room with Steven and Jackie Hyde. They waited for the truth.
Vista walked down the stairs and looked at the four adults. "H-hi."
"Vista," Donna began as she got up off the couch. "do you have something to tell Daddy and me?"
"No." Vista started toward the door. "I don't."
"Yes you do." Hyde said from his spot in the large chair.
"A big something. Are you a slut now?" Jackie questioned from her spot on Hyde's lap.
"Hyde and Jackie!" Donna hissed.
"They didn't mean it, Vis." Eric told his daughter.
Vista had made it to the door, but her parents were right on top of her and Hyde and Jackie were watching from the chair. She took a deep breath. "You can't judge me!" The four adults looked confused. "You two," she pointed at Hyde and Jackie. "Have a daughter obsessed with beanie babies and a son that always wears sunglasses from 1976, that's not natural! And you two," she pointed at her parents. "have a comic book shirt wearing son, who can't even ask a girl out on a date! Deal with them before me, please!" With that outburst, Vista ran into the den.
"Well, now I think she's on the drugs." Eric stated as they all heard the basement door shut. Donna hit him on the arm. "Donna!"
*
Forman Basement
September 21st, 2003
1:46 p.m.
The guys had left the basement an hour before and had left it to Pez and Chase. Pez had decided that as the only girl in the group, besides Vista, it was up to her to teach Chase how to act on a real date. Pez figured they would just cover the basic stuff. She had put the lawn chair and the other chair really close to the coffee table; it would be the model of a table at the Hub. Pez sat in the old chair and Chase sat in the lawn chair.
"Okay," Pez began. "I'll be Parker and you be you." She swallowed a few times and her voice sounded slightly deeper. "My Chase, you look lovely this evening."
"Uh-thank you?" Chase was weirded out by it. "Parker, you look nice to."
"Thank you. I am wearing my Star Wars shirt. I love those movies. I talk about them all the time, you know. I love them almost as much as I love you." Pez laughed to herself. "Oh, Parker, you are a clever one."
"Uh, Pez…"
"Yes?" Pez's voice was normal again.
"You're not doing a very good job of being Parker." Chase smiled slightly. "But, thanks for trying."
Pez looked upset. She quickly stood up. "I see. I try to help and you turn on me. Good day!"
"Pez-"
"I said good day!" The teen girl headed toward the stairs, but stopped and turned back around. "Oh, I cannot leave you like this." She went back to her seat. "Maybe you should just dress slutty?"
Chase thought about it for a moment. "Yeah, I think you're right."
*
Forman Living Room
September 22, 2003
5:44 a.m.
Eric and Donna sat on the couch in their living room and waited for their youngest daughter to come down for school. They just couldn't wait anymore and they had to know what was doing on with her.
Vista slowly crept down the stairs and was about to open the door when Eric appeared from behind her and turned her around.
"Finally, there is no escaping. Tell us what we want to know and Mr. Skeeter won't get hurt." Eric explained. Vista's eyes widened in horror as Donna walked over. Donna held a brown stuff bear in her hands; the bear was tied with an old phone cord and their was a napkin around its mouth.
"Mr. Skeeter?" Vista asked in a small voice. "What have you done to him?!"
"Nothing." Donna answered innocently. "And he'll continue to have nothing happen to him if you just answer our questions."
"Why is Mr. Bollings calling? Are you in trouble? Have you finally gone over the deep end?"
Vista rolled her eyes. "Tsk, no. Just call him and ask. And give me back Mr. Skeeter!" She reached out for it but Donna moved away. "Okay okay, I'm not in trouble. I-last May I applied for a scholarship to Cheerywood." Her parents just blinked. "It's one of the best and most costly private schools in the country. Mr. Bollings called to tell me I got in."
Eric's mouth drop. "No freaking way!" He grabbed his child in a big bear hug. "That's awesome."
Donna joined the hug. "So, what's the problem?"
Vista broke away and looked down at her shoes. The last thing she wanted to do was disappoint her parents. "It's nowhere near Point Place." She watched as their faces fell. "It's in northern California. The scholarship starts next semester and I have to have an answer my midterm. I'm still thinking about it."
"You should." Donna said. "And we'll be here to help you decide."
"Thanks. Just don't tell the others, okay?" Vista took her bear back.
Eric hugged her again. "Okay. I'm just so glad you're still the smart kid!"
*
Forman Basement
September 22, 2003
5:50 a.m.
Chase sat in Jon's usual chair and waited for Parker. Today was the day; Parker was going to ask her out! She had traded in her usual punkish outfit for one of Pez's tight pants and small shirt. She heard footsteps and turned her head to watch Parker, who was dressed in his 'someone's dead/someone's getting married' outfit.
"Who died?" Chase questioned as she stood and went to stand by the washer.
"No one." Parker quickly answered. "I just wanted to look nice at school today." He sniffed. "Why do you smell like candy?"
"I'm wearing Pez's cloths." Chase confessed.
There was an awkward pause. "So…today after school I might go to the Hub. You know, just to see who's there." Chase nodded. "Yeah, if I see you, I might say 'hi'."
"Might?" Chase raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't you say hi?"
Parker looked confused and flustered. "I-I-I don't know! Because I'm cool?"
Chase chewed on her lower lip in thought for a moment. "Have you been talking to Jon?"
"Maybe."
Chase gasped. "You have!"
"So? You're wearing Pez's clothing!"
"So?" Chase gasped again. "You're wearing your 'someone's dead/someone's getting married' outfit. You let Holder dress you!"
"Actually Paige." Parker confessed with a blush.
They stood in silence for a moment.
"Oh Lord, they're ruining you asking me out on our first date." Chase told Parker with a small sigh. Parker just blinked. "Y-you are going to ask me, right?"
"Y-yeah, uh, Chase, you want to go to the Hub with me after school today?"
Chase smiled nervously but happily. "Yes, I'd love to."
Parker returned the nervous smile. "Okay then."
"Okay."
Parker reached out and took Chase's hand. "I'm really glad you said yes."
"We are to." Pez's voice said from behind the shower curtain. Parker and Chase looked over to see Pez, Holder, and Jon step out from the shower curtain.
Parker glared at them. "What were you three doing back there?"
Holder shrugged lightly. "Spying to make sure you did it right."
"You didn't." Jon filled in.
"Yeah, you suck at asking Chase out. You're a sucky asker, you-" Jon hit Holder. "Ow, my eye! Dam it, Jon!"
*
The Hub
September 22, 2003
3:00 p.m.
After school, Parker and Chase sat together at a table. They held hands and stared into each other's eyes. The young couple was going for romance, but they were spending all their time trying to ignore the whispers that were coming from the booth/table near by. Vista, Jon, Pez, and Holder were all sitting there and they were watching them.
"Why won't he kiss her?" Holder asked in a loud whisper.
"Shut up, you'll ruin it for him." Jon whispered back in an equally loud whisper.
Pez slurped on her drink. "He should just grab her and do it."
"Shush," Vista whispered. "they might be trying for some romance."
"Screw romance." Holder leaned over the table. "Parker! Parker! Parker!" Parker tried to ignore him. "Kiss her, man!"
"Shut up!" Jon hissed.
Parker and Chase tried to ignore them. Parker smiled nervously and leaned in to kiss Chase-
"Finally!" Holder threw his hands up and let them fall onto the table.
Vista hit him in the arm. "You'll ruin it!"
Pez shook her head sadly. "That's not the way to do it."
"You'll ruin the date." Vista whispered.
Jon nodded to himself. "Oh yeah, now we're talking. Go on, Forman, be a man."
"Yeah, Forman." Holder seconded. He and Jon exchanged a high-five as Parker and Chase kissed at the other table.
Next:
Chapter 6: Weekend Lovin': Callie Forman comes home for the weekend and brings Kit-Kat and Candy with her. This causes everyone to be miserable as they, along with the older Kelso boys, take over the basement. Parker and Chase explore their new relationship. Jon and Vista look for Jon's first car.