Hey guys, with everything that's going on right now, I just hope everyone stays safe. Please take care of yourselves, and in doing so, we can take care of each other.

Also, really fast, I just want to take a quick second to thank everyone who has kept up with this super long story, lol :), you guys are the best and be careful out there.

CH 18: Brooke

Sometime in 1978:

Donna Pinciotti's Bedroom:

7:18pm- Central Time:

She was playing Life, one of her favorite board games. But then again, as Jackie recollected, Donna didn't like Life- the game. Which now, thinking back, Jackie herself didn't like it too much either. Yeah, it was fun to imagine yourself and your life and your future in the game, but when it was over and you still had a term paper to turn in, your parents were still fighting, and your boyfriend was still a cheating, noncommittal flake, then did it even matter?

As she burst in the room, half panting yet still trying desperately to remain aloof, as a one Mr. Steven Hyde taught her, "Hey Donna! Wai-, uh, where's Leo?"

Sitting by her desk, Donna dully spun around her chair to face her, "Oh. Well, he left." She then nodded, her shoulders slumped, eyes glassy with a stony deadpan stare, looking a little bit too much like Eric Forman for Jackie's liking. She then continued, her tone one of that of forced nonchalant, who-cares, kind of attitude, "Yeah, she asked if he could try on some of my dad's clothes and I said 'no'… so he left."

Jackie nodded, feeling a pang of guilt.

Leo left, just like she had.

Jackie reached into her bag of emotional tricks. 'Pull something out, pull something out!' her mind screamed. And then she got it- reflect. Act as if she stayed for her- even though she clearly didn't- and cycle back to Leo leaving. Reflect her guilt onto him, paint Leo as the bad guy and hope the helpful hippie would forgive her… if her remembered who she was. She wasn't sure, he always called her 'Loud Girl.'

"What! He left!" Jackie feigned outrage, "That jerk!"

Donna just stared at her blankly.

Jackie's guilt was eating her up inside. She proclaimed even louder, "What a bad friend!"

A ghost of a smile played on Donna's lips. Donna knew what she was doing. And in that moment, Jackie knew that Donna knew what she was doing. As the gangsters say in those movies that Jackie had always lost interest in- the jig was up.

And then Donna broke the tension by rolling her green eyes, shaking her head as if to clear it from a stray thought, and then went back to fiddling around with the pieces of Life- the game, "Jackie, you left too."

Jackie, subconsciously, rolled her eyes just as Donna had, and made the same face as Donna just had, finally admitting, "Ugh! I know, I know." She took a seat on the edge of her best friend's bed, "That's why I'm here."

This piqued Donna's attention. It was always fun to hear insight into Jackie's uniquely colored perspectives on life.

Jackie continued, "I was at the mall, signing autographs for a bunch of 6th graders-"

Her and Kelso were there earlier, pretending she was a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, as one does, naturally.

"You know," Jackie explained, completely believing that this whole thing made sense, "Go Cowboys, Love Jackie."

Donna just stared at her, smiling because she knew this was so crazy, but in Jackie's world, anything goes. And it looked like her 'girl's night' with Jackie and Leo was what had to go, so that the petite cheerleader could play Dallas debutant for an hour. Which was okay, Donna mused, it would make an interesting footnote in her diary.

"And then I saw this little girl crying because she couldn't find her mom." Jackie's voice had gotten considerably more sympathetic. Donna just continued smiling, eyes still glassy from that weed she smoked earlier.

"She reminded me of you." Jackie tensed her shoulders, almost wincing, "So, I felt bad."

"Jackie, that's so sweet." Donna said it, but she didn't really feel it. Again, the pot numbed things, but she did appreciate the thought.

Jackie's shoulders eased and Donna found herself wondering, "What happened to the little girl? Did she find her mom?"

"Well, I don't know. I left her with the snow-cone guy. Yeah, she smelled like poop." Jackie nodded, hoping Donna would understand her plight.

Donna wasn't sure if she did.

"Look, anyway, my point is, since you don't have your mom around in your life anymore, you need a girl in your life to look after you."

Jackie missed Donna's glazed eyes chancing a glance at Life- the board game.

And the sixteen year old proclaimed loudly, "And that's gonna be me!"

This did it. This made the redhead smile, and chuckle, genuinely. She felt Jackie's clumsy attempt at offering her services as best friend, and for the first time in a long time, it felt like she had a sister. There was no numbness or faking sincerity with this.

Annnnnd, maybe she was in the giggling part of coming down from the high, but still, Jackie comforted her.

It was a quiet moment after a second, and they just were sitting there. Jackie thinking about her great career as a future Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, Donna flooded with memories of a mother that would never leave her, until she did.

Needing to make a joke, Donna idly picked up a piece of Life, saying more to herself then to Jackie, 'You'll look after me…' "Until I smell like poop."

Jackie nodded, smiling, "Right!"

It was a simple joke.

And as Jackie stood up, dismissing herself to go to the restroom before they continued 'girl's night', Donna stared at the game of Life on her desk. Jackie was a good friend, her best friend, but she knew that like her relationship with her mother, it wasn't going to last. Jackie would leave her too. And it wasn't the young girl's fault. She was simply too naïve to realize that she basically committed herself to mental and emotional well-being of another.

Donna then picked up a piece of Life, turning it over in her long, white fingers, eyes still glassy and mouth still tugged with the last remnants of a tight chuckle, "It's a simple joke."

And then she turned to the doorway, her smile slowly fading. Everybody leaves, and changes, and grows. And it would be best if Jackie had that chance to grow up too. So secretly Donna vowed, that if the opportunity ever came for Jackie to lead her best life by cutting a certain redhead out of her life, then she would kindly step out of the brunette's life.

And unlike her mother, where she never got the chance to say it, she would say it for Jackie, "Goodbye."

She then thought back to a girl she was surprised she was friends with, a girl with a bright future and maybe a mouth that was a little too loud for its own good. And sure-of-herself, righteous, Donna Pinciotti didn't see the irony of the thing.

She would leave Jackie as her mother left her. Maybe it was Jackie who needed her more. It didn't occur to Donna that maybe it was Jackie who was more like the lost little girl at the mall. Maybe Donna couldn't see the forest through the trees. Maybe she was just like her mother.

Now:

1984:

Jackie and Colette entered the Forman living room, absolutely exhausted. Jackie closed the front door behind her, carefully setting the shovel to the side of the door. After a day like today, the shovel felt oddly familiar to her, like an appendage that was part of her, but not quite.

She sat down on the couch, Colette sitting right next to her. As Jackie massaged her aching and slightly bloody knuckles, Colette picked out the flakes of dirt on her novelty dress.

At that moment, Kitty burst through the door from the kitchen, demanding, "Where have you girls been?" But as soon as she caught sight of them, worry was evident on her face and voice as she exclaimed, "Oh my God! Where have you girls been?!"

Colette scratched her head, mumbling, "Wonderland? Oz?"

Jackie stared plainly at the resting television set, "The forest. The police station. The Hub. The mall."

Colette nudged Jackie with her elbow, "Do we have to go in order?"

Jackie shrugged, "My car is wasted."

Colette looked around, "I think I left my bike here."

Jackie looked over at Colette, "My Mustang is at Fez's... I think."

Kitty called out, panicked, "Red! The girls are babbling!"

Red came in, ready to bark orders around as usual, but when he noticed the girls, he stopped, eyes wide, "What the hell?!"

Both girls lazily looked up at him. Jackie said slowly, "We just need a second to collect ourselves."

After the second, Jackie sighed, scratched her head, and asked openly, "Can Little Jackie take a quick shower and barrow some of Laurie's spare clothes? I promise to return them washed be the week's end."

Kitty shook her head, waving an arm as she hurried over to Colette, hugging the younger girl, and kissing her damp temple, "Of course! Oh, she can keep Laurie's clothes!"

Red scrunched up his face, "What?!"

After Kitty shot him a warning glance, he grumbled, "Yeah, yeah…"

As Kitty helped Colette up the stairs, Jackie turned to Red, "Thank you Mr. Forman. We really appreciate this."

Red took the opportunity to sit next to her, asking lowly, "Are you sure you're ok? You don't look too good."

Jackie shrugged, and after a moment of no response, Red leaned in, "If a guy did this…" He let the sentence hang. When Jackie looked up, she noticed his eyes had darkened. She shook her head, "No no, it's been a day but nothing like that."

Red nodded, saying gruffly, "Ok, but remember what I said. If you need me, I'll be right here."

Jackie smiled her thanks, "Thank you."

They heard the shower running upstairs and Kitty descended from the staircase, saying, "She has a fresh set of clothes waiting for her!" She let out a little laugh, but worry was evident. She then walked over to Jackie, "Jackie, if there's something you need help of some kind-"

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

Kitty was agitated that her sentence was cut short, but opened the door nonetheless, usual smile on hand as she greeted-

"CASEY KELSO!" Kitty gasped in the adoration of a girl meeting Elvis.

All thoughts of Jackie had left her as she invited him in.

With a classic sway of the hips in a macho manner, Casey let himself inside, smiling over to everyone, "Mrs. Forman. Mr. Forman." He then took in the sight of Jackie, nodding, "Carrie."

Jackie narrowed her eyes at the movie reference but held her tongue, something seventeen year old Jackie could never do.

"What are you doing here!" Kitty gawked.

Casey shrugged, winking at the older woman, "I got a special delivery but I don't know where to drop it off. I thought here was as good as anywhere."

Soon, a brunette woman stepped beside Casey, dressed in jeans and a simple white blouse. And beside her was a small girl who looked like a miniature version of her mother. Jackie rose to her feet to get a better look at the situation. It took a moment, but the little girl shyly waved at everyone before looking over at Jackie, big brown eyes wide, "Jackie!"

She ran over to her Godmother, squealing, "Hey, Bets."

The little girl practically burst with joy, wrapping her arms around Jackie saying loudly, "I love you!" She then pulled back suddenly, "You smell like sweat."

Jackie uncharacteristically flinched, chancing a glance up at Brooke who seemed very amused by the interaction.

Betsy then shrugged, and resumed her hug, "I love you anyways, though."

Jackie let go of a breath she didn't know she was holding as the girl pointed at her hand, "Is that okay?" She then pointed at her face, "You have little cuts up there." Before Jackie could respond, Betsy said loudly, "Hey guess what?!"

Jackie asked sweetly, "What is it, sweetheart?"

Betsy jumped, "I'm gonna be a stripper when I grow up!"

Jackie never cared much for strippers when she dated Michael Kelso. And her opinion of them dropped after the whole 'Samantha Hyde' experience. So it should be of no surprised when Jackie said flatly, "The hell you are. You need to be something worthwhile, not that."

As Betsy's face fell solemn, Brooke nodded her approval, "Thank you for your good influence, Jackie."

Jackie continued with, "You need to be a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader."

While Betsy brightened considerably, Brooke arched an eyebrow, "You can stop influencing now, Jackie."

The five year old jumped up in excitement, "Yay!"

Casey rolled his eyes, shoving his hands in his bomber jacket, "Look, is my brother around? It's getting a little tiring transporting his lady and spawn around town, y'know?"

Brooke shot him a glare, but kept her mouth closely pressed.

Kitty shook her head, "Well, they're not here!"

Casey smiled knowingly, "Did you check the basement? You should always check the basement."

Before Kitty could respond, and knowing full well of what goes on in the basement, Jackie jumped, "I will check the basement!"

Brooke nodded, "I'll go too. I need to speak to Michael."

"Can I go three?!" Betsy asked, jumping.

Brooke and Jackie exchanged knowing glances- that was all they needed: expose Betsy to good 'ole Mary Jane after she was already taught how to pole dance by professionals.

"No." They said in unison.

Brooke knelt in front of her daughter, "Honey, stay here with Uncle Casey."

Casey shrugged, "Yeah," he then took a seat on the couch, "Betsy, lemme be the first to tell you, stripping is a fine profession. Don't let anyone tell you any different. And truthfully, there's some good money in it. And if you look half as good as your mother," he winked at Brooke, "-you'll do great."

Brooke then steered Betsy to Kitty, "On second thought, stay here with Grandma Kitty, ok?"

Betsy shrugged, holding Kitty's hand, "O.K."

Brooke met Jackie in the kitchen, and together they descended into the basement.

It was a little dark, but they could still see. It was a little smoky, but they could smell. And their friends were a little baked, but not quite burned.

Brooke only narrowed her eyes at the man on the couch, "Michael."

Jackie took in the other two, slowly dancing off on a corner, listening to something called 'The Human League', "Laurie. Fez."

Hearing their names, everyone jumped. Laurie switched off the radio, and looked over at Jackie and Brooke, "Oh. Hey."

Jackie snapped, "Don't 'Oh, Hey' me! Weren't you wondering where I was at?!"

Laurie shrugged, "We were getting high. And Donna's still not in town. My little brother is still not in town. And you look like crap. Nothing has changed."

Jackie growled, "You are unbelievable."

Laurie smirked, "Hey babe, at least I'm here. More than I can say for baby brother and Donna."

Brooke rolled her eyes, "Enough about them. They got married and had a happy life while some of us weren't so lucky." She glared at Kelso who turned away from her, scratching his chin.

Fez chimed in, "Ah, actually sexy lady, jury is out on your theory, but good guess!"

Brooke walked up to her partner, voice dropping so only he could hear, "Michael, we need to talk."

Kelso looked up at her, a stirring passion in him that no one, not even Jackie had ever seen, "I don't want to hear it."

"I'm not here for me." She said calmly, "I'm here for Betsy."

Even in his stoned state, Kelso would do anything for his daughter. He nodded, reluctant, "Alright. For Betsy."

Brooke took his hand and they exited to the driveway.

As the door closed, Laurie squinted her eyes in suspicion, "I wonder what that's all about."

Fez jumped excitedly, "We should spy on them!"

Jackie snapped her fingers in obvious aggravation, "Hey Boris and Natasha! Do you realize Crazy Caroline was all up in your apartment?! Spying on you?!"

Laurie's eyes widened, "Wait, what?"

Fez sputtered, "The Hell?!"

Jackie nodded, "And so was Big Rhonda, by the way. You guys really need to change your locks."

"Ew," Laurie scrunched up her nose as Fez smirked, "Holy crap. Do you know what this means?"

Both women stared at him, Laurie looking more worried then Jackie as he chuckled, "They can't get over me. The ladies, once they have a taste of these brown sugar buns, they don't want to go back to plain old granola!"

"Oh please!" Laurie hissed, but when Fez kissed her cheek, it appeared all was forgiven. Especially when he whispered in her ear, "Do not worry hot momma, your foreign fox isn't going anywhere."

Jackie made a puking noise, "Yuk! I'm going upstairs before I get an STI just from being near you!"

As she stomped up the stairs to go to the kitchen, Fez called out after her, "You wanted me too, y'know!"

"I claim temporary insanity!" She shouted over her shoulder. She made it to the kitchen, slamming the door behind her when she caught sight of the driveway through the screen doors. Michael Kelso and Brooke were speaking to someone, but she couldn't tell who because they were facing away from the screen, so she could only see their backs. Whoever they were talking to was obviously in front of them.

Maybe she should have spied on them...

But she brushed the stray thought aside, believing that maybe they were talking to Casey. That was until they parted like the Red Sea, to reveal Steven Hyde.

She instantly stopped, her breath catching in her throat as he stared at her through the screen, their eyes connecting.

He wore his old boots, a pair of dark blue jeans, and a classic black tee. And yet, he didn't sport his aviators, which was odd seeing as how she used to joke that he even wore them in the shower.

It then took her a moment to realize Michael and Brooke were also staring at her, looking as if they expected her to join them.

Doing her best to compose herself, she cleared her throat and walked to the door. She opened it slightly, walked right outside, and closed the door with a soft click.

In case anyone was wondering, the italicized section was my version of the season 4 episode, Prank Day. I remember because it was the episode we all discovered Kitty was Batman - thumbs up! Hope that cracked a few smiles!