Chapter 6. Surprise... I Guess.

The rest of the week trailed on slowly. Honestly, I didn't really do much. I helped my father unpack the remainder of our shit into the house. I was lectured on the fact that this time I needed to really put myself out there and work hard. I searched for a job. I didn't hang out with the gang much besides getting rides to school from Jackie or Eric – whichever one was in a better mood… which was typically Eric.

Saturday, I was woken up around noon to my father shoving one of the cordless phones in my face and muttering something I couldn't really catch under his breath. I put the phone to my ear and groggily said, "Hello?"

"Saige, hello, it's Donna. Don't forget that we're surprising Eric over at the Foreman's in an hour. If you can, try to show up soon to help us decorate, please."

Oh, shit.

I climbed my way out from under the blankets and put away the phone. For a solid minute, I checked myself over in the mirror; I finally decided it would be best to shower before going anywhere. After a quick, freezing shower I dressed in a thin, brown V-neck sweater and jeans, straightened my hair, and put on neutral colored makeup. It was a windy day out so I dressed the top of my head in a light blue bandana.

Before I walked over to the Foremans', I chatted with my father who told me to go to the Photo Hut to get some pictures he had sent to be developed a few days before. So, I'd have to duck out of Eric's party early and walk a few miles… not a big deal. I needed some exercise anyways – ever since I moved I'd been becoming even lazier than before.

I entered the Foremans' through the side door, as per I was instructed by Eric's mom when she surprise-called me a few days ago. I was thankful that I arrived just minutes before Eric's "Surprise" Party began.

"Oh, sweetie, it's so good you're here. Now the whole gang is set," Eric's mother, Kitty, beamed with a cute cackle.

I smiled at her in response, feeling awkward around someone so sweet, and walked over to where Donna and Hyde stood towards the door to the basement.

"Hey, Saige, we're about to go get Eric to bring him up here," Donna said. "Why don't you come with us? I don't think he's expecting you to be here, so maybe that'll perk up the surprise."

I shrugged, "Why not?"

I walked down the staircase to the basement with them.

Hyde walked over to Eric, who was sitting – appearing dejected and annoyed – on the couch and put an arm on his shoulder.

"It's time for hell, man. C'mon, let's get this show over with before your mom tries to put more streamers up."

We all filed back upstairs, Eric trailing down behind us and rushed into the living room where everyone waited. We arrived there a few seconds before Eric and all stood around the room. When he walked in, Kitty laughed a "Surprise!" while everyone else kind of just stood there and pretended to have the same enthusiasm as his mother.

Eric feigned excitement and surprise for the sake of his mother, but most everyone – besides her – could tell this was false happiness. Regardless, Kitty got what she wanted which seemed to please everyone. The party was actually pretty fun, mostly because of the odd gifts Eric received from the guys'. Apparently, Donna had told Jackie that she got him something special, because Jackie was telling anyone who would listen besides Eric himself. Eventually, much to everyone's surprise, Eric's father – Red, I believe – was able to get all the adults to party at Donna's house so we had the house to ourselves.

Eric's sister made her first appearance of the night – it was the first time I met her. She seemed kind of sleazy from how everyone was reacting with her being there, but eventually left.

"Eric, do you have any beer?" Fez asked with a bit too much enthusiasm.

"Sorry, man," Eric responded.

I smiled. I had an idea. It was getting late and I had to go to the Photo Hut, so I could probably swing by there and then go find someone selling it illegally.

"Well, Fez, I have a way we can get some. However, I need a car and a driver."

Hyde almost fell out of his chair, feigning laughter, "Okay, so you are going to get us beer."

I smirked, "Well, I also need twenty bucks, 'cause I'm not paying for what I'm not drinking, man."

Hyde rolled his eyes, "If you have a way to get us some beer, then I'm all ears. In fact, hell, I'll drive you in Foreman's car."

"Okay, so here's the plan. I have to go pick up pictures from the Photo Hut from my father, but I heard that the dude that owns the place is a total pothead and will sell us basically anything we want – including beer."

Hyde stood up, put his sunglasses and jacket on, and took Eric's keys from him. "Okay, princess, let's go see what we can accomplish. I've got twenty bucks." He turned to the others. "Kelso, do you have any cash?"

Kelso looked clueless.

"Jackie?" Hyde pressed.

"Fine, fine," Jackie said and threw him a fifty. Damn rich girl. Maybe she will be good company one day…. If we could get her to shut her damn mouth for two minutes.

And, so, with seventy bucks in hand and time alone with Hyde, I was determined to pick at his brain a bit. Or, at the very least, piss on his parade.