Chapter 9. I'll Streak, Man.
The guys' plan was simple. And foolproof for that matter. Basically, when the President comes to Point Place to give his speech, we'd all attend with our parents since they were invited. However, right before the presentation began, we'd all slowly – one by one – say that we were going to use the restroom. Once in the restroom, we'd strip down naked in all but a trench coat. Then we'd re-enter the room and cluster in the back of it behind one of the US flags. Once Ford was to start his speech, we'd all run out with masks on, strip naked, and run. The only dilemma – one that I had mentioned – was that we'd have to have someone to catch and bring us our trench coats. That person ended up being Jackie, since she didn't want to strip in front of the guys; Donna would've done it but apparently her father expected her to wear some kind of flamboyant jumpsuit.
We had about a day to gather everything since the President wouldn't be coming to Point Place until Sunday. The only problem we ran into was where we'd get the trench coats. Eric got one from his dad's closet and Hyde apparently had one lying around. That left Kelso, Fez, and I to either dumpster dive for them or buy them. I was broke so I didn't really have any options. Fez said that someone else would have to get the trench coat for him since his Exchange Program parents would question why a trench coat would be on his Student Visa. Eventually, Jackie ended up caving in and saying that she'd purchase trench coats for the three of us.
"When is Jackie getting back with our coats, man?" Kelso complained, while flipping through the channels on the television.
We were waiting for her return in Eric's basement. Eric said that he had to stay home incase his mom had a 'pie emergency' and he had to go out to the store to get more filling. Apparently, according to Eric, Kitty was going somewhat overboard on the whole American colored pie thing. I supposed that was normal for housewives… I mean, the President doesn't just show up every Sunday.
The door to the basement opened to Jackie without any bags in her hand and Fez trailing along with what seemed like heavy bags full of clothes.
"Did you get the coats?" I asked and stood up to close the door behind Fez.
"Mmmhmm," She smiled. "They're cute."
Hyde raised an eyebrow, "Cute?"
Kelso's eyes widened, "Jackie, don't tell me you…"
"They're pink!" Jackie squealed.
Fez took them out of the bags, "Aren't they pretty?"
"Jackie, man, we're not supposed to look 'cute'," I sighed. "You're screwing it up, man."
Eric rolled his eyes, "Look, it'll just be the two of us, then Hyde. It's not a huge deal."
"More people equals more power, man!" Hyde argued.
We heard footsteps scattering down the steps. I looked over to see Kitty, exhausted, with an apron around her waist.
"Eric, go get more blueberry filling! I only have red and white and I need blue," She said before marching back up the stairs.
Eric sighed and grabbed his keys.
Sunday came. Hyde ended up finding an extra trench coat for Kelso to borrow, but none for Fez or myself. I went with Jackie Saturday night to return the pink ones before the store had closed but they didn't have any normal khaki ones left, so I just figured that I'd help with the execution of the plan instead. We all stood huddled around the bathrooms outside of the conference room. The guys talking amongst each other while Donna and I conversed.
"I know you don't want to wear it, but it would make your family happy, man," I insisted. I had to admit, it was embarrassing as hell, but at least she had a family that cared enough to want her to do it with them.
"I know," She sighed. "I guess I'll go change."
She walked away into the womens' restroom with the jumpsuit in hand. I decided to join the guys' conversation when Jackie strolled along to greet us, before going into the conference room to sit with her father.
"I don't think we should do it," Kelso said.
"What are you talking about?" I questioned. "We already made the plan and everything.
Kelso looked to the floor, "There are dogs. And we'd be naked. And you know, that thing guys have…"
"Oh, shit. You're right. I'm out," Hyde said.
"Count me out, as well," Eric agreed.
"Fine," I insisted and walked into the conference room to sit with my father. If they didn't want to do it, then I just wouldn't sit with them for the event.
After some time music began playing dimly in the background and President Ford came up to the stand. We all stood and applauded for him before taking a seat and listening to him speak. Towards the end of his speech, Red Foreman was told to go up to the microphone in the middle of the crowd to ask the President a question. However, when he got up there he seemed a bit nervous and didn't speak. After some time of waiting – behind me – I heard Eric's voice yelling and watched him run past me completely nude with a Nixon mask on; he managed to run out of the room, with Hyde and Kelso – dressed in trench coats – chasing behind him.
I turned my gaze to my father who wasn't paying any attention to me and decided it was about time to sneak out the back. I left right as Red was gathering the courage to sass the President. I found the guys in the hallway – Eric, thankfully, dressed. The guys were cheering with him for his accomplishment.
"That was rad, man," I smirked. "But I still wish that Jackie didn't buy me a pink trench coat. I would've loved to streak in front of the President."