Jackie really didn't want to get up and was trying to figure out when Eric got back. Then she remember she was in Africa. She eventually got ready and went with Eric to the little school where he was teaching.
Jackie was a hit with the little kids. Eric had been teaching 7-10 year olds math. Jackie wasn't as good at advanced math as Eric but she could easily do what they were teaching. Eric even let her lead the class for the afternoon.
Jackie had really enjoyed teaching these children math. They had stayed engaged and asked questions. Jackie could see why Eric like this so much.
When they arrived home that afternoon, Eric asked "What did you think Jackie?"
"I can see why you love teaching. Those little kids make it so worth it. I don't think I will do the nursing program at all. Just seeing those faces as they figured out the problems was amazing."
"I know Jackie. It's the main reason I have been able to stay here."
Jackie closed the distance between and gave Eric a kiss on the cheek. As she did she said "thanks for everything!"
"You're welcome Jackie. I just realized all day today we haven't been mean to each other once. I guess we just had to ditch the idiots to become true friends."
"Yeah and I had a great time hanging out with you all day."
They made a simple dinner together and worked as a team in kitchen. They ate and continued their banter as friends through dinner. They were sitting down to listen to some music when the phone rang. Eric answered it "Hello?"
"Eric honey, its mom. All your friends are out. Is she there? Your dad said she was going over there."
"Mom calm down. Jackie is right here. Would you like to talk to her?"
"Yes!"
Eric handed Jackie the phone. She had crossed the room with him when he answered the phone. Eric mouthed my mom to her.
"Mrs. Forman?"
"Oh Jackie it's so good to hear your voice. I was worried when you disappeared. Red has been on the warpath with Steven and Donna. If they anything about you then they get banished to basement for Steven or from the house for Donna."
"No offense Mrs. Forman but they deserve it and more. The only one of the gang that was nice to me after Hyde got married was Eric. It surprised me to no end but we have become good friends so something good happened."
"Well at least something good came of this. Eric won't tell me much about Africa, how is it?"
"It's very different but it's good. I am helping Eric teach. It's very rewarding. Even if it was only the first day."
They said their goodbyes. Jackie was worn out and told Eric she was going to make it an early night. Jetlag catching up with her.
Meanwhile in Point Place. Kitty was glad she got to talk to Jackie. Red came home and found Kitty in a better mood. "Talked to her didn't you?" he said.
"Yup" Kitty replied as she put a meatloaf in the oven.
Kitty kept humming and dancing around the kitchen. Donna came in the sliding door. Anger in her eyes. "Mrs. Forman, I need Eric's number. I have to talk with him and work out our disagreement."
"Sorry Donna, not happening! He told me not to give it to you. He broke up with you because you cheated on him and you abused your best friend."
"Jackie again! I hate that midget. Look I need to talk with Eric, so we can talk about us."
"No Donna. He doesn't want to talk to you. I talked to him earlier today. He is sounding happier than he has in a while. I am guessing because he isn't holding back on you because he knew about Randy three months ago."
"You told him?"
"No but someone did and it wasn't Jackie. Unlike you she was a true friend to you. Besides even though she and Eric aren't close she wouldn't want to hurt someone like that."
"Have you even met that BITCH?"
"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE NOW DONNA AND DON'T COME BACK!"
Donna beat a quick retreat. She had never heard Kitty that mad. Now she knew Fez had been right. Jackie had replaced Laurie as a daughter to the Formans.
Hyde was still fuming mad about Eric ripping into him and was bitching to Fez in the basement when Red walked down the stairs. Hyde quickly changed the subject. Red had to smile to himself that Hyde was still scared of him.
Kitty called down that dinner was almost ready. Red went back upstairs and Fez left. Kitty told Red what happened with Donna. Red had to laugh that Kitty pulled a Red Forman. Red enjoyed the fact Kitty verbally botch slapped Donna. Red had never been fond of her.
