A month later Kitty was really worried about Steven. He had stopped talking to the padre and was drinking again. Red was close to throwing him out but out of respect for Kitty hadn't.
Pamela Burkhart was back in Point Place. She knew her daughter was somewhere and she knew about the trust fund she would be getting. Pam wanted that money for herself. The Forman house was where her daughter always was with her friends. She would start there.
Red and Kitty had gone out to dinner. Hyde was in the kitchen getting a beer when there was a knock on the sliding glass door. Hyde turned to see Pam Burkhart. He couldn't hide because she had seen him. Damn, now I have to talk. He opened the door and Pam said "Hyde right? Do you know where my daughter is?"
"No I don't. She left here about eight or nine months ago. There are only two people who knows where she is and they won't tell anyone. She does write some and calls every so often."
"Damn! I need to find her and get her to sign these papers."
"I have no idea where she is. Jackie and I aren't on the best of terms right now. I screwed up and pretty much she won't talk to me now."
Pam seeing her chance to have an ally to get what she wanted said "a nice boy like you? Why would she throw you away? I would forgive you for anything."
Hyde wanted to answer but he suddenly had to pee more than ever before. He excused himself and ran to the bathroom. Pam saw some papers on the table and was nosey. She quickly read the papers. Damn this young man was about to be very rich. Maybe I can get him to do what I want. She put them back exactly like she found them. Hyde returned and was still drinking. He was very wasted at this point.
Pam saw Hyde and turned on all her charms. "Steven, how about we go have a little fun tonight! You look like you could use it."
Hyde at this point would agree to anything, he was that wasted. He had heard a pretty girl not named Forman call him Steven and all his feelings for Jackie came rushing forward. He nodded and Pam led him to his car. He was drunk so she decided to drive. Hyde realized something was off on their way to the airport. He bailed out of his own moving car. It hurt like crap but thankfully the booze made it hurt less.
Hyde made it back to the Forman house. He was hurting pretty bad. Kitty saw Steven and rushed to him. Kitty took Steven to the hospital. Steven ended up with a broken arm, a sprained ankle, and a concussion.
Red was sitting at home while Kitty took Steven to the hospital. Pam dumped Hyde's car at curb as not to get caught. She slipped away and decided to come back a month later.
Kitty fussed over Steven making sure he took his medicine and rested. Red was beyond pissed at Steven. He was such a dumbass.
Jackie decided to write to Hyde.
Dear Hyde,
Kitty told me what happened to you. I am sorry to hear about WB and Angie. They were good people. I know Kitty and Red will always be there for you. Hyde, I will be your friend. I won't ever be more than that to you again. I have found love and I am happy. Please do what it takes to be happy!
Jackie
Eric read Jackie's letter and decided he should call home and speak to his old friend. Red answered the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey dad! Is Hyde around?"
"Hang on"
"Forman?"
"Hey Hyde! How are you man?"
"Hurting like hell. I jumped out of a moving car last night. Not certain who was driving but I busted my arm and ankle up pretty good."
"Damn man! That's rough. I heard about WB and Angie from my mom. Sorry for your loss!"
"Yeah man! I think I am going have to talk to someone about this. I took a dive after the news."
"It never hurts to talk about your problems despite what Red says."
"Haha, yeah man! When will you be home?"
"Well the program is going strong. I don't know for certain yet."
"Ok man! Well I can't wait for you to get home. I need someone other than Fez hang around with."
They ended the call and Jackie brought the mail in.
"Eric we both got a letter from the program."
They read their letters separately. The letters said the program would be ending right after thanksgiving. They would be home by Christmas and getting full credit for their program. Jackie was excited and ready to go home. She loved being here with Eric but she loved him more than Africa and wanted to be back home with him.
