AN: Muchas gracias to everyone who's reviewed! And 1,000 points to short for answering the Zeppelin question; answer was "Ramble On" & "Battle of Evermore". And no one got the 500 points for knowing that the hobbits smoke long bottom leaf. That's okay. They'll be other chances to gain points. (Not that it really matters; y'know like the points don't matter on Whose Line Is It Anyway?
One note before you start reading this chapter. If you see XXX that means you should listen to the songs. They are "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by Elton John & "Can't Stand Losing You" and "So Lonely" by the Police. Anyway, happy reading, & don't forget to leave a review!
Chapter Six—In My Room
Donna Pinciotti was lying on her stomach on top of her bed; chin perched in her hand as she was lost in her own thoughts. She was staring at the door of the room across from her own, thinking about all the times she and its former occupant shared. Now the room was finally empty—cold, dark, and barren—as the furniture and remnants of it were slowly and quietly moved out. As Donna sat thinking about these things, a blurred image crossed her sight for a brief second. Blinking to clear her vision, she looked over to find Jackie sitting on her cot, flipping through her latest magazine. Crinkling her brow in deep thought, Donna shifted her thoughts from her dear younger sister to her dear best friend slash adopted younger sister.
Looking at the sad girl that she shared her room with, Donna began to wonder what unsettled Jackie more—Steven Hyde or an empty broken home. Figuring it was a mixture of both, she racked her brains trying to figure out what she could do to cheer up her friend. Realizing that she was lucky to have a parent and a house to live with and in, Donna soon became conscious of the fact that more than anything she was lucky to have her own room or sanctuary to retire when the world seemed to be too chaotic to live in. At least it use to be before I had to share it with someone, Donna thought to herself. Donna looked away from Jackie and the cot to the closed door across the hall as the light bulb clicked on in her mind. A small grin graced her lips as she knew the perfect solution to both of their problems.
After dinner, Donna stayed back to help her dad with the dishes while Jackie and Joanne headed outside to eat dessert. After stacking up the dirty dishes from the table, she handed them to Bob, both quietly working. A moment passed before Donna asked her father somewhat apprehensively, "Hey Dad, since Tina moved out to California to live with Mom, what were your plans for her old room?"
"Well, now that all of her stuff is finally out, I was thinking about using it as an exercise room. We could be the first people on our street to do so," answered Bob Pinciotti as he rinsed off the dishes before putting them in the sink to be washed.
"Wow Dad, that sounds . . . exciting," Donna returned, unsure of what to say or how to react to the news.
"It sure is," he replied with his trademark grin.
"Yeah, that'd be great and all, but I was thinking maybe we could give it to Jackie," Donna suggested to her father.
"Jackie? Really? What's wrong?" Bob asked with concern. "Is it the cot? I mean, I know it's from the National Guard, but it's a good cot. Saw me through some of my best years."
"Well, sort of," she answered, "but I just think she needs some cheering up, and fixing up her own room would do that. I mean that way she'd feel like she had her own place and feel more like a part of this family."
"Donna," her father said after thinking about it for a moment, "that's very thoughtful of you."
"I know," she answered, "and I'm more than willing to help her get settled in her new room."
"Ah geez, that's awful sweet of you, Pumpkin," Bob gushed at his daughter as tears gathered in his eyes. "But before you start moving things let me talk to Jackie first seeing how you messed it up last time."
"Alright Dad," Donna replied, secretly jumping for joy at the thought of getting her own room back while being excited that Jackie could have her own too.
Later that evening, Jackie was sitting on the swing on the front porch watching some of the younger children of the neighborhood playing games and chasing fireflies. She couldn't help but smile softly to herself as fond memories of her own childhood came to mind. Times when she was chasing and capturing fireflies only taking time out to eat the fresh strawberries out of the garden or playing hide and seek with friends down her street. She honestly couldn't help but sigh as she recalled these things because after all times were much simpler then. Back then she didn't have to worry about boys or her parents the way she did now. At least my parents were parents back then, she thought. Daddy wasn't in jail for embezzlement, and mom wasn't down in Cancun selling condos while throwing back margaritas two fisted, never knowing if she'll ever come back or not. And to think I actually thought I could depend on Steven Hyde.
But just then Bob came out on the porch and offered Jackie lemonade. Declining the offer, Jackie was taken out of her thoughts as Bob sat the drink down on the railing and took a sip of his own. "Ah," he sighed after his sip, his lips puckering slightly from the sweet yet sour taste, "Joanne sure can make good lemonade. It's got an extra punch or something."
Jackie looked up at Bob from the corner of her eyes before slowly rolling them, wondering what he wanted. As if he knew what she was thinking, Bob began to talk again. "May I?" he asked ushering to the open seat next to her. Jackie shrugged her shoulders and nodded her head; Bob sat down. "Jackie, you know you've really livened things up around. It's been nice. But I kinda think you deserve better from us."
Jackie's eyes popped open wide at Bob's statement. "Of course I do, Mr. Pinciotti. I'm a Burkhart," Jackie replied nonchalantly.
"Well, I think you're going to be here a lot longer than what we all think. So, I was thinking since you're going to be here for a good while that maybe you could use Tina's old room. I think the cot in Donna's room is starting to become too uncomfortable for you. What do you think?"
Mouth open agape, Jackie stared out into the street not quite believing what she just heard Mr. Pinciotti say. "Mr. Pinciotti, you really mean to give me my own room?"
"Of course," Bob told her sincerely. "It's yours to room in."
"And paint and decorate?" she asked excitedly as she faced him.
"Sure. It's yours for as long as you stay here," he assured her.
Jackie squealed as she hugged him. "Thank you, Mr. Pinciotti! I'm going to start planning how I want it to look right now!" And then she jumped up and rushed into the house, eager to plan her new room.
Bob sighed after Jackie left, a smile growing across his face. "Donna was right. That definitely cheered her up."
Jackie zoomed in the house and immediately rushed upstairs, flying passed Donna who was heading for the stairs herself. She smirked. Jackie flew into their room quickly searching for paper and pen. Finding some in Donna's desk, Jackie closed the drawer just as Donna entered their room.
"Uh Jackie, what are you doing?" Donna questioned her roommate.
Jackie jumped with a start. "Omigod! Donna, don't you know it's rude to sneak up on people?"
"Jackie, don't you know it's rude to read other people's diaries?" Donna counter attacked.
Rolling her eyes, Jackie replied, "Whatever. Look, your dad just offered me Tina's empty room. So, as much fun as it's been sharing your room, Donna, I think it's time to go our separate ways." She paused for a moment letting it sink in for Donna. "I hope you understand."
Donna stared at Jackie for a moment in mock surprise. Grinning like the Cheshire cat she replied, "Jackie, that's so awesome! I mean, I'm gonna miss sharing a room with you, but now at least you get your own closet."
Jackie grinned and bobbed her head in the affirmative. "I know!" she gasped. "Now, I won't have to worry about falling into one of your shoes and never being found!"
Donna laughed as she slapped her best friend on the arm. "Yeah okay, Alice; I didn't know you felt like you were in Wonderland."
Jackie smacked her back. "Hey! Your closet and that cot sure made it feel so!"
They laughed. "Whatever. So what are you doing with pen and paper?" questioned Donna.
"For writing down my ideas for my new room, Donna," Jackie answered in mock annoyance as she rapped the pad of paper with the pen.
"So, you wanna check it out?" Donna asked after rolling her eyes to Jackie's response.
"Is ABBA my favorite group?" questioned Jackie. When Donna bore a confused look with a shrug of her shoulders, Jackie replied, "Of course! Now outta my way, Bigfoot!"
Slightly shaking her head, Donna got out of Jackie's way. Jackie walked past Donna, across the hall, and opened the door to her new room. Donna followed her. Turning on the light and glancing about the room, Jackie commented, "This room needs a lot of work." Looking around again, Jackie made mental notes while she lightly rested the pen cap on her lips. "Hmmm, okay here's what I'm thinking. . ."
The next afternoon found the girls painting the walls a shade of lavender and singing along to the radio. They spent the morning figuring out the paint color and what would look best with the comforter pattern she had in mind. Once deciding on the final paint color and gathering some extra painting supplies, the girls left the hardware store for home and began preparing the room for painting. After lunch, they began painting. So far they had a wall and a half done. With the radio blaring, they painted and sang along with whatever songs they knew.
"Through the mirror of my mind,
Through these tears that I'm crying,
Reflects the hurt I can't control.
Cos although you're gone,
I keep holding on
To the happy times when you were mine."
Jackie and Donna sang at the top of their lungs along with Diana Ross and the Supremes as they painted, sometimes using the paint brushes as a microphone.
"Reflections of the way life used to be,
Reflections of the love you took from me,
In you I put all my faith and trust
And right before my eyes
My world has turned to dust"
As the song ended, Jackie switched from the brush to the roller and dipped it into some paint. "Y'know, if we get this done early, we can go to my house and get the rest of my stuff packed," Jackie announced as she pulled the roller out of the paint slowly and began rolling it on the wall.
"Wait, you mean to tell me that you didn't bring all of your stuff the first time around?" questioned Donna who was carefully painting around the window frame.
"Uh no," answered Jackie with a condescending tone tugging in her voice. "I only brought the necessities last time. This time I'm bringing my bedroom furniture and anything else that's still there that's mine. I mean, let's face it, Donna; I need to be surrounded by pretty things. And since there's not a lot of that around here, I have to make my room pretty; it's my sanctuary."
Donna rolled her eyes and stooped to get some more paint on her brush. "That's great and all Jackie," she began, "but how in the hell are you going to move your furniture here? It's not going to fit in the back of dad's car, y'know. You're gonna need the guys to help."
Jackie stopped painting and stared at Donna. "Please tell me you're not including Steven in that group?"
Donna smirked at the wall and let out a breathy snort. "Uh yeah, Jackie I am. He's the only one who's got a back end that can fit your furniture on it."
Jackie turned back to her wall and started painting again; this time with more force. "Well, he can rot in hell cos I'm not begging him for his help. I'd rather rent a moving truck."
Donna chuckled silently. "Jackie, you're gonna have to talk to him sooner or later, y'know? Get it all out of your system so then you'll feel better and can move on. This hate thing you got going for him is almost resorting back to your freshman year when you two hated each other."
"Donna, I can't ask him for help. If I do, then he'll think I'm weak and that I'm caving in," Jackie informed her plaid wearing lumberjack friend. "Or worse—that he still has a shot with me."
"Doesn't he?" questioned Donna as she turned to look at Jackie.
"No! . . . Possibly. . . I don't know . . . okay, fine yes!" she hesitated as she stumbled on her answer. "But he doesn't need to know that."
"Jackie! Don't you think he'll know that sooner or later anyway?"
"Psh! So?"
Donna rolled her eyes as she stooped down again for a little more paint. Straightening back up she happened to look out the window and saw Hyde washing the El Camino while Eric sat on the porch eating a popsicle and talking to Hyde. An idea came to her mind and she smiled and nodded to herself, hoping beyond hope that her idea would work. She continued finishing up around the trim as they painted in silence, minus the radio blaring.
"Loving you isn't the right thing to do
How can I ever change things that I feel?
If I could baby I would give you my world.
How can I when you won't take it from me?"
The girls were jamming to Fleetwood Mac as they painted. As soon as the refrain came in, they looked at each other and sang once more at the top of their lungs.
"You can go your own way
(Go your own way –ay –ay)
You can call it another lonely day
You can go your own way
(Go your own way)"
Donna laughed as she moved to paint above the window. "Y'know, Jackie, I never thought you'd be one to put on old clothes and do some handy work," she said with admiration. "That like totally goes against your image."
Jackie quietly snickered to herself as she thought back to that day her freshman year when Red showed her how to change oil in a car. "Well Donna, I guess I'm just full of surprises like that," she nonchalantly informed her friend. "But if you go and tell anyone this, I'll kick your ass."
Donna laughed. "Thanks for the warning, short stuff," she shot back.
"Ah!" scoffed Jackie as she moved to a different spot to paint. "Just remember, I kicked Laurie's ass, so I can do the same to you," she said as she pointed the handle end of her roller at Donna.
"I'll keep that in mind," she replied with a roll of her eyes, which thankfully Jackie didn't see or she would have rejoined a cat fight club.
"You can go your own way
(Go your own way –ay –ay)
You can call it another lonely day
You can go your own way
(Go your own way)"
They sang again and then jammed during the instrumental in the middle of the song. Jackie put her roller down and looked around the room for a moment. "Wow. You're almost finished with the window wall, I'm halfway done with the door wall, and the closet wall is finished, so that just leaves the wall opposite that to do. Yay!" she squealed as she jumped and clapped. "This is so exciting! I can't wait to get all my stuff in here and arranged and organized!"
Donna laughed silently as a smile graced her face. As much as she would have hated to admit two years ago, Donna was thrilled she found a way to cheer up her best (girl) friend. Two years ago, I didn't even like Jackie, she thought to herself as she painted. Who knew she'd be my best friend now. She smirked at that thought and was glad in some ways that she did have Jackie. She might act shallow and immature, but Donna learned over the years that she was much deeper than that.
Just then, Donna was torn from her thoughts as she heard Jackie singing along with the radio once more.
"You can go your own way
(Go your own way –ay –ay)
You can call it another lonely day
(Another lonely day)
You can go your own way
(Go your own way –ay –ay)
You can call it another lonely day"
Donna smirked as she watched her small friend singing and paint dancing with the music. She shook her head still smirking at the small girl moving about in time with the music. Shrugging her shoulders, Donna decided to join in and sing along as the song started to wrap up.
About an hour later, the girls were painting the final wall. The room smelled of freshly applied paint, and the girls looked as though they had been painting. Small dots of lavender were scattered on their clothes; both girls' bandanas were covered too, and each one wore a small mischievous smirk on their face.
Just minutes before they were flicking their paint brushes at one another in jest, that is until Bob entered the room to see if they needed something to drink—and received a splotch of lavender on his forehead. . .and a couple in his hair. . .and a few small ones on his shirt. None to pleased, he made them stop the splatter fight and finish painting the wall. He supervised them for a moment before leaving to answer the telephone. The girls snickered as they got closer to being done, remembering their fight and the way Bob looked when a knock came on the door frame—Eric had entered the room.
"Hey! There you are! I've been wondering why I haven't seen you all day!" he greeted his girlfriend as he looked around the room at the paint job.
"Sorry, Eric, but I've been helping Jackie paint her new room," she returned as she painted.
"Wait, Jackie's getting her own room?" he asked in surprised confusion. "Wow, that's awesome. But shouldn't she have gotten Tina's old room sooner?"
"Well, all of Tina's stuff finally got moved out and I couldn't bear to see it go to waste," Donna answered him.
"Eric," Jackie jumped in the conversation, "I'm like a fine wine," she began as she placed a hand over her chest. "I get better with age. Besides, it was only a matter of time when they realized a gem like me deserved my own room."
Donna shared an amused look with Eric, who raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "Jackie, the only time you're a fine wine is when you sing." He smirked at her while she glared at him from his burn. "In fact, the next time you past the Cheese Palace, why don't you grab a cube so you have some cheese to go with your wine, Cheese Maiden."
Eric snickered as did Donna. Jackie glared at him for a second before chucking her paint brush at him. Donna laughed harder at this. "Nice aim, Jackie," she complimented her friend as Eric stared at the lavender paint mark on his shirt.
"Oops!" Jackie cried in mock surprise as her hand touched her lips. She paused for a moment as if considering something while Eric merely smirked in annoyance at her. "Y'know, Eric, that shade of lavender really suits you well. In fact, I think it brings out the girl in you more."
Donna had to stifle her laughs now; at the rate Jackie and Eric were going with their burn-fest, it would only be a matter of time before the whole room combusted into flames.
Sighing as he looked back down at his shirt, Eric shook his head before bending down to pick up the brush. Holding it haphazardly, he slowly walked towards the girls. "Y'know, lavender may look good on me," he told Jackie, "but," he said as he stopped between them both, "I think it looks much better," he bent down to dab the brush in some paint, "on," he stood up to his full height, "you." Taking the brush, he smeared lavender paint on Jackie's head and down her face. Both girls gasped; Eric turned and faced Donna. "And, you too," he said just seconds before smearing her face and shirt. Donna gasped again while Jackie found a section of her shirt to wipe her eyes and face off, lavender paint still evident on her face. Eric smirked briefly, satisfied with his paint burn, before dropping the paintbrush like a hot coal and quickly darting out of the room.
"That toothpick!" shrieked Donna as she wiped her face off as best she could.
"Oh, he's dead!" cried Jackie as she tore out of the room and the house with Donna on her heels.
Outside the Pinciotti's, Eric made a dash for his house. Slowing down as he came to his driveway, he ran through Hyde and Kelso's basketball game. "Forman, what the hell?" bellowed Hyde as he held the ball.
But before Eric could respond, the girls came running onto the driveway. Kelso's jaw dropped when he saw them. "BURN!" he cried loudly.
Hyde's jaw dropped too, but he quickly drew it back up in a chuckle. "Forman, you better run. The purple people eaters are after you!"
The guys all laughed as Eric made for the house only to have Donna take a running leap at him. Leaping onto his back just as he reached the porch, Eric crumbled to the ground from the full weight and effect of Donna on his back. "Stupid dillhole!" she screeched as she frogged him. Eric could only wince and laugh as his girlfriend attacked him.
"Get him Donna!" Jackie cried from her spot in-between Kelso and Hyde where she stopped.
"Ooh," Kelso winced, "that's gotta hurt."
Jackie looked at Kelso. "Not as much as this," she replied as she kicked Steven in both his shins before hopping on his back and began frogging him. "Moron! Take it back!" she demanded as she beat him.
Taken by surprise from Jackie's attack, he screamed in-between froggings, "Take what back?"
"What you said!" she commanded as she assailed him with more hits as Hyde struggled to get Jackie's hands or arms or body off him and stop hurting him.
"Jackie," Kelso said as he weaved around the fighting couple he was standing close to, "I think you make a cute purple people eater."
Huffing in response to Steven's attempts to get her off his back, Jackie's foot came flying towards Kelso's face. Not seeing the swift kick come towards him, Kelso soon felt the full effects of a foot to the eye. "Ow! My eye!" he cried in pain as he immediately cupped a hand over the injured eye, bending over in pain.
This in turn got Hyde laughing again while Jackie beat him with her feet and fists. Hyde crumbled to the ground as a result of both. "Okay, okay," he said through laughter and beatings, "you're not a purple people eater."
Getting off his back and sitting on the driveway next to him Jackie replied, "Good. And. . ."
"And what?" Hyde asked with a raised eyebrow as he rubbed his sides where she impaled him with her hits.
Jackie back-handed him on his shoulder; "You know what else!" she scolded him.
"And for being a moron," he answered; Jackie beamed.
"Good," she returned, satisfied with his answer. "Just keep remembering that."
Donna and Eric, meanwhile, had stopped their fight, made up, and watched as Hyde and Jackie's fight slowly came to an end. "Man, she's feisty," Eric commented.
"Tell me about it," Donna replied. "Just be glad she didn't attack you."
Eric merely nodded his head. Donna looked over at Jackie and said, "Hey Jackie weren't you going to ask these idiots something?"
All the male eyes now turned on her. Jackie gave Donna a look as if to say, Thanks a lot. "Um, yeah. I need strong arms to carry my furniture out of my old room and into my new one. And I need a vehicle to carry them here. Volunteers?" she asked.
Kelso, who was still nursing his eye, raised his other hand and answered, "I can help you, Jackie. Especially if it means I get to carry your personal items."
Hyde, who was about to frog him, felt a small warm hand rest on his arm.
"Michael," Jackie replied coolly as she frogged him herself, "you've got one eye in pain right now, do you need another?"
Shaking his head furiously in the negative, Kelso kept quiet. Jackie guffawed. "Yeah, that's what I thought."
"Jackie, I can help," Eric replied.
"Yeah," spoke up Hyde, "I can too."
Jackie grimaced. "Thanks guys," she said as she stood up. "Donna, we gotta finish that wall, and I need to make sure the rest of my stuff is packed so it's ready to go for tomorrow."
"Alright, let's go then," Donna returned to her live-in friend. She gave Eric a quick peck on the cheek. "Come save me later?"
"Sure thing, Leia," he returned with a wink as Donna rolled eyes and got up to head home. Shouting after her, Eric said, "Hey! I'm your only hope against Vadar!" Eric ducked as a basketball was hurled at his head. "Or maybe not," he said softly.
Crashing cymbals and pounding drums came blaring out of a stereo as a raspy soulful voice came wailing through the speakers. Alone in her room going through the rest of her belongings as she packed, Jackie sat in silent deep thought as she held her Steven box. Setting it down on her bed, she lifted the lid off the box and stared inside at its contents.
Didn't I make you feel
Like you were the only man?
Yeah, I did not give you nearly everything that a woman possibly can.
Honey, you know I did.
Each time I tell myself that I well I think I've had enough
What I'm gonna show you baby is that a woman can be tough.
Inside the box Jackie kept all the things she had either received from Steven or something she had taken to remember a Steven moment. A tin foil burger wrapper, his SAT scores, her pink and red flower she wore in her hair at the Valentine's dance, her faded dried corsages from both proms he escorted her to, their prom pictures, an EP of the Beatles single, "The Ballad of John & Yoko" (which was a joking response to what Eric had said to Jackie the night they were discovered), a flattened folded brown paper bag – the very one she held the night he was arrested for possession in her stead, the receipt for his new boots, a pair of sunglasses he swiped for her last summer when the four of them went to Lake Michigan for the day, and his favorite black Led Zeppelin t-shirt he gave her for her birthday. Taking a deep breath and exhaling heavily, Jackie hesitantly reached inside for the t-shirt. Fingering the hem lightly, she slowly yet carefully pulled it out of the box and brought it up to her face. Closing her eyes she drank in his scent, which still held onto the shirt strongly. Exhaling slowly, a smile graced her lips as she recalled how enthused he was to give her something of his to express his affection towards her. At the time, she wasn't quite as enthused as he was (after all it was an old dirty t-shirt), but later on she appreciated the gesture because she realized it was a big step for him. Fighting back the tears that were gathering in her eyes, Jackie closed her eyes tightly as she swallowed hard to rid her throat of the lump that was building there before opening her eyes and tossing the t-shirt back into the box. She sighed heavily once more before returning the lid on top of the box.
I want you to come on, come on, come on, come on
(And take it)
Take another little piece of my heart now, baby
(Break it)
Break another little bit of my heart now darlin' yeah
(Have a)
Have another little piece of my heart now, baby
You know you got it if it makes you feel good, oh yes it did
Grabbing the box, Jackie placed it inside a bigger box that would go home with her tonight. Just as she did this, Donna entered the bare pink room with a few more boxes.
"I got a few more boxes from the basement," she stated as she stacked them on the floor near the bed. Seeing Jackie stow away a box that looked similar to her Michael one, Donna exhaled slowly and softly. She understood the significance of it, and judging by the way Jackie was acting, she was still affected by the badass cheating bastard. Curling her hands into fists at her sides, she asked, "Jackie, are you okay?"
Startled to hear and see Donna back in her room again, Jackie quickly sniffed before replying. "Of course I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"
Meeting Jackie's eyes for a split second, Donna knew instantly that she should not bring up Hyde; it was too sensitive a subject at the moment. Instead Donna quickly answered, "Well, you're moving completely out of this house. You don't live here anymore. This is a huge deal."
"It's not that big of a deal," Jackie returned with zen as she packed another box.
"Jackie, yes it is," Donna insisted as she faced her and helped pack. Jackie eyed her for a quick second before resuming her gaze on the items she was packing. Donna sighed. "Look, you were there for me when my mom left; I haven't forgotten that." Jackie looked up at Donna again and grimaced. Donna returned the grin. "And I know that I acted like I didn't care and stuff, but I really appreciated it. So, let me return the favor."
Sighing Jackie replied, "Donna, you already returned the favor by letting me stay with you at your house." She paused as she closed up the box and moved it aside. Grabbing an empty box, she began to pack the clothes she had left in her closet. "Moms suck. Ours left us, so we're better off without them. I mean, who needs them? We've got each other and Mrs. Forman."
Donna smirked knowing exactly what Jackie meant. Kitty Forman was the mom of the gang; she cared for and about all of them as if they were all her own kids. She was the end all be all mom. "You're right," she answered her friend, "screw them. We don't need them anymore."
Jackie smirked. "Didn't that feel good to say?"
"Yeah," Donna nodded her head. "So, let's finish this up and head home. It's been a long day."
"Okay," Jackie agreed. "I don't have too much else left to pack, and we can load them up in the car."
"Oh goodie," Donna breathed quietly.
Jackie snickered. "Fine, I'll buy you an ice cream at Dairy Queen on the way back."
With a confused look strewn across her face, Donna laughed. "Thank you?"
"You're welcome," Jackie answered with a grin. "See? It pays living a block away from the DQ. We won't miss your evening snack time."
Taking offense to her food remark, Donna thought twice about retaliating; something their friendship had taught her.
"Whatever," she answered with a quick shrug and eye roll. I can just see it, she thought to herself. The move tomorrow is going to be quite interesting.
And if I start a commotion,
I run the risk of losing you
and that's worse.
Ever fallen in love with someone,
ever fallen in love,
in love with someone,
Ever fallen in love,
In love with someone, you shouldn't of fallen in love with?
Stuck in the El Camino with a nightstand wedged in the middle and his ex-girlfriend on the other side of it, not being able to change the radio station because of the awkward way said nightstand was packed, with this song blaring from the radio was not how Hyde envisioned his morning. Granted it was only quarter after ten, and they had all of Jackie's stuff packed and loaded in an hour; it wasn't so bad, only this moment.
Hyde exhaled deeply; signifying his discomfort and distress. The music was the only noise in the vehicle. Jackie stared out the passenger side window while Hyde concentrated on driving. Neither felt up to talking; it was just as well, but at the same time it felt like a living hell.
As soon as they backed into the Pinciotti's driveway, Hyde threw the gear shift into park, stepped on the parking brake, and turned off the engine. Just as quickly as Hyde did that, Jackie threw open her door and scooted out before Steven could say anything to her. Pulling up along the street were Kelso and Fez in the loaded down van with Eric and Donna in the Vista Cruiser with a nightstand and a few more boxes pulling up behind them.
Hyde briefly closed his eyes and sighed. He needed to catch Jackie alone if he intended to talk to her; it was the only way. She had been avoiding him like the black plague for the past week, and if he was going to use everyone's advice, he needed to speak his peace at least one more time. Getting out of the Camino, he slammed his door and walked around to the opposite side to get Jackie's nightstand out. Turning it around and gliding it out of the vehicle, Hyde sat it down next to the back end before shutting the door. "Forman, c'mere, and carry this upstairs; hopefully you can handle this," he instructed his best friend.
"Hey, I carried it downstairs and to the car, I think I can handle the load upstairs," Eric retorted in his defense while Kelso and Fez snickered behind him.
"Whatever just make yourself useful, Erica," Hyde replied with a snarky air to him before giving out more directions. "Kelso, Fez, carry the mattress and box springs upstairs while Donna and I take the head board and bed frames."
As Eric carried the nightstand inside the house, Kelso and Fez each grabbed an end of the box springs and lifted it off the El Camino's back end heading for the house. Donna grabbed the bed frame with ease as Hyde grabbed the three metal frames and followed the others. Jackie, meanwhile, stood and watched as Hyde gave directions to everyone before climbing up on the bed of the El Camino and taking out two drawers from her chest of drawers, stacking one on top of the other before caring them up to her new room.
Entering her room, she found Kelso and Fez propping up the box springs and mattress on a wall, Eric plopping the nightstand down by the window while Donna held onto the headboard while Bob, Joanne, and Hyde began putting the bed frame together. Jackie set her drawers in front of the closet. Seeing Kelso and Fez just watching things, Jackie cleared her throat. "Uh, you two do realize there's more stuff to bring up, right?"
"Uh," stuttered Fez as he looked towards Kelso for an answer.
"Of course we do, Jackie," Kelso answered; "we're just taking a breather."
"Well, you've caught your breaths," Jackie informed them as she grabbed an arm from each and dragged them down the stairs and outside.
"Damn, Jackie!" exclaimed Kelso as he obediently followed.
Eric preceded the three back into the room with the other nightstand. Setting it down near the first one, he went back to the doorway to help direct the chest of drawers into the room. Jackie set the last two drawers on top of the other two before turning around to watch as things began to come together. Hyde, Bob, and Joanne just finished getting the bed put together while Donna directed them where to set the bed – angled in the corner canny corner from the closet. Kelso and Fez got the chest in the room unscathed, thanks to Eric who directed them. Setting it down for a moment, so they could catch their breaths, Eric asked Jackie, "So where does this go?"
"The chest goes in that corner next to the closet, and the dresser goes in next to that. But take the drawers out so it's lighter to carry up and be sure to bring the drawers upstairs," Jackie told him.
As Kelso and Fez set the chest where Jackie directed, Eric and Joanne placed the nightstands on either side of the bed. Hyde and Bob went down to get the dresser while Jackie began returning the drawers to her chest. Kelso and Fez left to get a bookshelf; Eric and Joanne to get her desk, and Donna to get the rug Jackie had brought home the night before from her room. Quickly returning with said rug, Donna and Jackie unrolled it and placed it under the bed so that part of it stuck out from the sides and the foot of the bed. "Well, it's starting to look like a bedroom again," commented Donna as she and Jackie finished fixing the rug.
Jackie nodded slowly, "Yeah, it is; and I can't wait to get things up on the walls and decorated."
Donna smiled ruefully knowing fully well what Jackie meant. "Well, let's get the box springs on the bed and then we'll get the bed skirt on."
Just as the girls were about to grab the box springs, Hyde and Bob entered with the dresser. "Jackie, where does this go?" asked Hyde as they brought it into the room.
"Um, next to the chest," Jackie answered as she struggled picking up the box springs.
Hyde and Bob set the dresser down next to the chest when Hyde noticed Jackie struggling with the box springs. Walking over to Jackie, he grabbed it, helping her hold it up. "Here," he said surprising her that he was so close, "I'll get it. You go get your drawers."
"No, I've got it," she protested as she still struggled to hold it up.
"Jackie, no you don't. Just, here, let me get this," Hyde told her. "You go get your drawers before the pervy twins go through all your things."
Sighing in defeat and knowing he was right, Jackie let go of the box springs and ducked under his arm to go retrieve her dresser drawers. Walking down the stairs she cried, "You pervs better not have taken anything from my drawers or so help me I'll kick your asses!"
Instead she was met with said pervs carrying her bookshelf into the house. "Jackie, we wouldn't go through your stuff while you're moving," Kelso explained while Jackie merely folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow at them as if saying Oh no? or Really?. "We did that the first time you moved. We've got the good stuff already."
SMACK! Jackie hit Kelso on his arm hard; hard enough that he screamed, "Damn Jackie!" and lost his grip on the bookshelf. The bookshelf quickly dropped to the floor landing on his foot. "Ow! My foot!" he cried in agony while Jackie laughed tauntingly.
"Well, my work here is done," she said as she moved around them while Fez picked up Kelso's end of the shelf so he could move his foot out from underneath. "Oh, and Michael, Fez, if you know what's good for you, you'll return my stolen stuff," she informed them before turning on her heels and walked out of the house.
Nursing his foot for a moment, Kelso muttered, "We already did; Hyde's got them. Stupid Hyde!"
Meanwhile, Joanne and Eric maneuvered around the stopped Kelso and Fez with the desk and headed upstairs while Jackie came back in with some stacked drawers. Back in the room, Donna and Hyde got the box springs on the bed frame as well as the bed skirt and the mattress. Joanne and Eric entered the room with the desk, followed by Jackie with the drawers. Bob, Hyde, and Donna left to get the chairs and the small bookshelf. "Where does this go, Jackie?" asked Joanne as she and Eric carried it further into the room. "Over here on this wall?"
Jackie looked over to where Joanne had mentioned and nodded. "Yeah, that's fine," she answered as she turned back her attention to getting another drawer in her dresser.
Once Joanne and Eric got the desk settled in its new place, Eric left to bring up whatever else was left to carry up as Joanne helped Jackie get the drawers in the dresser. "Jackie, do you want me to get your bedding and get your bed made? I mean, the guys can get the boxes up here while you direct them where to go."
"Ooh, that'd be great," Jackie answered thoughtfully. "I can't wait to get things organized! I didn't realize how much I missed having my own room."
"Well, Bob's glad to lend it to you," Joanne said with a smile. "I think he misses Donna's sisters more than he lets on. So you moving into this room helped him a lot."
Jackie grinned. "Well, someone has to have the feminine touch around here, and I'm glad I can do it."
"Uh, yeah," a clueless Joanne remarked. "We all are."
Soon Kelso and Fez had the bookshelf up in her room and in its proper place, the three chairs were in their places – one at the desk and the other two on either side of the window – the bed was made, the boxes were carried upstairs, and all of Jackie's things from Donna's room transferred over to the new one, sitting on a pile on the bed or on the floor near the bed. Joanne was serving lunch and everyone stopped to eat a bite before heading off for the rest of the day. Finally, Jackie had her own room again.
XXX
When are you gonna come down?
When are you going to land?
I should have stayed on the farm,
I should have listened to my old man.
You know you can't hold me forever,
I didn't sign up with you.
I'm not a present for your friends to open,
This boy's too young to be singing the blues.
The room was a bit disheveled, but Jackie was too busy looking around putting stuff away. She had just finished lunch and headed back upstairs to unpack. It was a bit overwhelming; like Donna said the night before she would no longer be living in her parents' house. Donna's stereo next door was blaring one of Jackie's favorite radio stations. Jackie had told Donna to go spend some needed time with Eric while she took care of her new room alone. Listening to the song playing on the radio, Jackie was wrapped up in her own thoughts. Sighing as she removed stuff from a box that belonged on her tall bookshelf, she didn't hear someone enter the room.
So goodbye yellow brick road,
Where the dogs of society howl.
You can't plant me in your penthouse,
I'm going back to my plough
Back to the howling old owl in the woods,
Hunting the horny back toad.
Oh I've finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road.
Setting the box down on her desk, Hyde pulled out the chair and sank down onto it. "Jackie," he said his voice thick with emotion.
What do you think you'll do then?
I bet they'll shoot down your plane.
Jackie jumped, surprised that he was back in her room and they were actually alone together. "Steven," she returned coldly as she turned to look at him over her shoulder.
It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
To set you on your feet again.
"Forman found this box in the Vista Cruiser. He would've carried it, but y'know how weak he is," Hyde said trying to break the ice.
Maybe you'll get a replacement,
There's plenty like me to be found.
"Thanks," she returned as she placed her Anne of Green Gables series on the shelf next to her Nancy Drew collection.
Mongrels, who ain't got a penny
Sniffing for tit-bits like you on the ground.
Hyde took in a deep breath. "Yeah," he answered with a slow nod of his head. "Jackie, I just want to say –"
"Save it, Steven," she informed him coolly. "I'm not interested."
So goodbye yellow brick road,
Where the dogs of society howl.
You can't plant me in your penthouse,
I'm going back to my plough
Back to the howling old owl in the woods,
Hunting the horny back toad.
"Look, just let me get this out, alright?" he calmly told her; he sighed. "I just want to say that I know you're upset and disappointed at me; I get that. But, I want you to know that I'm not giving up on you." He exhaled deeply. "Too many people walked out of my life, and I'm not letting you do the same. I meant what I said. But, I understand you need to sort this out. So, I, ahem, I just wanted to let you know that I'm giving you space."
Oh I've finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road.
Stunned by his words, Jackie almost dropped the candle she was placing in front of her books. She blinked as she tried to find the words she wanted to speak as well as the shelf to place the stupid candle on. "Steven, I . . . I mean I . . .you're giving me space?" she questioned as she turned to face him.
Hyde nodded his head slowly. "Yeah," he barely whispered but Jackie heard him.
XXX
I've called you so many times today
And I guess it's all true what your girlfriends say
That you don't ever want to see me again
And your brother's going to kill me, and he's six feet ten
Wrinkling her brow in confusion, Jackie turned back around and began placing other things on the bookshelf. "Why?" she asked after a moment of silence.
I guess you'd call it cowardice
But I'm not prepared to go on like this.
A small smirk curled up the side of Hyde's lips. "Because you need to figure some things out on your own, doll," he told her as he stood up from the chair.
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't ,I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing you.
"But Steven, what's there to figure out?" she blurted the question before thinking about it. "We're broken up –"
"That's just it," he replied, "we're broken up. And why? Because of Kelso. If you really want to be with me, you need to square things off with him. I can't keep wondering in the back of my mind if you'll go running back to him."
I can't stand losing you.
I can't stand losing you.
I can't stand losing you.
Jackie turned around and faced him. "Steven, I thought I made it clear a long time ago that I was over him. I can't help that he's still a part of me. He was my first boyfriend. I've gotten over it, but have you?"
I see you sent my letters back
And my LP records and they're all scratched
"Well, the answer to that lies with you," he answered. "If he knows you really mean it, then I have."
I can't see the point in another day
When nobody listens to a word I say
Jackie seemed perplexed. "Wait, are you trusting me to make a decision that doesn't even need to be made? That's crazy!"
You can call it lack of confidence
But to carry on living doesn't make no sense
"So, is ignoring me and not talking to me my punishment for being honest with you?" Hyde fired back. "Damn Jackie, I thought you'd appreciate the fact that I was frank with you about my indiscretion. I'm not going to pretend it didn't happen and cover it up like Kelso did all those times before with you. How was that being fair to you? Do you know how many times I tried to get him caught so he'd tell you?" Hyde paused for a second waiting for Jackie's reaction while he hurriedly tried to count in his mind how many times he really did try that. When Jackie only spun around to arch an eyebrow and fold her arms over her chest, Hyde remarked. "More times than I can count, and like a fool you took him back each and every time. He lied to you, babe; I was honest with you, and you can't stand the truth?" He sniffed snidely before continuing. "You know what? It figures. The little princess would rather live in her tiny dream world where unicorns and rainbows and fairies exist and all things are lovey dovey instead of in reality where things are real." He turned to head towards the door.
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
Jackie was blinking back tears at the words Steven spoke to her. So many emotions were vying to be released upon Steven Hyde. "Steven," she found herself saying, "I never said I didn't appreciate your honesty; I just . . . I didn't like what I was hearing. And maybe I was too naïve to realize or too proud to admit I knew what Michael was really doing. I can't change the past, but I can change my future."
I guess this is our last goodbye
And you don't care, so I won't cry
But you'll be sorry when I'm dead
And all this guilt will be on your head
I guess you'd call it suicide
But I'm too full to swallow my pride
Steven turned around five feet from the door to face Jackie. Jackie inhaled and slowly exhaled before saying what she had to say next. "And maybe I do live in a 'tiny dream world' with unicorns and rainbows and fairies, but at least I don't shut out the world and get pissed off at the government and the man for dealing me a crappy life. So, what's worse? Living in a dream world where you can escape the harsh realities of life, or pushing everyone you love away from you and brooding because life's a bitch?"
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
They stared at each other for a second before Jackie turned around to unpack some more things. Steven quietly exhaled while he closed his eyes, mulling over Jackie's words. Slowly they flittered open and found Jackie's back still facing him. Licking his lips, he said, "Well, enjoy your space." Turning around once more, he took long quick strides and exited her room.
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
Jackie turned her head over her shoulder to see his backside retreat into the hallway before she exhaled deeply and blinked back more tears. Well, so much for talking, she thought to herself as she sniffed and continued unpacking.
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand losing
I can't, I can't, I can't stand, can't stand losing you
Storming into the Forman's basement from the outside door, Hyde slammed the door shut in his fury, startling the occupants on the couch. Eric and Donna stopped what they were doing and watched as Hyde stormed towards his room. Having an idea why he was pissed off, they decided to let him cool down before finding out. Ignoring them as he passed by, Steven headed for his small room where he could brood and be pissed off at the world, just as Jackie had said he does. Slamming the bedroom door shut, Hyde closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before opening them again. Turning around quickly on his heels, Hyde punched the door not really caring if he put a hole in it or not. Exhaling deeply and shaking off the hurt his knuckles were feeling Hyde paced his room slowly calming down. After the seventeenth trek, he sunk down onto his bed wondering how a ninety-five pound cheerleading brunette could affect him so much. Sighing deeply, he reached behind him to turn on his stereo. The radio kicked on and he turned up the volume trying to block out any noises or sounds he might here from the other room as well as his own thoughts flooding his mind.
"And that was Blondie with their hit, 'Hanging on the Telephone' on WFPP, the Sound."
Great, Hyde thought as he heard the disc jockey chatter on with his verbal diarrhea, he's freaking talking instead of playing music. Pft! Figures. He frowned and rolled his eyes just as he was about to switch stations.
"Before we break for some commercials, here's one more music block to keep you rockin' out to the Sound."
About time you get to the music, moron, Hyde thought as he retracted his hand from the tuning knob. Soon the room filled with the reggae sound of drums and bass by the Police. Slightly nodding his head to the beat, Hyde sat on his bed and let the music absorb his soul.
XXX
Well, someone told me yesterday
That when you shove your love away
You act as if you just don't care
You look as if you're going somewhere
Recalling all the advice he got from Donna, Eric, Mrs. Forman, and Red he smirked and shook his head wondering if any of it did any good.
But I just can't convince myself
I couldn't live with no one else
And I can only play that part
And sit and nurse my broken heart
Hyde rolled his eyes, a little stunned at how close to home those two couplets hit. He leaned back on the shelf behind him to let the music take over his mind as he closed his eyes to better absorb it. Yeah, that sounds about right, he mused to himself as he sat on his bed eyes closed behind his tinted aviators listening to the words of the chorus.
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely, so lonely, I feel so lonely
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely, I feel so lonely
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely, I feel so alone
So lonely, so lonely
Exhaling a deep breath, Steven thought back to before he and Jackie had a thing. Back when he was unattached; back before Melissa and Jill, back before that date on Veteran's Day, back when he lived in that small house on the other side of town with his mom. Hyde frowned recalling that feeling of being unwanted, unloved, and utterly alone.
Now no one's knocked upon my door
For a thousand years or more
All made up and nowhere to go
Welcome to this one man show
Junior prom, he thought as he recalled that memory.
Jackie had arrived at his humble abode all dolled up in lavender and pink, smelling of sweet roses with her hair in an up-do. That night, as she stood on his front porch slightly nervous, but glowing in the beauty of a transformed girl into a young woman, Steven Hyde realized that she would be a heartbreaker. And by God, what he would give to be able to have his chance with such an exotic creature. It was that night that sparked something – feelings, perhaps – that he never thought he could have – let alone feel – for someone else. He was the aloof zenmaster loner. So how did he get here?
Just take a seat, they're always free
No surprise, no mystery
In this theatre that I call my soul
I always play the starring role
"Huh," he mumbled as he recalled Jackie's words that hit home that crisp cool November night as they sat on top of Jack Burkhart's 1976 silver Lincoln Continental Town Car at Inspiration Point.
(flashback to Veteran's Day 1976)
Looking at him, Jackie smiles and says, "This is the best date ever."
Hyde looked at her confused. "Jackie, we haven't talked in 30 minutes."
"That's okay. Steven, you don't have to say anything. I understand you."
"Oh, you do, do you?"
"Sure. Ok, so you're probably sitting there thinking, I'm on this date with this girl who really,
really likes me... and, and she's so beautiful that –"
"Jackie –" Hyde tried to stop her.
Silencing him, she puts her finger to his lips before continuing. "Shhh... And you're wondering, How can I open up to her, when everyone I have ever loved have abandoned me. Am I even worthy of love? Well...you are, Steven. You are."
(end flashback)
Knowing he acted like a jerk soon afterwards, he also remembered that he charmed her into staying a little longer; but, she was right about him, and he would be damned if he ever admitted it to her.
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely, so lonely, I feel so lonely
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely, I feel so lonely
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely, I feel so lonely
So lonely, so lonely, I'm alone
So damn lonely, he thought to himself as the song continued to play on as he sat there lost in the music in his small cramped dank room in the Forman's basement with the single sixty watt light bulb shining brightly. Visions of talking to Jackie the day he told her of his cheating, walking back to camp at night when she grabbed his hand for safety, the truck ride to Franklin, posing for the graduation picture for Mrs. Forman, getting beaten by her yesterday, the quiet car ride this morning, and the talk they just had a few minutes ago all came flooding to the front of his mind.
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely, so lonely
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely
Lonely, I'm so lonely, I feel so alone
I feel low, I feel so, feel so low, I feel low, low
I feel low, low, low, I feel low, low, low
I feel low, low, low
I feel low, low, low, I feel low, low, low
Low, I feel low
I feel low, I feel low, I feel so lonely, I feel so lonely
I feel so lonely, lonely, lonely, lone
Lonely, lone, I feel so alone, yeah
Realizing how far into his soul he let Jackie travel, Steven knew it was going to be hard to let her go. And ironically, he didn't know how he was going to handle it. Zen, he silently told himself, you gotta use zen on her, man. It's the only way. Besides, you've done it before; it's just this time it is gonna be a lot harder.
So lonely, so lonely, so lonely
So lonely, I feel so lonely, I feel so lonely
I feel so lonely, I feel so lonely, I feel so lonely
I feel so lonely, I feel so lonely, I feel so lonely
I feel so low, so lonely, I feel so low, so lonely
I feel so low, so lonely
I feel so low, so lonely, I feel so low, so lonely
I feel so low, so lonely. . . .
AN2: Thank you so much for all the reviews and for reading! It's such a joy to read the comments you leave. Anyway, the chapter title, "In My Room" comes from the Beach Boys' 1963 album, Surfer Girl track # 7. "Reflections" by the Supremes is from their 1968 album of the same name, track # 1. "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac is from their 1977 album, Rumours track # 5. Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" is from her 1968 album, Cheap Thrills track # 4. The Buzzcocks's "Ever Fallen in Love?" is from their 1978 album, Love Bites track # 2. "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is from Sir Elton John's 1973 album of the same name track # 5. "Can't Stand Losing You" by the Police is from their 1978 album, Outlandos d' Amour track #6 as is "So Lonely" track # 2. Thanks for reading this chapter! Please don't forget to review:)