This is just a story about two friends finding each other.

- 5 -

June 1980

Eric was surprised to get Jackie's reply letter so quickly. There was no package just a letter and it was in a very thin envelope. He tucked the letter into his book bag and headed off to the pub. As he drank his ale he thought about the six weeks of free time he had ahead of him. It was almost summer break and six weeks of no school. He didn't know how he wanted to spend his free time – he thought about going on a safari that another teacher had recommended. Nah – that was too touristy. Dare he go home? Nah, he'd have to deal with Mr. and Mrs. Stripper in the basement and the uncomfortable proximity to Donna and Randy even though they agreed to stay in contact. He really did want to see his parents – his mom sent plenty of pictures so he wouldn't forget what Kitty Forman looked like! Then Kelso was always good for a laugh – he bet the baby was getting bigger. Of course he wanted to spend time with Jackie.

Jackie – she was a surprise. Never in his wildest imagination would he have guessed that the midget cheerleader would become an integral part of the group and his best friend. He missed her smirks and snarky attitude – now that he knew the real girl behind the uniform, he had a better appreciation for what made her tick.

The beer tasted good and he signaled the bartender for a second. This time he opened his book bag and took out the letter. She changed stationary this time. It was pastel and there were airbrushed unicorns in the background. Typical Jackie material, he mused. He smelled the letter out of habit and was pleased to find it scented with strawberry with time.

Dear Eric

Please forgive me if there are splotches on the paper. I am crying happy tears as I write this. What you said about me touched my heart in a way that I have never known. It was a kindness that I never experienced. It was sweet and endearing and I don't have the words to describe how wonderful I feel right now.

When you talk about sharing something with your students I feel that you are doing the same thing with me. I am learning to be a better person because of you and your friendship. Being friends with you is more valuable than anything money can buy. God knows I can't buy happiness – I've tried.

Yes, I may seem stubborn sometimes, but it's because I can see the bigger picture (despite my height.) Maybe because I am a year younger than you I have the advantage of seeing where the failures and pitfalls are – because you and others have crossed them first and cleared a path for me.

Thank you Eric – you mean a lot to me. I wish you were here.

Love Always,

Jackie

Eric cleared his throat. Well, this was unexpected – did he really have this affect on her? Eric could feel a little tingle in his chest – he sat up a bit taller. What was this unusual feeling - pride? Did Jackie really mean the value of his friendship was immeasurable? Why couldn't Donna have ever shared emotions with him as freely as the brunette midget did?

He thought back to his relationship and found that most of the emotions were a one way street – right up Forman Lane. Donna, God love her, was fiercely independent and he respected that. She didn't like to tell him what was in her heart; but if she was upset, those words came easily. Still, he did love the red head as much as a teenage heart could love. But now he was a man and he wondered if he was just missing the familiarity of being in love.

Eric – you mean a lot to me… Nice thick bath towels and 300 count sheets didn't compare to the warm words of a good friend. He finished his drink and took the special letter back to his apartment. He had some thinking to do.

July 1980

Jackie,

Just a short note – I'm taking a trip to some of the national parks around here – probably getting my ass stomped by an elephant. There are some beaches I haven't checked out – just tourist type stuff. Let my mom know I'll write when I get back. Tell her that I'll get her a great souvenir.

Love you,

Eric

September 1980

"Mrs. Forman I came as soon as I got your message, what happened. Is it Eric?" Jackie threw her purse on the Forman's table and rushed to hug her other mother.

Kitty's eyes glistened with tears. "It's Eric," she nodded.

Jackie's heart nearly stopped. "What happened?"

Kitty handed Jackie a box. There was a long pause, "He sent me a present – zebra salt and pepper shakers. Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever?" Jackie fell into the kitchen chair with a thud. A gift – that was the emergency? "Mrs. Forman, you scared me to death! I think I broke three speeding records getting over here.

Kitty put a cup of tea in front of the girl. "I'm sorry, Red is working at the shop and I was alone and I wanted to share this special moment with someone."

Jackie put her hand over her heart. "So you thought of me?"

Kitty smiled, "Well, actually you were the only one that came over, but yes, dear I was hoping that it was you that would be here with me." Kitty tenderly put the salt shaker on the table. It seemed out of place with the kitchen color scheme but Kitty was so happy with that small gift. It was like Eric gave her the world.

"They are cute – did he say where he got them?" Jackie looked for a stamp on the zebra's belly. Kitty looked in the box – "Huh, no note. But that's my Eric! He was probably just looking at them and thought, my mom would love these and just bought them right away." She smiled at Jackie.

"He likes you – you know that right?" Kitty confessed.

Jackie looked up "We're friends - really good friends. I'm lucky to have him." Kitty gave the girl a hug. "He's lucky to have you. I had thought that Donna was going to destroy him – he was really hurt when he left. I mean, don't get me wrong, I adore Donna – I've known her since she was a little girl. It's just Eric wasn't the right boy for her."

Jackie looked at Kitty as she reminisced. "Mrs. Forman, what Eric and Donna had was very special. Maybe they just outgrew each other – I don't know. Donna and I haven't really talked in a long time."

Kitty nodded "It's that Samantha – she really got things in a pickle didn't she? If we didn't love Steven so much….well, there wouldn't be a stripper in my basement that's for darn sure!"

Jackie finished her tea. "Mrs. Forman, I have to get back before it starts to get too dark. I've got some laundry to finish and work tomorrow. Is it okay if I come over Saturday for a dessert lesson?"

Kitty patted the young girl's hand. "Of course dear, but I am not letting you use my mixer. When you get your own, then we'll let you handle the electrical kitchen tools." Rising, Kitty kissed the top of the Jackie's head. "Drive safe dear and I'll see you Saturday."

Jackie drove home smiling at the thought of Kitty getting all excited over a small souvenir – come to think of it, her mom never sent her anything from Cancun. Huh.

She parked her car and was fishing in her purse for the house key when she saw a shadow in her doorway. Please don't let it be Steven – I don't want to talk to him and please don't let it be Fez, I can't deal with him right now

The shadow stood up and stepped into the light. Jackie gasped and dropped her purse. This can't be real. She closed her eyes and opened them. Green eyes were smiling down into her blue/green eyes. His voice was deeper and his build was solid but this was Eric. "I remembered someone told me that if I decided to go to the University of Wisconsin, they had a spare room for me."

Jackie squealed and pulled Eric into a hug that was long in coming. Equally happy, Eric held her close and breathed in the vanilla scent of her shampoo – some things didn't change and that was good. He could feel her tears on his shoulder and hugged her back. "It's okay Jackie; I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere unless you want me to."

Unshed tears in her eyes glistened in the porch light. "I'm so glad. I missed you so much!" she whispered. He pressed his forehead to hers. "I don't want you to go anywhere unless I can go with you."

Eric smiled and kissed the top of her head. "I wouldn't dream of it. Friend"

The two friends stayed in that embrace, happy in being with each other and equally happy in the knowledge that nothing would ever keep them apart again.