Author Note:…busy little chapter and the Jackie/Hyde talk….and Donna/Eric...drama!

T7S

Chapter 16 – Doctor and Lawyers and Exes, Oh My!

T7S

Kitty and Jackie were waiting in the lobby of a new medical center in Kenosha. A member of the Point Place nursing staff recommended Dr. Bobbie, as he liked to be called, as cutting edge ophthalmologist. Kitty had high hopes that Dr. Bobbie could help Jackie. In the meanwhile, Red was meeting with his attorney's to hasten Jackie's deposition so she wouldn't have to miss any eye doctor appointments.

Jackie sat in the familiar chair and Dr. Bobbie started a chat with her while Kitty waited in the corner. "Jackie, tell me exactly what you last saw and how your eyes felt. Just tell me what you remember."

Jackie explained the story of the batteries and how the bad one was placed on the charging stand. "I was trying to get the model number off the label and I saw this little crack growing and I moved back and all I remember was my face felt like it was on fire and I woke up in the hospital."

"Okay, so in seconds, how long were you exposed to the acidic vapor?"

"Not long at all. Mr. Forman said he started rinsing my eyes after the explosion and that the paramedics were doing it too." Dr. Bobbie took some notes. "At any time did your eyes feel gritty or extremely dry?"

"I don't remember dryness but they were always putting some liquid or ointment in my eye." She replied.

Dr. Bobbie took Jackie through a series of exams, again, pressing on her eyes and the orbital socket and using equipment that Dr. Johnson did not have in his office. He made more notes and sat back. "How long were you taking the steroid drops?"

Jackie shrugged and Kitty replied, "Oh, from the day she got home. Dr. Johnson said they would help with the pain.

Dr. Bobbie clucked his tongue. "That's true, they are a pain reliever but they are not supposed to be used continuously. It looks like Jackie here is potentially developing glaucoma due to the steroids. The technical term is Open-Angle Glaucoma where the fluid in the eye does not flow properly and can't drain through the trabecular meshwork."

Kitty gasped. "You can perform surgery?"

Dr. Bobbie smiled, "Yes. If her optic nerve hasn't been damaged, we can restore a good portion of her vision but she would have to take medication for the rest of her life. Jackie, I can't promise you the 20/20 vision you had before but you won't feel the pressure in your eyes and you can live a more productive life."

Jackie had to ask, "So I don't need to live in a blind school?"

The doctor laughed, "Heavens no! Who would even suggest that!"

Kitty was making a mental note to report good old Dr. Johnson to the Chief of Staff at Point Place Community Hospital.

Dr. Bobbie wrote some more notes. "I have a colleague that I need to contact for a second opinion before we attempt surgery. But I'd like to schedule you for the operation as soon as possible. You shouldn't have to live like this for much longer."

Jackie could have kissed the doctor! "So…if your colleague agrees that my optic nerve is okay, then I can have the surgery?"

"Sure. We'll do it the same day. You'll have to spend a couple of days in the hospital but your vision will come back gradually."

Kitty clapped her hands. "That is such good news. Thank you so much doctor." Dr. Bobbie smiled. "I'll contact you as soon as I get a hold of Dr. Richardson. So do you have any other questions?"

"Do I still need to learn Braille?" Jackie asked.

Dr. Bobbie and Kitty laughed.

T7S

The next morning, Jackie accompanied Red to the attorney's office at the Point Place Legal Foundation. They were quickly ushered into a large conference room and asked to be seated. "It feels big in here, "Jackie remarked. Red looked around at all the wasted space – too much room for too few people and replied, "Yeah, I think they like to hear an echo when they talk."

Minutes later, Red's attorney, Martin Glitsch, introduced representatives from the battery's parent company along with the stenographer. Martin explained to Jackie what they were going to do.

"Miss Burkhart, I understand that some time in the conceivable future, you will be undergoing some exploratory surgery, is that correct?"

"Yes. A doctor in Kenosha thinks he can help but doesn't know for certain until he can see my optic nerves."

Martin Glitsch continued, "Good. That is why we are taking your depositition today. We will be asking you the same questions that would be asked of you when this goes to trial without you having to be there."

"Okay, ask away."

Red was impressed with Jackie's clear and concise answers. She never faltered or hesitated and he was proud of this young lady. After she gave her sworn statement, Jackie and Red were asked to wait in the next office while the two attorneys's discussed the case.

Martin came out smiling at Red and the two men discussed legal matters while Jackie closed her eyes and took a nap. She woke up when Red shook her shoulder. "Jackie, sweetie, we can go now."

"Oh…okay. I'm tired anyways."

Red's voice had a smiled. "It's going to be a good day."

T7S

Red dropped Jackie off at the house before he went back to the garage. Kitty greeted her. "Sweetie, you have company in the living room."

"Mrs. Forman, I just want to take a nap." Jackie almost whined.

"Now dear, just a little visit and then I'll come get you okay?"

Jackie sighed. "Okay. Whatever." She walked the steps to the living room door and instantly she smelled marijuana. "Hello Steven." She said pushing into the room. Hyde noticed she wasn't using the cane or wearing the glasses. He stood up. "How do you do that?"

She shrugged and sat in Red's chair. "I could smell you. It smells like the basement. What are you doing here? I thought you were banished."

Hyde sat on the end of the couch closet to Red's favorite chair. "Mrs. Forman had pity on me." He joked.

"Again, what are you doing here?"

Hyde could tell she wasn't going to cut him any slack so he decided honesty was the best policy. "Jackie. I've been a major asshole. I've treated you like shit and you didn't deserve it. You've never been anything but loving towards me and I screwed up."

Jackie started to agree with him but he reached over and touched her knee, "Let me continue." She noticed that his voice dropped and there was a sincerity she hadn't heard in a long time. "Jackie, I love you and I'm always going to love you. I still don't think that we have the kind of love to build a relationship on because, I have these commitment issues. You of all people know that. I noticed that there's something going on with you and Forman and I respect it. He's making you happy and you deserve to be happy."

"I was happy with you Steven." She said softly.

Hyde sighed. "I know, but for how long? I already know I'm never going to be the kind of man you need ten or fifteen years from now."

Jackie's heart constricted a little – why was he finally being honest with her? "It would have been nice if you could have told me this before I failed in Chicago."

Hyde swallowed. She was so sweet and lovely and it hurt him to let her go. "I should have told you, yes. I was hurt and angry and felt like you were pushing me up against a wall and I revolted. I ran away like I always do. You know that about me."

"Unfortunately I do. I don't hate you for it. I hate that you came back with her. That you burned me every chance you got and rubbed my nose in it. You didn't care anymore and couldn't even talk to me about it."

"God Jackie, I'm so sorry. Sam was a mistake. The worse mistake I've ever made and I was so angry. Then when you decided Fez was your perfect man….I was mad…at myself…for making you feel like crap."

It hurt her to say this but she had to, "We're over Steven. I just hope we can be friends."

"I'd like that Jackie. The day you and Forman have a kid, I want to be an uncle."

Jackie laughed, "I'm not getting married! I like Eric a lot." Did she like him enough to….

Hyde laughed. "Jackie, if you could see how happy you make him. I swear he struts when he walks. He's in love with you and doesn't even know it."

Jackie's eyes got big. "He loves me? Really? I didn't know. I mean, he's the only one I totally trust and he's always there for me….he does love me doesn't he?" she said in total awe.

"Yeah he does and I don't think your blindness has an effect on him one way or the other…so when you pop out those kids….remember Uncle Steven."

Jackie swatted his arm and laughed. "Stop it. I'm too young to have kids."

"Nah, Pam Macy already has one, Kelso's got one. You'd make a great mom."

Jackie looked at him and Hyde would swear she was really looking at him. "I would… wouldn't I? I love kids and I think Eric would make a great dad."

"Uncle Hyde….." Steven teased.

"Okay, you can be a friend, but don't go talking about this stuff with Eric okay?"

"I promise." Hyde replied. With all my heart, Jackie….with all my heart.

T7S

Donna was putting the last of her suitcases in her dad's car when Eric drove up. Spring Break was already over? He closed and locked the door of the Mustang. Donna walked towards him, "Hey Eric, got a second?"

He looked around and shrugged. "Sure. What's on your mind?"

Donna motioned towards her dad's car. "I'm going to back to school and I just wanted to say good bye."

"Okay. Good bye." Eric replied.

She looked down at her feet and then back up at his face. "Yeah, I deserved that. Eric, we've been friends for a long time and I hope that someday we can still be friends."

"I'd like that too." He answered. Where was she going with this? Donna shuffled the tip of her tennis shoe along a crack in the driveway. "I know we broke up and everything but I kind of liked the idea that you were waiting at home for me, you know? It made it easier to turn down dates from other students…but I don't want to do that anymore and I can see that you have something going on with Jackie."

Eric looked at his red headed friend. He had been so in love with her for the longest time. "Yeah, I have something going on."

"Don't pity her. I didn't care for that trick you played on us Sunday night, but I get the picture. Despite her disabilities, Jackie's still the same girl she's always been and she likes you a lot. I thought that if she and Hyde were in the same room…."

"You were matchmaking?" Eric asked in disbelief.

Donna's green eyes were flashing. "Yes I was because I didn't want you and Jackie becoming….becoming something! But, now I can see that you guys are good for each other. You don't mind that she's blind and she's not such a pain in the ass anymore. God, all of us have matured so fast, I mean look at Kelso, he didn't even stick anything in his eye. Can you believe that?"

Eric laughed, "No, but he's got a baby now and he's changing for the better."

Donna touched the front of Eric's shirt. "You too. You got this respectable job and you're nurturing. You've grown up."

"Except Fez." Eric joked.

Donna laughed, "I don't think he'll ever change. Let's hope not." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "So, anyways, if you ever want to talk about anything, call me. I will always be your friend."

Smiling, Eric replied. "I know. You take care Donna. You're gonna do well. I'm looking for you to be famous."

"You know what? I might even write an article on disabilities like Jackie's. There's so much I still don't know!" Eric smiled and gave her the briefest of hugs. "I'll miss you."

Donna could feel a lump in her throat. "I'll miss you too Eric."

T7S