September 1985
Jackie stepped into her apartment trying to shut the door while holding onto three suitcases and two weeks worth of mail. She shut the door with her foot and stumbled to the living room. She dropped the suitcases haphazardly on the carpet and flung the mail onto the coffee table. She was exhausted. All she wanted to do was take a nice long bath, have a glass of chardonnay and go to sleep.
She walked into her bedroom and caught a look at herself in the mirror. She looked like hell and she was covered in dog hair. Her big dog show expose had been a bust. She wasn't really surprised. How much could be hidden at a dog show? Jackie wondered. This is what she had gone to college for? She had worked her ass off so she could smell like dog? Jackie shook her head in disgust and kicked her shoes off. She headed to the bathroom and turned the bathtub faucet on letting the tub fill for her bath. She left the room and walked to the kitchen and grabbed a wine glass out of the cabinet and poured herself a nice glass of chardonnay. She headed back to the bathroom, grabbed her mail off the coffee table, undressed and stepped into the bathtub. She eased her tired body down and sat back with a sigh.
Well her life was officially crap she thought. She had been so excited when she had gotten the job with CBS. She had worked so hard for it and it was not anything like what she thought it would be. Instead of reporting on real news she was stuck on dog detail. The producers thought she wasn't seasoned enough to handle anything more than that. Her personal life was in shambles. She hadn't seriously dated anyone since she left Point Place. When she was in college she just hadn't had time for it. She wasn't brainy like Donna; she needed to really work hard to get the kind of grades she would need to graduate high in her class. When she had been floating around Point Place Jackie had realized it was time for a change. Her father was in jail, her mother was gone. She had no money, and from what she could see no future. She decided to change all of that and for once to rely on herself and not a man as that didn't seem to be working. She had made the right decision Jackie reflected. Sure life wasn't going according to her get a great job and then get married plan but she was independent. She was respected by her friends and she was semi happy.
Jackie reached down to the floor and grabbed her mail and leafed through it. Most of it was bills or advertisements. She smiled when she saw the letter from Donna. She put it on the edge of the tub to read later and continued sorting her mail. She stopped at a white envelope that had an unfamiliar Point Place return address. She put the rest of the mail on the floor and turned back to the letter. A feeling of dread overcame her. She continued to stare at the envelope in her hand not knowing if she should open it or just toss it. Reason overcame her when she thought it might be from her mother or father. She tore the envelope open and withdrew the contents. All she saw was "You Are Cordially Invited" before she threw the letter across the bathroom. Damn him, how dare he send me an invitation! She thought angrily.
That son of a bitch hadn't even had the decency to call her and tell him herself. After she had talked to Donna she had expected a call from him but she had waited in vain. She had even picked up the phone a few times to call him but she always ended up chickening out. She just didn't know what to say to him. She hadn't talked to him in more than four years. It would be awkward and Jackie just didn't think it was a good idea.
Jackie sat up in the tub, reached back and pulled the drain stopper. She stood up and turned the shower on. She let the water pour over her and thought about her past. The last time she had seen Steven was the first day of 1980, the night after the Foreman's New Years Eve party. She had gone down to the basement in search of Fez but all she saw was Steven packing boxes. She could still remember their last conversation.
"Steven, what are you doing?" Jackie asked as she perched onto the edge of the couch. She watched him throw a shirt in a box.
"I'm packing. What the hell does it look like I'm doing?"
Jackie rolled her eyes. "Steven, I can see that, why are you packing your stuff up, I thought the Foreman's were staying?"
Hyde continued to toss clothing into boxes. "Yea well, I decided that I might as well get out of the basement, you know? I mean, I can't live here forever. WB left me the store and I need to get my shit together. I rented an apartment last week and I just decided to keep it."
"Oh, well that's great Steven." Jackie replied haltingly. She looked around the basement and realized she would see even less of him now. She wouldn't have any reason to go to his apartment and with Donna and Eric going to Madison he would have no reason to even come to the basement. Her thoughts were shattered by the door opening.
"Ah, there you are my flower. I've been looking for you." Fez walked over to her and leaned in for a kiss. Jackie quickly raised her eyes and they locked with Hyde's. She turned her head and Fez's kiss landed on her cheek. She needed to get out of there and think. Jackie hopped off the couch. "Well here I am Fez, umm how about we go to the Hub, I'm starved." Jackie grabbed Fez's hand and dragged him out of the basement. As she was shutting the door she heard Steven call her name. She closed her eyes, shook her head and pulled the door closed.
Jackie opened her eyes and stared at her shower wall. She had made a decision that day. She was wasting her time pining over him. She was dating Fez but that spark that she had felt with Steven just wasn't there. She loved him. She really did but it was just friendship. She had broken it off with him before it had a chance to get any more serious and had asked Donna for some of her old college applications. She had filled them out and sent them in not expecting much but three weeks later she got an acceptance letter from Illinois University and she hadn't looked back. She packed up her things, said good-bye to Donna, Eric and Fez and had left to start a new life, one where she wouldn't constantly be pining over what could never be hers.
Jackie smirked ruefully. Well that obviously hadn't worked. She thought she had been past all this and with one phone call she was right back where she had started. She still loved him. Even after all this time, she still wanted him. Jackie turned off the water and grabbed her towel. She dried herself off and eyed the invitation on the floor. She bent down and picked it up. She sat it on the bathroom counter and just stared at it like it was an evil entity. She shook her head in annoyance and picked it up. She opened it and saw that the wedding was in three days. Well they hadn't wasted any time Jackie thought. Of course…being pregnant kind of had a way of rushing things. Jackie grimaced.
She turned around and stared at herself in the mirror. She still looked damn good. Granted she looked a little ragged from her trip in dog world but that would go away in a few days. Three days was enough time for her to get her crap together and start looking like her old self. Jackie shook herself. What was she thinking? She couldn't go back there, not now, not for this. She glanced at the invitation again and squared her shoulders. Yes, she thought. She could do this. She needed to do this. She needed to put this behind her once in for all. She would either come back with him and be happy or alone and be miserable but at least she would have closure which was something she desperately needed.
Jackie headed into the bedroom, threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and called in some vacation days at the office. She called the airline, booked a flight, grabbed her still packed suitcase and headed back home.
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Jackie pulled her rental car into the Foreman's driveway and looked around. She was amazed that everything was exactly the same. She stepped out of the car and walked over to the front door. When she reached it she took a deep breath and knocked not sure of how welcome she would be after all this time.
"Jackie!" Jackie raised her eyes in time to see Eric draw her into a bone crushing hug. "Hey Eric, umm could you let go… I … I can't breathe!"
"Oh sorry" Eric laughed releasing her. "Wow, it's been ages since we've seen you! What are you doing here?" Eric cocked his head and his eyes widened. "Oh... you're here for the wedding."
"Yea." Jackie replied. "Eric, can I come in or…?"
"Umm, yea of course." Eric looked behind him into the house and laughed nervously. "Come on in. Hey everyone! Looks who's here!"
Jackie stepped past Eric who was holding the door open for her and walked into the living room. Her eyes panned the room quickly and she saw that there was a party going on. She looked down at her outfit and groaned. Damn it she really should have thought this through a little better.
"Jackie!" Donna rushed towards her smiling. "What are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you until we came to visit next month."
Jackie shrugged her shoulders. "Well I…"
Michael shouldered Donna out of the way and was about to pick Jackie up when she stopped him with her hands. "Michael, please don't pick me up. Apparently Eric has been working out and I can only take so much." Jackie smiled and reached up to place a kiss on his cheek. "It's great to see you Michael. I really missed you."
Michael nodded his head. 'Of course you did. I don't know how you survived so long without the world famous Kelso loving."
"Michael!" Brooke shouted on her way over to them. "Trust me… that world famous Kelso loving isn't all its cracked up to be. Leave the poor girl alone." Brooke smacked him on the head and Michael sputtered "But...I..."
"Just go Michael." Brook pointed to the couch.
"Oh Fine! You know you weren't complaining about my loving last night!" Michael uttered on his way to the couch. Brooke just rolled her eyes.
"Jackie, it's good to see you. I know we didn't really talk a whole lot back then but well you are Betsy's godmother and I'm glad you're back."
Jackie smiled. "Thanks Brooke. It's good to be back. I really missed everyone. I didn't even realize how much until I stepped into this room."
"I bet you missed someone more then everyone else" Brooke shrewdly replied.
Jackie's eyes widened. Was she that transparent? "What... I have no idea what you are talking about, if you would excuse me." Jackie walked past Brooke and bumped face first into Fez. She stepped back and rubbed her nose. "Fez!"
"Oh no you don't missy. I haven't heard from you in almost a year you son of a bitch! Is that how you treat poor Fez? I worshipped you for years and nothing! Good day!"
"But Fez…"
Fez raised his hand and turned around "I said good day!"
Jackie watched Fez walk into the kitchen and sighed. Crap, she really should have kept in touch with him but she had been so busy. She would just have to placate him later. He had gained a little bit of weight so he must still have that candy fetish. Jackie made a mental note to stop by the candy store and pick of some of his favorite treats.
Jackie looked around the room and saw Red sitting in his chair. Even the furniture was the same Jackie noticed. She walked over to him. "Hey Mr. Foreman."
Red looked up and grunted. "Great, another one of them came back." He shook his head and turned back to his paper. Jackie smiled. She really hadn't expected a warm welcome from him.
"Ahhhh!" Jackie jumped at Kitty's shriek. Jackie turned around and saw Mrs. Foreman running over to her. "Oh Jackie I'm so glad you're back! Well isn't this a surprise! What are you…?" Kitty's voice turned to a whisper. "Oh. I see. Well, good luck Jackie. If anybody can stop this it's you." Kitty patted her on the hand and walked over to refill a chip bowl.
Okay, Jackie thought. Apparently not everybody thought this wedding was a good idea. At least she had some allies if she needed them. She looked around the room for who she assumed were the guests of honor as this was apparently an engagement party of some sort but she didn't see any unfamiliar faces and more importantly she didn't see Steven. Should she ask about him? Would that be too obvious? Jackie was at her wits end. She needed to talk to him before she lost her nerve. She sat down on the couch and glanced around at her friends. It was just sinking in that they had all moved on without her. It was a hard concept for her to grasp. Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing doorbell.
She raised her head and saw Eric walk over to the door. He turned around and looked at her nervously. He coughed and reached for the door. Jackie braced herself and stood up.
Hyde walked into the room followed by a petite blonde. He was greeted by Eric and Michael. Jackie watched Steven embrace Michael and was pretty sure her greeting wouldn't be as civil. She stood there watching him make his rounds around the room greeting people pleading with herself not to screw this up. He raised his head while he was talking to Fez and laughed. She watched the grin fall from his face when he saw her. His eyes widened and his mouth parted she assumed with shock. Hmm… that was interesting she thought. Why was he shocked? He had sent her an invitation after all. He must have known there was a chance she would show up. Jackie breathed deeply and put on her game face, it was the same face she used on the air and it had gotten her through many an awkward situation.
Jackie walked over to him slowly never breaking eye contact. When she reached him she cocked her head and smiled. "Steven, it's good to see you."
"Jackie… what…?" Hyde frowned and looked over at Donna who turned away quickly. Jackie caught the interplay and sighed. Well that explained the shock. Donna must have sent her the invitation, which meant Donna had helped Steven plan this event. Jackie couldn't help but feel slightly betrayed. She knew Donna was Steven's friend as well but still she hadn't expected Donna to actually help him break her heart.
"Well, it's good to see you too." Hyde rebounded. "Umm I want you to meet someone. Jackie, this is Diana my uh fiancé." Jackie summoned up the best smile she could come up with and extended her hand towards the girl. "Hi Diana, it's nice to meet you."
Diana just stared at her and walked away. Jackie dropped her hand and looked questioningly at Hyde. Hyde shrugged his shoulders. "I can't really blame her. Everybody talks about you all the time and I guess it bothers her."
Jackie raised her eyebrow. They all talked about her? That was an interesting admission especially considering who had said it.
"Well, I need to…" Hyde gestured awkwardly with his hands and started to walk away.
No, she couldn't let him get away. She didn't know if she would have a chance to talk to him again. "Wait, Steven. I need to talk to you for a few minutes. Can we go outside?" She pleaded.
Hyde stopped and looked at the ceiling like he was pondering something. He glanced around the room before turning to her. "Okay." He started to walk to the front door and Jackie followed.
When they got outside Hyde sat down on the stoop and Jackie sat next to him. She had to formulate her words carefully. She had to say just the right thing. She turned to him. "Steven, I'm sure you know why I'm here. When Donna called and told me about the wedding I was shocked to say the least. I never thought you would get married."
"Is that why you never came back Jackie? Because you didn't think I would ever find someone? You thought I would always be here alone, waiting for you?" Hyde frowned.
"No. I didn't come back because well I didn't think we would ever have a chance. I couldn't be around you and not be with you. I couldn't go through seeing you with another Sam. I had to get out of here." Jackie dropped her head into her hands. "Over time it just became easier to stay away. I was trying to put distance between you and my heart and I thought I was successful. As the days passed into months I thought about you less and less and I started to move on until I got that phone call from Donna telling me about Diana. Everything, all those old feelings and desires just came rushing back. I pushed them aside and then I got that damn invitation. You have no idea how pissed off I was. I thought you had sent it and I couldn't believe the audacity. Come to find out it wasn't you that sent it. Leave it to Donna to push the issue." Jackie smiled ruefully. She looked over at Hyde and saw his jaw tense.
"I'm not too thrilled with Donna right now. She should have kept her nose out of my business but I can understand it. She thinks I'm making a mistake. She's only told me that a dozen times but this is something I have to do." Hyde turned towards Jackie. "All of this." He gestured between them. "It's all well and good but it's just not going to happen. I've thought about this really hard and I know I'm doing the right thing. I'm not going to have a child and have them not know their father."
Jackie took Hyde's hand. "But Steven, you can be involved in your child's life without marrying its mother. It's the 80's for Christ sake. People do it all the time."
Hyde pulled his hand away and sighed. "Not in my world. I refuse to be another Bud."
"But Steven..."
"No" Steven stated vehemently. "I'm not going to argue with you about this. I'm getting married. Nothing is going to change that." Hyde lowered his voice. "I'm sorry Jacks."
Jackie could feel her eyes well up at the old familiar nick name. She brushed the tears away not ready to give up. "Steven, do you love her?"
Hyde looked at his hands. "I… I don't know. It doesn't matter though. I'm not getting married for love."
"If you're not getting married for love then you shouldn't be getting married!" Jackie exclaimed. "What's going to happen in five years when you wake up and realize that you don't love the woman you've pledged to be with forever? Do you think that's fair to her or to you?"
"Jackie! I know what you're trying to do and it's just not going to work. People stay married that don't love each other all the time. They make it work. We'll make it work." Hyde asserted.
"So you're saying you don't love her?" Jackie felt a small sliver of hope begin to form. She watched him stand up and begin to pace.
"I didn't say that. I never said that. I just said I don't know."
Jackie shook her head. "And that's all you ever say Steven. That same phrase ended our relationship; don't let it destroy your life. You need to know. You need to make sure that spending the rest of your life with this woman is what you want."
Hyde stopped pacing and crouched down in front of Jackie "That's not what ended us Jacks. There were a whole slew of other things that tore us apart. I was only nineteen for god's sake. You wanted me to map my whole life out in one day!"
"Steven, that's not fair. I didn't want pledges of forever from you. I just needed a freaking hint that we were going somewhere!" Jackie yelled. She stood up and sighed. She didn't want to argue with him about that now.
"Look, Steven. I'm not going to fight with you about this. It got us nowhere years ago and it's not going to accomplish anything now."
"Well good because…"
Jackie cut him off. "Steven, I…" She sat back down on the stoop. "I came back here to tell you that I love you. I never stopped. What we had was special, it doesn't happen to many people and I don't want to throw that away. I know this isn't the best time for this but please you're making a huge mistake. I know that deep down inside yourself you know this already. Please give us another chance Steven." Jackie choked out. She looked into Hyde's eyes and prayed that he would make the right decision.
Hyde moved over to sit beside Jackie. "Jacks, I wish…" he sighed. "I have to do this, I have to try. I can't just abandon her and our child. Maybe I am making a mistake, but that's the way it works. You make mistakes and you move on. That's what I did after you left. I can't just push everything away. I'm not a kid anymore." Hyde brushed the hair away from Jackie's face and caressed her cheek. "I don't want to hurt you Jacks but I don't have any choice. I'm sorry." He leaned over and brushed his lips across her cheek. "I'm sorry" He whispered as he embraced her and placed his forehead against hers.
Jackie relished the embrace even though it was fleeting. She felt him let go and heard him walk back into the house quietly shutting the door behind him. She sat on the stoop and let the tears fall. She had pled her case and she had failed. He had changed in the past few years. He was not the pissed off guy in the basement anymore. He was a man who was trying to do what he thought was the right thing. Jackie was torn between anger and grudging respect. She knew he was making a mistake but he really wanted to be there for his child. Jackie wiped her eyes and stood up. She couldn't go back in there. Her emotions were too raw. Everyone would know what they had talked about and she didn't want to deal with that. She walked to her rental car and headed to her hotel.
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Jackie walked down Main Street having just left yet another department store empty handed. Tomorrow was Steven's wedding and she needed a dress. She had been in such a rush to get to Point Place that she hadn't really thought about much else other than getting here. All she had in her suitcase were business suits and some casual clothes, nothing formal enough for a wedding. Jackie was determined to look her absolute best. She was going to make sure Steven saw what he would be missing.
Jackie's eyes were caught by a store display; she turned and walked through the revolving door. She began to sort through the racks looking for just the right dress when she heard a familiar voice.
"Are my shoes ready? I need them by tomorrow and I don't see what the problem is, it's not like my feet are that big!"
Jackie grinned and walked over to her best friend. "Donna, you're a lumberjack. I've been telling you that for years. You're lucky they could even order shoes in your size." Jackie saw Donna roll her eyes before a grin formed on her face.
"Hey midget, what are you doing here?"
Jackie shrugged her shoulders. "I need to find a dress for the wedding. I've been to a few stores and nothing really seems to be right."
Donna raised her eyebrow in surprise. "You mean you don't have anything to wear? Are you feeling okay? I mean…"
Jackie rolled her eyes. "I'm fine other than the fact that the love of my life is getting married tomorrow to someone that isn't me. I was in kind of a hurry to get here. I just grabbed a suitcase and it was filled with work clothes and I am not going to go to his wedding dressed in drab clothing. I don't want anybody to think that I'm upset about this."
"But Jackie, you are. Aren't you? I mean you seem to be taking this in stride. It's really not like you."
Jackie turned towards a rack of dresses. "Well Donna, I'm not a spoiled seventeen year old anymore. I've grown up and matured and besides there isn't anything I can do to change it."
Donna stepped in front of her. "Well damn Jackie! Why the hell do you think I sent you the invitation? I didn't send it so you would be all calm about this. I sent it so you would get your ass back here and stop this nonsense!" Donna shouted.
Jackie looked around the room and smiled embarrassedly. "Donna, lower your voice please. Look, I tried. I talked to him. He wouldn't listen. He is bound and determined to do this. I've never seen Steven determined before in my life, it was a little shocking but nothing I said made a difference. Donna, I pretty much begged him and nothing. So it's really finally over." Jackie shrugged "There isn't anything I can do about it. Now, will you help me pick out a dress that will knock his socks off? I want to look so hot that he'll be dreaming of me for years."
Donna stared at Jackie for a few moments and then walked over to another set of racks. "Well then, let's get started."
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Jackie walked into the church and looked around. It really was beautiful she thought. It wasn't very grand or anything, not like she had pictured her own wedding but it was nice in a charming nobody spent a whole lot of money sort of way. She glanced towards the front of the building and saw Mrs. Foreman bustling around primping flowers and humming to herself. Jackie walked down the isle and patted Kitty on the shoulder.
Kitty turned around and her eyes widened in surprise. She stepped back and looked Jackie up and down, a large oh forming on her lips. "Jackie… I didn't know if you would show up and what an interesting dress!" Kitty laughed nervously.
Jackie grinned. "Do you really like it?"
"Well… it's... it's…" Kitty motioned nervously with her hands. "Well it's very red! Umm…and those shoes make you looks so tall! It's just… of course I like it! You look stunning dear."
"Thank you Mrs. Foreman" Jackie smiled. She knew the dress probably wouldn't go over very well with her. It was just too risqué for modest Kitty with its plunging V neck line accented with small rhinestones. It wasn't too revealing though Jackie thought. It was just a simple halter that floated right above her knees but the side slit that reached her mid thigh probably wasn't helping matters.
"Oh baby, come to papa. Jackie, you just get better and better with age." Jackie turned around and grinned at Michael who had just walked in with Brooke and Betsy. Jackie leaned down and kissed Betsy on the cheek. "That's it Jackie, just a few more inches." Michael said as he tried to look down Jackie's dress. His efforts were rewarded with a slap from Brooke. Jackie stood up quickly and turned to Brooke. "You don't think the dress is too revealing do you? It looked perfect on the store but from the reactions…" Jackie waved her hands at Kitty and Michael. Brooke cocked her head from left to right. "No, I don't think it's too revealing. I think you look great. I think Hyde is going to flip when he…"
"What the hell does Hyde have to do with anything?" Michael interrupted. Brooke rolled her eyes. "Michael, let's just go sit down."
"But…"
"Come on Michael." Brook exclaimed as she pushed him towards a pew.
Jackie followed and sat in the pew in front of them. She wanted to make sure she was sitting near the front so Steven would notice her. She looked around for Donna and Eric and saw Eric at the front of the church fumbling with his tie. Jackie walked over to him. "Need any help with that?"
Eric turned around gratefully. "Yes, thank you. I can't get this blasted thing right and Donna is off somewhere doing God knows what…" Eric stopped mid sentence and stared at Jackie. "Wow, Jackie you look gorgeous. I mean…really…"
Jackie smiled softly. "Thank you Eric, now stand still so I can fix this." Jackie reached up and undid the mess Eric had made with the tie and tied it properly. She patted him on the chest. "There you go, you're all set now."
"Jackie, are you okay with all of this? I mean…Donna told me that you still well you know… and we haven't really had a chance to talk since you've been back."
Jackie sighed "I'm okay, you know? I rushed back here to try and change things but I was just too late. I'm doing the best I can under the circumstances. I'm not going to let him break me." She grinned evilly and pointed to her dress. "And I'm not going to let him forget me."
Eric smiled. "That's the devil we all know and love." Eric leaned down, embraced Jackie and whispered. "He still loves you, you know. He might not say it but I know he does. Trust me, this won't last." He released her, gave her a quick smile and headed to the altar to take his place as the best man.
Jackie felt a tear on her cheek and brushed it away. She was not going to cry now. She had cried enough in the past few days holed up in her hotel room. Jackie heard a gasp and turned around. She locked eyes with Steven who was coming out of one of the church's changing rooms. Jackie watched him stop short at the sight of her. Well, it was time to show him what he was throwing away in his noble quest. Jackie walked over to him.
"Steven, you look great." He really did Jackie thought admiringly. She had never seen him in a tuxedo before. It suited him. She reached up and brushed a speck of lint off his shoulder.
"Jackie, I… I didn't expect to see you." Hyde took a deep breath. "You look stunning. You always did but yea." Hyde's face turned red and he started to tug at his collar.
Jackie lowered her head and grinned. Well at least he now knew what he was giving up. "Thanks Steven. I never pictured you as the formal wedding type of guy." Jackie said as she glanced around the room.
Hyde raised his head and his eyes pierced into hers. "Yea well, Diana kind of wanted this so… Jackie…I don't know anymore if I'm doing the right…" he was interrupted by the beginnings of The Wedding March. His shoulders slumped. "Well, it's time to get this show on the road." He walked over to the altar and stood next to Eric leaving Jackie staring after him.
Jackie hurried over to her seat next to Donna. She watched as the flower girl threw daisies onto the isle and the members of the wedding party made their procession. She felt Donna grab her hand and squeeze. Jackie was grateful for her friend's support. The bride and her father made their way down the isle and Jackie had to turn away. She would have bolted right then if Donna hadn't had an iron grip on her hand. Jackie watched Diana take her place next to Steven and tried to block out the ceremony. She thought she could handle this but obviously she couldn't. She heard what was going on around her but she wasn't really aware of what was being said. There was a swirling of emotions overtaking her. She felt angry at herself for not coming back sooner, and anger towards Steven for not trying to reach out enough to make her want to come back. Most of all she was just sad. All of this could have been avoided if they just hadn't made some very stupid mistakes when they were kids. Jackie was jolted from her thoughts when she heard the minister's next words.
"Steven, do you take Diana to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"
Jackie froze. Donna squeezed her hand harder but she barely felt it, she was too busy concentrating on Steven's face. Jackie gasped softly when he turned his head and started scanning the room. His eyes locked with hers for what seemed to Jackie like an eternity. Jackie leaned forward in the pew waiting, for what she didn't know. She heard Kitty cough nervously and could only watch helplessly as Steven tensed his jaw and turned towards the minister.
"I do."
Jackie dropped her head and stared at the floor letting the tears fall as the rest of the ceremony passed in a blur.
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Jackie sat at the head table watching her friends mingle and dance. Thank god this was almost over she thought. She glanced at the clock on the wall and saw she only had about twenty minutes to go until she could make an exit that didn't make it seem like she was running away. She turned to the table and picked at her dinner. She really wasn't hungry, she just wanted this to be over. She had been sitting at this table for almost two hours and her face was beginning to hurt from the fake smile she had placed on it.
"Jackie?" She looked up and saw Fez standing in front of her. "Hey Fez!" Jackie smiled genuinely.
"So you thought you could buy Fez off with candy huh? Well it won't work you know… I'm very angry with you… Oh who am I kidding? It worked." Fez grinned as he sat down next to her.
Jackie poked him in the stomach. "I'm glad you got the candy I had sent over Fez. Just be careful. You're beginning to get a little chub going on here. You're not as young as you used to be, you might want to lay off the sweets."
Fez shook his head. "No, candy is like my sweet mistress, I could never leave her."
Jackie laughed and reached over to hug him. "I'm glad we're okay Fez. I'm sorry I didn't keep it touch…it was just so hard to do much of anything but work and study."
Fez nodded. "I know, its okay. Just don't let it happen again! Now lovely lady would you like to dance?"
Jackie glanced back at the clock and figured what the hell; it might even cheer her up. "Sure Fez, I would love too." She let Fez lead her onto the dance floor. Jackie smiled as she swayed to the music. If she concentrated hard enough she could forget where she was and why she was here. Jackie looked up when she felt Fez stop dancing. "Fez, what…?" She looked over his shoulder and saw Steven standing there. She looked into his eyes questioningly. He turned to Fez. "Fez, can I cut in?" Fez looked over at Jackie trying to gauge her reaction. She nodded slightly and Fez stepped back. Jackie turned to Hyde and they began to dance. Jackie looked around for his wife but didn't see her. She supposed that was why he was dancing with her now. If his wife saw them well Jackie was pretty sure judging by her reaction at the engagement party that things would not go well.
Jackie glanced at Steven's face just in time to hear the song change. She cringed when she heard the hauntingly familiar ballad.
Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand
Jackie closed her eyes and pressed deeper into Steven's arms. If she could only have this much of him for this short period of time she was going to embrace it and try to make a memory that could last a lifetime. Jackie felt Steven's embrace tighten and she raised her eyes to his.
Jesus freaks out in the street
Handing tickets out for God
Turning back she just laughs
The boulevard is not that bad
She tried to tell him with her eyes what she didn't dare say. She dropped her guard and let her eyes tell him how much she loved him and always would. She felthis grip tightenand she watched him slowly nod his head as if he had understood exactly what she was trying to tell him.
Piano man he makes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on she sings the songs
The words she knows, the tune she hums
But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you and you can't hear me
When I say softly, slowly
He slowly bent and brushed his lips across her cheek, she turned her face into the kiss and they slowly explored each others mouths. It wasn't a kiss of passion; it was a kiss of mourning and goodbye.
Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
you had a busy day today
Jackie broke the kiss and leaned her head against his shoulder. She swayed to the music savoring his touch and the feel of him. She had to let him go but she just wasn't ready yet. Jackie raised her head when she heard a small commotion at the other end of the room. She locked eyes with Donna who was making hand gestures telling her to hurry up. Jackie sighed and stepped out of Steven's arms.
Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand
"Jackie…I." she heard Steven whisper. She stopped him with her hand and leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. She stepped back and took one last look at him.
"Goodbye Steven" She whispered as she turned around and walked out of the room.
A/N: Of course I don't own the lyrics to Tiny Dancer. Those belong to the wonderful Elton John. This chapter was REALLY long. I wanted to get all the past done with in one swoop instead of breaking it up into mini chapters. I thought that just might get confusing. If you don't review any other chapter please review this one if you liked it. It took me quite a while to write it and it was emotionally exhausting.