Author Note: HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! Poor Samantha – she's really not a fun person is she?
Chapter 39 – Haunted Mansion
Betsy and Grandma were waiting in the hallway. Brooke decided to wear cotton today to avoid the humidity. Her blouse was pretty but all day yesterday it kept sticking to her skin. Today she wanted to just have fun.
Rhonda came out wearing shorts and tennis shoes – she was dressed for comfort. Fez yawned and rubbed his belly. "I need my syrup and pancakes. Let's go."
A seriously tired looking Samantha struggled to keep up with her husband. He looked at her high heels and looked at what the other girls were wearing. "Maybe you want to rethink your shoes."
"These are my favorite, they keep my legs toned. Besides, I want to look good today."
"Whatever." Hyde realized that whatever he said to Sam she was going to do the opposite. He leaned against the wall. "So where is our event coordinator this morning?"
Kelso grinned. "She's making breakfast reservations so we don't have to wait for a table." The coordinator in question came out of the door looking exceptionally beautiful in strappy espadrilles and a sundress. She had a straw handbag with a floppy hat peeking out and a bottle of water. Her dark curly hair was pulled back in a ribbon and she looked fresh faced and blissful. Eric looked like some strutting peacock locking the door behind them.
Hyde grunted and turned to Sam. She was wearing a tube top with parachute pants that stopped just above her high heels. He had a feeling that she would be bitching about being sunburned later and he'd probably have to carry her out of the park.
Brooke snagged Jackie's elbow and they led the pack down to the elevator. "Jackie, twenty bucks Sam can't make it to lunch in those shoes." Jackie whispered back, "You're on. I bet someone will be buying a twenty dollar pair of flip flops later!" The two girls giggled as they conspired together.
*
Samantha and Hyde sat in the front with the limo driver and the rest of the party sat in the back. Of course, Kelso had his finger on the privacy button and would frequently raise and lower the window until Hyde frogged him on the shoulder. "Man that is annoying! Keep it up and I'll make you a foot shorter!"
The waitress at the breakfast house had a large table reserved for their 10 person party. Samantha was again exiled to pariah status again. Hyde exhaled loudly and sat at the end of the table and listened while she complained that he forgot the vodka. He leaned close and said in a low voice, "Look, if you try hard enough, you can have a good time without the booze."
He really wanted to enjoy himself today. Space Mountain was great yesterday and he hadn't even tried some of the other rides. The Matterhorn looked like fun and it was a water ride – maybe he'd take Sam on that to cool her off.
The waitress came over to take the breakfast orders and the day began.
*
Inside the park, Jackie gathered everyone together and suggested they meet at 3:00 o'clock and determine if they were going to stay until the park closed or leave early and pack up for the trip home tomorrow. This time everyone stayed in the group. Jackie frowned. "Why aren't you guys taking off?"
Fez grinned. "Well Goddess, we always have a good time with you, so me and Rhonda are going to stand in lines with you."
Jackie smiled. "Awww…Fez… how sweet of you to say that!" Kelso was beaming. "Brooke and I want to do the Haunted Mansion with you. Betsy and Brooke's mom are staying in Fantasyland so we can find them later. "
Hyde didn't want to be left alone with Samantha so he said, "What the hell, I'm coming with you guys. But we have to ride the Matterhorn!"
*
The Matterhorn was on the way to the Haunted Mansion so the group lined up like a snake behind Eric and Jackie. They passed the time in line with pleasant conversation and Kelso saw Goofy dressed as a Swiss mountain climber on the side of the snowy looking mountain. He was now excited because this had been deemed a Goofy Ride.
Hyde could hear the screams of joy and surprise as well as the bobsled tracks when it roared past the mountain near where they waited. There was a sign warning them of the Abominable Snowman and once in a while they could hear it's roar over the sound of the ride.
Eric liked the ride because the way the bobsled was setup, Jackie had to sit in front and he got to sit behind her. Now that was romantic! Kelso was bouncing with nervous energy – as they got close to the front of the line, he got closer to saying hello to Alpine climber Goofy.
A park attendant ushered Jack and Eric into the front of the bobsled and Kelso and Brooke fell into the back of the sled. They were instructed to keep their hands and arms inside the ride at all times. Hyde and Sam got the front of the second bobsled with Rhonda and Fez sitting behind them.
The track immediately jerked them into a reclining position as their cars trudged up a track in the near dark. A pair of red menacing glowing eyes and Yeti roar scared Jackie as they passed the Abominable snowman. Eric wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled at his good fortune.
An Alpine wind blew through the tunnel as they started their first downhill freefall. Hyde closed his eyes, enjoying the wind on his face as they sped in circles and jerked around corners. He opened his eyes as the sled teetered on the edge of the mountain and then everyone in the car was screaming as it descended quickly, seemingly into a mountain lake.
Jackie plugged her nose and held her breath and clung to Eric's arm. She was not going to drown. She was not going to let go of Eric. The splash-down pool slowed the bobsled and seconds later they were back at the station to exit the ride.
Kelso got out and yelled, "That was freaking AWESOME!" He looked back and Hyde grinned at him. "Hyde let's do that again!" The two guys ran back and got into line. Brooke looked at Samantha who dropped on a bench. "You'll tell them we're heading towards the Mansion?"
She waved them off and removed her shoes. Jackie slipped a twenty dollar bill to Brooke who deposited it in the pocket of her pants with a smile.
*
The large plantation house was set in a New Orleans type setting. Beautiful gardens surrounded the path to the house and a small cemetery could be seen near the house. The line wasn't too long but as they neared the house, Kelso and Hyde were running to catch up.
"Where's your wife?" Brooke asked Hyde. He shrugged. "I guess she'll have to catch up. I gotta ride that mountain again. Kelso, you need to try out Space Mountain."
Kelso reached out and frogged Hyde on the arm. "Hey, what was that for!" he grumbled. Kelso grinned. "Welcome back friend!"
The group was led into a small foyer by a man dressed as a butler. When there were about 15 other people with them they were brought into an octagonal room filled with portraits of solemn looking characters and suddenly a mysterious voice said, "Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion. I am your host – your 'Ghost Host." The voice gave Jackie chills and she grabbed Eric's arm.
The scary voice continues, "…And consider this dismaying observation: this chamber has no windows, and no doors... which offers you this chilling challenge: to find a way out! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Of course, there's always my way..." The lights suddenly went out giving way to a thunder and lightning storm. The girls screamed and a noose appeared above their heads. The lights came back on and they were escorted through a dim hallway into a freezing loading station.
Eric and Jackie stepped in to their Doom Buggy and the real ride began. Candles and suits of armor also floated in the air. They saw ghosts attending a funeral and a corpse trying to escape from its coffin.
The Doom Buggy drifted down a long hallway and demonic faces appeared in the wallpaper and then they passed through the séance room with Madame Leota – a face in crystal ball summoning spirits. They passed over the balcony of the ballroom where ghosts of couples were waltzing together.
Suddenly the buggy flew out of a window and turned around plunging backwards down a hill surrounded by big scary trees until they reach the gates of the graveyard. Ghosts popped up from behind tombstones and the hounds of hell started howling. The buggy sped through the graveyard and popped them out into the sunshine.
Brooke was the first to stay, "That was creepy and I don't want to do that again!" Kelso and Hyde were chanting, "Space Mountain…Space Mountain!" As the group raced to the next ride, they passed a barefoot Samantha hobbling to the Mansion. Fez grinned, "Meet us at Space Mountain." She huffed. "I'll meet you at the limo!"
*
Jackie and Eric were ready to call it a day at the 3:00 o'clock meeting spot. Hyde and Kelso still wanted to discover Adventureland and ride the Pirates and Jungle Cruise attractions. Rhonda and Fez decided to just ride the monorail around and let the shuttle pick them up later. Brooke decided she would return to the time share and bring her mom and Betsy with them.
Eric waved at Kelso, "Hey man, don't forget to try Big Thunder Mountain. It's excellent. Me and Jackie rode it three times straight."
Kelso grinned, "Cool – we'll see you guys tonight!"
*
The departing group was surprised to see Samantha sitting in the limo drivers lap when the shuttle dropped them off. Brooke stood there with her hands on her hips. "So, where's your husband?"
Samantha grunted and adjusted her tube top and climbed out of the car. "He wanted to play with Kelso – he didn't care that I was uncomfortable so I've been talking to Mac here. He's got family back in Las Vegas." Sam blew the driver a kiss.
"So where is Steven?"
Brooke watched as her friends got in the limo. "He's staying with Michael."
"Shit, he didn't leave me any money for food. What an asshole."
Brooke smirked. "I'll let you borrow some and you can pay me back later." Sam huffed and thrust out her bottom lip. "Fine - I'll make Steven pay you double."
*
Brooke, Jackie and Eric watched Samantha stomp barefooted to the economy suite. She slammed the door and the trio burst out laughing. "She brought this all on herself. Oh my god, this drama just makes the vacation so much better!"
Jackie smiled. "Hey, you haven't used the whirlpool yet. Have you?" Brooke frowned, "What do you mean? Oh no! That would be like making a soup. No we haven't, why?"
"I was thinking we could finish that bottle of wine and the three of us could relax in the jets and keep the water cool."
Eric smiled because that sounded like the perfect way to spend a humid afternoon. Brooke grinned. "I didn't bring a suit so Eric, if you get uncomfortable seeing me in my bra and panties, speak now."
Eric swallowed. "Uh, no. Just don't be looking at my boxers!" Jackie was laughing at the two of them challenging each other. Brooke looked down and smirked. "Fine, just bring your towels with you."
*
Kelso got back three hours later to find his wife and best friends were slightly drunk and very relaxed just sitting in the Jacuzzi. "Hey baby, did you have fun?" Michael grinned and tore off his pants and shirt and climbed into the tub.
"Dang! Space Mountain was AWESOME! I had such a great time." He splashed some water at Jackie's face. She sputtered. "You doofus, I'm trying not to get my hair wet. What!"
"Thanks. Jackie…this has been the best vacation I've ever been on."
Eric moved closer to Jackie in the tub. "So Kelso, do you have a favorite ride?" Kelso splashed water at Eric and grinned. "I like the Matterhorn. I saw the big snow monster twice – he reminded me of a Scooby Doo cartoon."
Brooke smiled and leaned her head back against the fiberglass. "This just feels so nice. Drinking wine... hanging with my best friends … and a water jet on the middle of my back." Eric thought the water jets were great, but Jackie's back massage earlier that day was infinitely better.
Kelso asked what they were going to do about dinner. Jackie replied, "Well, Friday, Brooke and I had Olive Garden deliver and it was pretty good."
Eric barely recalled the TGIFridays dinner with the guys. "Hey I like Italian food."
"Do they have bread sticks?" Kelso asked.
"Yes, Michael." Brooke said patiently, "We'll order but there will be no sword playing with the bread okay?"
"God, you're such a bummer." He said kissing her shoulder. "I love you too baby." She replied. Jackie sat up, "Do you think your mom and Betsy want to eat with us?"
Brooke opened her eyes, "Let's get them the same thing. I think mom just wants to hang out in her room. What about Rhonda and Fez?"
Jackie shrugged, "I guess they can eat separately or get something with Samantha and Hyde." Eric laughed, "I want to be a fly on the wall when he finds out about his wife and the limo driver."
Jackie pinched Eric in the ribs. "Look who's being mean now? "She teased. "He's getting what he deserves. Anyways, Rhonda says he's sleeping on their sofa so they'll be eating together anyhow."
Eric moved his shoulder so a jet could work on his muscle. "This does feel good." He admitted. There was a brief moment of silence as everyone repositioned themselves in the tub. Kelso groaned, "Man, if I had known you guys were doing this all afternoon, I might have come back early!"
Brooke laughed with her eyes closed. "No you wouldn't."
"Nah, I wouldn't but this is pretty awesome too. Jackie, order the food." Jackie smiled and stepped out of the tub, "Michael quit looking at my butt." She wrapped her towel around her and went into the bedroom to use the phone.
Eric's eyes were still closed when he felt something nudge his leg. "Kelso…that better be your foot or I'm cutting it off..." He warned. Kelso laughed and spread his arms along the outside of the tub. Jackie came back and dropped her towel over a chair. "They'll deliver it in about 45 minutes." She sank back into the bubbling water as Eric pulled her close. The jets continued to work their magic and the group was just one collective, "Ahhh……"
*
A knocking at the door interrupted the peace and quiet. "Hey Jackie… go pay for the food." Kelso muttered. Her eyes were still closed. "It's too soon for the food. Go answer your door."
"Fine!" Kelso replied annoyed. He climbed out of the tub and walked to the door dripping wet. He opened it expecting to see food but it was only Steven Hyde.
He looked down. "Well Kelso, I'm happy to see you too. Cover it man, don't want to see it." He walked into the luxury suite and was dumbfounded: three of Fez's suites could easily fit in this one. He looked out at the balcony and saw the other three relaxing in the tub.
"No wonder you guys cut out so early. Hey, Fez and I are going on a food run. You want anything from McDonalds?"
Kelso shook his head, "Nah, Jackie ordered something to be delivered so we're good. But hey, thanks for asking man!"
Hyde frowned. "You got delivery?"
Kelso nodded. "Yeah, some garden is bringing food. We gotta feed Betsy and Brooke's mom." Hyde walked farther in the room, intrigued by the tub and why wasn't he invited? Brooke opened one eye and looked at Hyde.
"We are not naked but keep your distance anyways." She warned. Hyde held up his hand, "Will do…just wanted to see the tub since my room only has a shower." He added sarcastically.
Eric could feel Jackie's shoulders shaking with laughter. He squeezed her leg and watched as she bit her lip. Brooke added. "Hey Steven - Did you know that Mac, the limo driver has family in Las Vegas?"
Jackie's eyes flew open – she couldn't believe that Brooke was going to spill the beans. Hyde lifted a brow. "How would you know that and why do I care?"
"You're wife spent the afternoon visiting the limo. Just thought you might want to take some…precautions…" Hyde got the gist of what she was saying. "Thanks Brooke, I'll check into that. Okay, no McDonalds for you guys."
He put his hands in his pockets and turned to leave the room. Kelso padded back and jumped in the tub splashing everyone. Brooke, Eric and Jackie just started laughing.
*
Eric woke up a few hours before the alarm would go off. He couldn't believe that today they were going home and this was the last day he'd wake up with Jackie in his arms. He smoothed her hair away from her neck and kissed her shoulder. She was warm and soft and felt so good. Just being with her was amazing.
Everything he did with her just felt natural - she liked most of the same things he did – they shared the same sense of humor – they were just good together. He didn't want to admit that there was a small fear that she would want Hyde back but she didn't and Eric was counting his blessings.
Sadly, he only had a few short hours with her before the real world stepped in to claim the event coordinator and they would be back home and back into the regular routine of work and single living. Wait - What if they weren't single? What! What if they were engaged? No – never again! She could be his fiancée – it worked for Kelso. Eric wiped his face what was he thinking? Earlier that year he asked her why she wasn't married already.
"Well, I'm never getting married because I don't need the heartache but that doesn't mean I can't make other people's weddings memorable. I noticed that you and Donna didn't have a ceremony."
Okay, so Eric Forman did not have a great track record at getting and keeping women. But still, how could he keep someone as great and beautiful like Jackie as just a girlfriend. How did an ordinary guy get to keep someone like Jackie Burkhart?
She stirred in her sleep and sought the warmth of his body. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. I'm falling in love with her – that's what happening. It's that slow creeping-up-on-you-when-you-least-expect-it kind of love. He smiled – that kind of love was okay. He would just be the kind of boyfriend she wanted and needed. Eric Forman was Jackie's boyfriend and he didn't need more than that. For now.
*