Disclaimer: That '70s Show copyright The Carsey-Werner Company, LLC and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
REACHING THE SUMMIT

Jackie began to skip on the hike to Granny Hill. The dirt trail remained smooth, even after half a mile. She was surrounded by friends, and Steven held her hand publicly without creating gossip. They were among a hundred of their schoolmates, essentially penned in, but she felt uncaged.

Steven increased his speed to stay by her side. She tried not to outpace him, but his grip loosened on her hand.

"What is it?" she said and walked normally. Golden maples reflected in his sunglasses, but his expression was blank. "Steven?"

He let go of her and removed his wool coat. The temperature had dropped from lunch. They were two hours from sunset, and he'd freeze if he kept the coat off. But he passed it to her and pushed his shirt sleeve to his elbow. His left arm was a patchwork of black and purple. His right had to be the same.

"Oh..." She cradled his cheek. He'd relied heavily on the cables during the high ropes course. In the four hours since, visible evidence of his efforts had surfaced. She must've hurt him with her skipping, putting pressure on his bruises.

He rolled down his sleeve. "Pain's a little too familiar."

"Your mom?" she said and helped him on with his coat. She expected resistance, but he gave her none.

"Sometimes. Or my 'uncles'. Never Bud..." He peered at the sky. "Which is maybe why I kinda idealized him while fuckin' hating him. It's screwed up, y'know?"

Her throat tightened. This trip had been a nightmare for him, cracking open the terrors of his childhood. The confrontation with Valerie yesterday, his battered body, and Jackie's repeated abandonments. But he continued to love, to be vulnerable, to trust.

"Thank you for not giving up," she said.

"You just needed time, man."

"Not on me. On you."

He slid his arm around her waist. "You make it a helluva lot easier," he said as he drew her close, and she buried her face in his coat. "Bruises'll be gone in a week," he whispered. "I'll be fine, all right? And so will you."

"I was happy a minute ago," she cried against his chest. "But you lived in a horrible home ... and I don't want to go back to mine."

"Can't change your folks. Only what you do."

She glanced at him with wet eyes. "Can I move in with you?"

"Move in? Hell, Mrs. Forman would adopt you. Laurie's room's vacant. Red, though..."

"I'm the only one of Eric's friends he likes besides you," she said and parted from him. She blotted her eyes with her sleeve, but her nose was a problem. "Damn—don't look at me."

She dashed for the woods lining the trail. Fallen leaves littered the ground. They'd have to do, but a napkin waved in front of her. She grabbed it, blew her nose, and spotted Donna beside her.

"You're like a napkin angel!" Jackie said. She would so treat Donna to a makeover, as a thank-you for her support.

"Eric's backpack is full of them," Donna said, presenting a package of the napkins. "Part of his wilderness assistant duties, and they've come in handy. Fez has used a bunch already."

Jackie was still sniffling, but she and Donna rejoined their friends. Steven met her gaze, but his focus shifted to Fez, who was slouching between him and Eric.

Donna offered her a second napkin. "You and Hyde have a fight?"

"No, he's wonderful," Jackie said low and wiped her nose. Other students were immersed in their own discussions, but they had two hours ahead of them. Dinner and the cheer-off. Then another two hours of hiking. They might run out of conversation material and decide to eavesdrop on Jackie's. "Home's mostly the cause of this." She indicated her face. "If they divorce, I won't even get twice the amount of presents on birthdays and holidays. My mom spends her money on herself and booze."

"That sucks—not the presents part. The rest of it." Donna embraced her a sideways hug. "And you can crash at my house whenever."

Jackie's eyes stung as she fought her tears. After lunch, she and Donna had talked in private about Michael. Specifically, why he broke his wrist and Jackie's sexual encounter with him on Tuesday. Once Jackie had mentioned her parents, Donna totally seemed to understand. No self-righteous speeches followed.

"I was super confused when my mom left," Donna had said in her tent. "I hopped on the Casey Kelso train and went off the rails. In front of everyone. You at least did it in private, except for the fainting part."

Jackie had swatted Donna's knee then, but now she was returning Donna's embrace. "I can teach you and Joanne basic makeup skills if I sleepover. I saw that green eyeshadow in your drawer. You have blue eyes. Brown and coral will bring it out." She sniffled. "Green competes, and has Joanne ever heard of tweezers? Eyebrows are not supposed to shake hands."

"Okay, okay," Donna said and stuffed a napkin into Jackie's fingers. "But please don't be excessively judgmental during your 'lessons'."

"It'll be hard, but for you, I'll try."

"That's all I ask."

Jackie dried her face with the napkin. She was done crying but not because of her makeup. She'd worn none for the hike. If her eyes were puffy, she could blame it on the frigid weather. If her parents completely abandoned her, she had safe places to stay.

"Fez is upset about Michael, huh?" she said.

"That and how you and Hyde kept your relationship secret," Donna said. "Oh, and how he has no job or girlfriend. Basically, he's having an existential crisis."

"He also has us." Jackie marched toward Fez and replaced Eric at his side. "Fezzy?" she said and rubbed his arm. "Steven and I were protecting ourselves. You would've had to lie to Michael, and you saw what happened when he found out—"

Fez jerked away from her. "Oh, I saw it. I saw him lying on that stretcher, sobbing for his friendships more than his wrist."

"He broke 'em both," Steven said on his other side.

"You could have had any girl," Fez said. "Why Jackie?"

"Uh-uh. You're not gonna be Kelso's mouthpiece." Steven walked behind him to Jackie, and she grasped his hand. "Speak for yourself, man."

Fez opened his mouth then shut it. He raised a pointed finger then lowered it, and Jackie tugged the shooting star pendant from her coat collar. "Steven won this for me," she said, "and my heart."

"Never felt this way for anyone," he said to Fez. "You can figure out the rest by comparing what I've done to what Kelso has."

Jackie tucked the pendant inside her coat. In the sunlight, the shooting star would've gleamed like an actual star. But for the first time on this trip, the sky wasn't clear. Clouds scudded by as if blown by an industrial fan, but the sun radiated through her body.

Steven had admitted his emotions to their friends. He wasn't embarrassed by loving her, and she cupped the nape of his neck. But as Steven bent his head to kiss her, Eric deepened his voice and said, "'The way I feel about you, I've never felt about anyone.'"

Steven kissed her anyway. It was quick but a distinct message that their friends' mockery didn't phase him.

"'That's your orphan soul coming alive!'" Donna said, pitching her voice higher. Evidently, Steven's indifference was lost on her.

"Is that supposed to be us?" Jackie said.

Eric and Donna held onto each other, laughing, but Fez covered his eyes.

"Kelso is a bad friend!" he cried. "He throws rocks at me. Poured lighter fluid on my ass to set me on fire, but Hyde stopped him." He hiccuped. "Hyde has worried for Jackie's health since she fainted, but Kelso thinks only of himself."

Steven clasped Fez's shoulder. "Truth'll set you free."

Fez's nose was runny. Eric gave him napkins, and Jackie said, "Michael has crushed a lot of hearts and paid very little for it, but we can change that. Seeing me happy—especially with Steven—will be a start."

And no less than Michael deserved. Once he realized Jackie had his friends' loyalty, he might finally respect her. Or, at least, leave her alone.

She considered skipping again, but a pebble bounced off her denim-clad shin. The trail was growing rocky and ascending sharply, and students' steps kicked tiny stones through the air. They plinked in the dirt as they landed. Ricocheted off trees and her legs, and students in front of her began to shout. They had to be experiencing the same barrage, but a cloud of dust rose from the ground. Someone was sprinting in the wrong direction, shoving people aside.

Jackie covered her mouth to protect her throat. The dust cloud was drifting closer, and Donna said, "What the hell is going on?"

"A dare?" Eric said, but Mitch appeared in front of them. He was speckled in dirt and the obvious cause of the ruckus.

"Hey, buddy," he said to Fez and yanked a notepad from his backpack. "You ever notice that we rarely talk?"

Fez crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Because you say you can't understand me. You are like the evil Spock in that Star Trek episode. But since Spock is not real, you're like the evil Eric."

"Hey!" Eric said. "First, I'm twice his height. Second, I've got this lady." He motioned at Donna. "Third—"

"You have a small penis. Point taken," Mitch said. "Recount your fling with Leslie Canon, and we'll talk." He slid a pen from behind his ear. "But right now, Fez has the goods I'm interested in."

Fez uncrossed his arms. "Bullying me has been your manner of flirting, eh? I'm flattered, but I like girls."

"Too bad they don't like you." Mitch brought his pen over his notepad. "Let's discuss the facts. You were with Kelso at the park infirmary. Did Valerie Clayton visit him while you were there? Because he's not on this hike, and she is."

Jackie looked at Steven, who raised his eyebrows. It was the equivalent of a shrug but on his face. She'd have to lay down a rule about that. Any form of, "I don't know," was unacceptable when he could offer more. Mitch was digging for dirt on the cheer squad. Steven had warned her Mitch would write an exposé, but she hadn't agreed to be a source yet. The cheer-off could serve the same purpose.

"You don't have to say anything," she said to Fez.

"But I want to. Valerie was there," Fez said, and Mitch wrote on his notepad. "She was yelling at Kelso, but Ms. McGee told us both to take a hike. This hike..." Fez tapped his chin. "McGee went to the hospital with him. He could have a concussion—"

"'Biss Bagee blah bloh bleh'?" Mitch said. "Come on, Mushmouth. Give me something I can use!"

Donna smacked the back of his head. "Cut it out! You understand him fine."

"Don't hit me. Hit him!" Mitch stabbed his pen at Fez. "He's the one withholding vital info! I can't use vague details. Specifics make the story!"

A new dust cloud formed. The wind gusted it toward Jackie, and she coughed. Someone else was pushing through the crowd. Students ahead moved apart, and Susan emerged from the gap.

"Specifics?" she said, glowering at Mitch. "You won't snag them by being an asshole to your source."

Susan's presence kindled Jackie's curiosity, but the irritation in her throat was stronger. Coughing was all she could do, but Steven signaled Donna, who removed a thermos from her backpack. A cup of water was in Jackie's hands seconds later.

"You can see Fez is upset," Susan said. She was carrying a pen and notepad like Mitch. "Have some compassion.

"I need compassion," Fez said glumly.

Susan and Mitch were both flanking Fez, and she patted Fez's arm. "I'm here to listen … and to record whatever's on the record."

"This is journalism!" Mitch said. "Not Coddling 101."

"Do you want the story or not?" She waved her pen, indicating for Mitch to go.

"Yes," Fez said. "Relinquish your spot next to me."

Mitch remained by Fez's side. "But—"

"I said leave us!" Fez shouted and grabbed Susan's hand. He pulled her forward, and they disappeared into the crowd of students.

Mitch blew out a breath and turned to Jackie. "Anything you'd like to share with the paper? You've been with the cheer squad all week, but you're—"

"Walking with my friends." Jackie passed Donna her empty cup. The water had soothed her throat, but her voice was a little hoarse. "You can interview me after the cheer-off."

"Yeah! That bitch is toast!" he shouted and rushed ahead.

"That guy," Eric said. "Any idea which bitch he's referring to?"

"Obviously Valerie," Jackie said. "Susan's not a bitch. She's nosy."

Donna's steps grew heavy but not slow. They scattered pebbles across the path, and she seemed to be visually searching the crowd of students.

Eric laid a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"I never realized what a misogynistic, xenophobic jerk Mitch is," she said. "Hearing how he talks about women—and to Fez—I'm not sure I can work with him on that article." She gestured at Eric and Jackie. "And you two shouldn't copy his language. Yes, Valerie is a terrible person, but using the word bitch relegates that awfulness to her gender."

"And there's no male equivalent," Steven said. "Bastard's close, but it ain't the same." He tilted his head. "'Course, playing speech police is dangerous territory—"

Eric smirked. "We could use Mitch as an equivalent. It rhymes with bitch."

Jackie tightened her fingers over Steven's palm. As important as the discourse on gendered language and free speech was to society, she had a more immediate concern. "Do you think Fez will snitch on us?"

"So what if he does?" Steven said.

"Susan might report Michael's version of events."

"You and Hyde set Fez straight on that," Eric said. "I wouldn't worry."

Eric could be right, but she chewed the inside of her cheek. Michael had enough truth to concoct a hideous, lie-riddled but believable story.

"Crap—" Steven wobbled beside her. His left boot was skidding, but he kicked a rock behind himself and stabilized his gate. The pebbles had become chunks of stone, and she let go of his hand.

"Look down," she said. "You could sprain your ankle if you don't pay attention."

"Yes, dear," he said but followed her advice.

The trail continued to steepen. She focused on her own steps, but the pace of the school group as a whole slowed. The trail guide closest to her section shouted warnings and instructions. Steven and Donna muttered curses, and Jackie and Eric pointed out clear ground for them to walk on.

The rockiness eventually smoothed out, however, along with the slope. Gazes rose. Patches of deep blue sky peeked through the clouds, and Jackie hooked her thumbs in her coat pockets. She'd survived the perils of nature, but she was still at risk socially.

"Don't worry, man," Steven said. Her face must have revealed her thoughts, and he linked arms with her. "Whatever shit happens after tonight, we'll deal with it."

She kissed his shoulder. He was a kinder and more romantic boyfriend than she'd anticipated, but they'd had to fight their way to this place with each other.

"—and they actually look good together. Like they fit," Eric whispered to Donna, but he likely hadn't meant for his words to be heard.

"Of course we do," Jackie said, and Eric and Donna flinched, as if they'd been caught sharing state secrets. "I mean, he's ruggedly handsome, and I'm a beauty without compare."

"As ever, your humility astounds," Eric said, "but I'm actually happy for you guys—and I can finally burn Hyde on the fun relationship squabbles he's gonna have."

Jackie narrowed her eyes. "Steven and I don't squabble."

"You and 'Steven' have been together only a few days." Eric clutched the straps of his backpack and nodded. "Trust me, you'll squabble."

Donna tugged on his coat. "You're not exactly painting an encouraging picture of relationships."

"Listen, I've endured hundreds of gibes from this one," he indicated Hyde, "about us."

"Don't forget he also helped us stay an us."

"Damn." He bowed head to Jackie and Steven. "May God bless you both."

Jackie cupped her mouth and giggled. Eric was being ridiculous, but he'd accepted her as Steven's girlfriend. As importantly, he'd accepted her as a friend. That meant no matter what Michael schemed next, she'd have Eric as an ally.

Discussion shifted to lighter subjects as the hike progressed. Coniferous trees outstripped deciduous trees, transforming the landscape from gold to green. Both were the color of wealth and equally enjoyable. None of Jackie's schoolmates disrupted her conversations either, allowing for a peaceful forty-five minutes.

The current of gossip from the front had to be weak. Fez must not have confessed any damning details about her and Steven, but he hadn't returned. Maybe he and Susan were bonding. Or Susan had allowed him to shadow her as she interviewed other people. But after a winding segment of the trail, students rearranged themselves like someone was shoving them.

Jackie expected Fez and his beige coat to appear, but Julie stumbled between two boys. Her houndstooth coat and backpack were partially twisted on her body, and she gripped Jackie's sleeve.

"Jackie—I have to talk to you," she said breathlessly. "Privately. Please."

Steven squeezed Jackie's hand before releasing it. Julie kept hold of Jackie's sleeve, and they darted to the tree-strewn edge of the trail. That was as much privacy as they could achieve among dozens of kids, but no renowned gossips were nearby. Nor was anyone from the cheer squad or the Vikings.

Julie straightened out her coat and whispered, "Valerie demanded I teach her my solo routine."

"What a surprise."

"I was trying to nap after lunch, and she burst into my tent. I told her that any cheer captain worth the title could design a killer routine, but she grabbed my ankle through the sleeping bag—" Julie clenched Jackie's wrist hard. "Like this and said you and I are conspiring. If I participate in the cheer-off tonight, she'll cut us both from the squad."

Jackie glared at her. "And you're just telling me this?"

"I gave in—"

"What?" Jackie's shout echoed in the woods. She lowered her voice, but her mind would quit yelling. "Tell me you didn't."

Julie wound a loose thread of her coat around her finger. "Listen, okay? She heard that Michael busted his wrist in a jealous fit over you." She tugged on the threat until it snapped off. The tip of her finger was bright pink, but she pulled the thread tighter around it. "She shared a fish story about your mom, said she'll combine it with your own 'cheating scandal' to paint you as a whore."

Julie's fingertip was purpling. Jackie grasped Julie's palm and removed the thread. "Do not amputate a part of your body because of this," Jackie said. "I can counter any move Valerie makes."

"You haven't heard the worst of it, though." Julie wiggled her finger as blood restored its proper color. "She broke down crying—and I don't think she was faking. She was half-incoherent, but she ranted how everyone loves you, and she punched her chest, like, a hundred times, and repeated, 'Empty, empty, empty!' Then she said, 'He was right,' and went on about some horror movie."

Julie swallowed and glanced behind them, but Steven, Donna, and Eric had closed ranks. Perhaps they'd designated themselves as guards, preventing anyone from eavesdropping.

"She was shaking," Julie said. "Panicking."

Jackie stomped a clod of dirt with her heel. "It's own damn fault! She has to earn her spot on the squad like everyone else." A spruce branch dangled low, and she smacked it, causing needles to sprinkle the ground. "I can't believe you choreographed her routine!"

"I hate her, but I couldn't leave her like that."

Jackie's neck muscles tensed, and her cheeks grew hot. If Valerie had been putting on an act, it sounded spectacular. "I am so freakin' pissed at your heart right now."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"But you helped her out of love this time, not fear," Jackie said with a sigh. "Not love for her personally. General love. There's a difference."

Julie chuckled. "You and Steven really are perfect for each other. You speak the same language."

Jackie couldn't disagree with that. She and Steven had taught each other how to communicate properly. Were still teaching each other.

"But you're totally wrong," Julie continued. "My choreography for Valerie is shit. Purposely shit, and she couldn't tell. I swear, Jackie, she recognizes a well-executed stunt, but she has no finesse. No sense of flow."

She laid the back of her hand against her forehead and pretended to swoon. "She claims she's gone blank because of Michael's betrayals. That she couldn't possibly come up with more than a toe-touch—but doing thirty of those in a row would be better than what I gave her."

Jackie clasped Julie's shoulders and stopped her, despite that it forced students to hike around them. "You are a beautiful, devious woman," she said. "It's like gazing at my own reflection."

Julie hooked her arm over Jackie's and started them forward again. "Valerie would've let me hang. I couldn't do that to her. She was freaking out, but I'm not going to reward her for being an asshole."

Jackie's chest felt light, like a boulder had been shoved off it. "Does this mean you're going to compete?"

"No," Julie said. "It means by the end of the night, Valerie will have at least three people to murder: you, Michael, and me."

Hyde thought he'd been in pain last night, but he'd had no clue. Tonight was agony. Coach Ferguson, Mrs. Fletcher, and Mr. Wilcox were sadists in uncool clothes, forcing kids to hike Granny Hill after the tortures of the rope courses.

Its summit overlooked a forest of fire, ignited by the setting sun. No trees were burning, but the combo of autumn leaves and orange light created a trippy optical effect. The Trumpeter had become a river of flame, too. Hyde had hobbled to the peak's western point to see it, but the sight wasn't quite worth the effort.

Granny was an apt name for this hill. It mutated anyone who hiked it into shuffling grandmas and grandpas.

Across the relatively flat summit, students were spread out with plenty of personal space. Smoke rose from snuffed-out cooking fires, but pit large enough for a bonfire had been built.

"Us gettin' together saved a hundred lives, man," Hyde said to Jackie. She was sitting between his legs with her back against his chest. His hands rested on her thighs, and their closeness was a painkiller—except for sudden movements. They'd finished their dinner of franks and rice, and their friends were giving them alone-time.

"How so?" she said.

"Kelso plus bonfire equals inferno."

"He does like to set things on fire. He wouldn't have waited for people to run out of the way."

"Probably would've dragged Fez, blanket and all, to the pit."

"Ruining the potential between Fez and Susan. I mean, look at them." She gestured to their friends. Fez and Susan sat on the same blanket as Forman and Donna, but each pair was huddled together, having private conversations. They might as well have been sitting separately.

"We should've done from the get-go," Hyde said. "Been public." He kissed Jackie's cold cheek, but she turned her face as if she wanted a more intimate kiss.

He obliged her. The warmth of her mouth, of her fundamental self, settled into his bones, and he smiled as they parted. His bruises were throbbing, a consequence of moving, but his mind soared over Granny Hill. No one was watching them or reacting like their relationship was unnatural. The latter disappointed him somewhat, but it was a fair exchange for peace.

"Steven—" Jackie squeezed his knee urgently. "Did you and Valerie discuss a horror movie?"

"Kind of. Why?"

"Julie told me Valerie had a breakdown earlier, that Valerie said, 'He's right,' and mentioned a horror movie. I'm guessing the he is you."

"Huh." He slid his chin onto her shoulder and focused on their blanket. The frayed edge of it was twitching in the wind. "Remember how I said I saw myself in her? It's about that."

She stroked the top of his leg, a signal she understood. Her touch was comforting, but a shadow darkened their blanket. Valerie was towering above them, and he understood what had prompted Jackie's question. Jackie must have spotted Valerie's approach.

So much for peace.

"Aren't you two cozy?" Valerie said. "And just days after Steven's cock was in my hand."

"Michael's mouth was between my legs a day after that," Jackie said. "But I didn't have to force it there."

Hyde hid his grin behind Jackie's head. She'd reclaimed herself unapologetically, but she stiffened against his chest. He glided his palm across her stomach, to reassure her that mentioning Kelso and that moment hadn't hurt them.

"So you date Ft. Blanderson and cheat on him with my boyfriend," Valerie said. "Then you cheat on him with that one." She meant Hyde, and her gaze fixed on him. "You don't care that your girlfriend's a conniving slut?"

"I'm dating Jackie, not you."

Jackie clutched his hand. "Burn!"

Valerie pushed her hair from her shoulder. Superficially, she resembled the classical image of an angel, but the hell inside her revealed the demon. The sunset magnified the effect, and Hyde's biceps flexed. If he chucked her over the summit, most of their schoolmates would applaud. It would also make him a monster, the same kind who'd put that hell inside her.

"The only one who's going to be burned tonight is you," she said to Jackie. "Your friends aren't your friends. They laugh and conspire behind your back, and no wonder." She nodded at Hyde. "You're dating trash like him. What excellent judgment you have."

He shifted, intending to stand, but Jackie clutched his hand harder. She as asking him to stay put, so he did.

"It's sad how limited your view is," she said to Valerie. "You have no idea what's really going on because you're stuck inside a play you wrote." She pulled Hyde's arms around her waist, but he needed no prodding to hug her. "With your drive, you could do amazing things. Instead you choose to waste your life by constantly comparing it to mine."

Valerie's face flushed. Her temples pulsed, and Hyde's muscles tensed again. He was prepared to yank Jackie to safety, but Forman, Donna, and Fez had left their blanket. They strode toward Valerie, and Donna said loudly, "What's up?"

Valerie peered at Donna, clearly assessing her. "You lost the baby? Is that why you're on this trip instead of the convent?"

Forman thrust his finger at Valerie. "Listen, lady—"

Donna drew him back. "I have a radio half the town listens to," she said and invaded Valerie's space, "including most of Point Place High. You wanna mess with me and my friends? Try me." She shoved her wool coat at Forman. "I can't be suspended from this school for beating your ass. I don't go here anymore." She slammed her right fist into her left palm. "Fucking try me!"

Hyde surged to his feet and wedged himself between Valerie and Donna. Every fiber of his body complained, along with his desire for vengeance. But letting Donna act on impulse would set them all on crumbling path, one they couldn't return from.

"This road's a dead end, man," he said to Valerie. "Change directions or pulverize yourself on the bricks."

Valerie stared at him but for a second. Her boots clomped on the ground as she walked off, and Fez said, "We showed her!"

"Sure did, little buddy," Hyde said and low-fived him. Even though Fez hadn't contributed much, his presence demonstrated solidarity.

"Wait, do you hear that?" Jackie stood on the blanket, but her expression froze.

Hyde heard only a distant murmur, but it grew louder. Students nearby began to pump their fists in the air and chanted, "Cheer-off! Cheer-off!"

"It's like ancient Rome," Forman said. "People are calling for the lions."

"I better get ready," Jackie said. "I have to warm-up."

Forman, Donna, and Fez each wished her good luck, but Hyde brought her hand to his chest and pecked her lips. "You've already kicked her ass."

Her gloved fingers brushed through his hair. She seemed hesitant to leave, but she released him and looked at their friends. "Maybe," she said, "but we haven't won yet."