" Steven, Steven, look! It's the sign for the ostrich farm!" cried Jackie enthusiastically. By the 3rd day, both Jackie and Hyde were bored out of their minds from the drive. Jackie had been pointing out anything interesting along the way, and it had gotten annoying.
" Yeah, Jackie, I see it. Chill out." Hyde responded. Pulling the El Camino onto the road with the sign, he saw fences along the side of the road, which he assumed was where the ostriches would roam free. And then, in the distance, he saw the coyote farm.
As the road turned, he saw a house. Hyde watched as Donna pulled Eric's luggage into the house, and Eric dragged his Star Wars bag behind him.
When he pulled the vehicle to a stop, Jackie flew out her door and onto the ground with unsteady legs. As she walked ahead, he heard her cry out " Land, sweet land! I never thought I could love dirty ground this much!"
He chuckled. Ever since Chicago she had been acting a bit different. Whether it was the spring in her step when she was around him, or her acts of random kindness, everything seemed to revolve around him. Not that he didn't mind that, but she had changed.
And it was for the better.
T7S
Donna Pinciotti stretched out in her bed, ready for a new day. Her left hand smacked Eric in the face, and her right knocked a clock off a nightstand next to her.
Then she remembered. She was in Arizona. Looking over, she saw that Eric was still sleeping, so she got out of bed.
Heading into the kitchen, she saw Jackie sitting at the table, sipping a cup of tea while looking hungrily at the fridge.
" Jackie, what's wrong?" she asked, and soon realized she shouldn't have.
" Donna, I'm so hungry! All there is in the fridge is eggs! I'm not touching something that came from a chicken's butt!" she exclaimed, and stomped her foot for emphasis.
" What about that time you gave Kelso that egg?" Donna asked.
" I wore gloves. Whatever. Now make me something to eat!" she exclaimed.
" Okay," said Donna, an idea forming in her mind. "I'll make the eggs if you get all the other ingredients."
" Like what?" asked Jackie.
" Butter, salt, oil, a pan, a spatula. You know. That kind of stuff." Donna replied.
" Oh," said Jackie, who set out to grab things. As Donna cracked the eggs into a bowl, she set one aside in a hand towel.
" Okay. I think I have everything." she said to Donna.
" Not yet. You forgot something," responded Donna
" Milk?"
" Nope"
" Jam?"
" Nuh-uh,"
" Can you make eggs 'special'?" asked Jackie.
Donna laughed. " No. but how about if you close your eyes and I give it to you so you can try to guess."
" Ummm, ok?" she said, and shut her eyes. Donna heard the soft padding of footsteps behind her, and turned around. Seeing Hyde, she put a finger to her lips and motioned for him to come closer.
Dropping the egg into Jackie's hands, she watched her try to figure out what it was. She must have peeked, because Donna wasn't expecting her to shriek and drop the egg on Donna's feet. Kicking Donna in the shin, she stomped away to Hyde, who was chuckling at the sight of the two of them.
" Steven, Donna gave me an egg! Now I have to go sterilize my hands!" she whined. " It's not funny!" She kicked him, and he winced.
As she walked away, Donna heard the shower turn on in the bathroom. " Yeah, that's the old her," muttered Hyde.
" What?" asked Donna.
" Nothing, nothing." Hyde replied.
Donna had an apology breakfast made for Jackie, and when she came back from the bathroom set it down on the table. Hyde shrugged to her, and they both sat down to eat.
T7S
Now
Jackie reflected on the rest of the week, like the hard labor, the hilarious pranks played on one another, and the downtime. It was a long few days, but they were finally home. Hyde had enjoyed her company, oddly enough.
Stepping out of the El Camino for what felt like the thousandth time, Jackie walked through the door into the kitchen, where she saw Eric being hugged by a very familiar blonde. Red was standing to the side of Eric, watching the scene unfold.
" Little brother! I missed you!" she squealed.
Laurie.