Jackie/Hyde Fic: Cessoare cont. (5-8/11)
[mood| 
Annoyed ]
Chapters: Chapters 5-8 out of 11
Chapters Before: Chapters 1-4
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Jackie awoke by the blinding light of the sun shining through her window. She cuddled back in bed, facing the other direction and snuggled within her soft pillows and yawned. Suddenly, she remembered that she wasn’t alone in her house. With a big jolt, Jackie jumped up and looked at the wall that separated her and the guest room.
“Steven.” She remembered, her voice a little above an excited whisper. Jackie quickly threw on her bathrobe and made her way out of the door in a rush. After a moment though, she back tracked into her room and stopped right in front of her mirror.
Jackie looked at her reflection critically, examining every part of her body. To any other person, Jackie looked perfect for someone who had just woken up, but in her own opinion Jackie looked like hell.
“Ugh.” She groaned and then leaned down and grabbed a pink hairbrush to fix the few tangles that had appeared in her usually flawless locks. After tugging at the loose tendrils for a few minutes, Jackie grabbed a bit of lipgloss and placed it over her lips and quickly brushed her cheeks with a bit of blush. Looking back at the mirror, Jackie smiled- happy with the results. Then her gaze went down and Jackie noticed the lavender unicorn pyjamas that she wore with fluffy bunny slippers and laughed. She couldn’t believe that she had allowed the ‘man of her dreams’ to see her in those last night. Intent on not making the same mistake again, Jackie went over to her large wardrobe and threw clothes in and out looking for the perfect morning ensemble that she hoped would take Hyde’s breath away. Clothes went flying across her room until she found what she was looking for. Jackie smiled in satisfaction as she pulled out a satin, pink nightgown, which was sexy but not too revealing. It was just right.
After perfecting her image to the best of her ability, Jackie finally decided to meet ‘her man’. With a deep breath, she left her bedroom and knocked on the spare room she had let Hyde stay in the night before.
“Steven?” She called, but got no response. She opened the room to see that it was empty. Jackie then heard faint clanking noises downstairs and smiled in excitement. She quickly trudged down the big stairwell in her house towards the one room where she barely spent her time in her house- the kitchen.
---
“Whoa, really?” Eric exclaimed, as Donna sat down next to him in the basement.
“She called me at like two in the morning. Apparently he’s staying with her.” Donna confirmed. Eric popped a Popsicle into his mouth and shook his head in disbelief.
“So, Jackie and Hyde are living together?” Kelso asked. As expected, the tall doofus was the most shocked over the news of his ex-girlfriend and best friend sharing a house. Even, his long eyelashes couldn’t hide his bulging eyes when Donna told the rest of the gang about Jackie and Hyde. Since that moment his mouth had been permanently gaped open in an ‘O’ shape with him occasionally shouting out a throaty “gah!”
“Seems like it.” Donna said.
“No fair. Hyde can have all the sex he wants and I will never get any.” Fez said, from the other end of the basement.
“Gah!” Kelso yelled again.
“They’re not going to have sex, guys. He hates her, remember?” Donna exclaimed.
“Then why did he decide to live with her?” Eric asked his girlfriend. “I talked to Hyde yesterday and yeah- the Fotohut is a dump, but he wouldn’t admit to it. He said he deserved that place and refused to take anyone’s help and now he’s living with Jackie? Something’s up, Donna.”
Donna sighed and shook her head, trying to be the voice of reason. “Look this is Hyde. Do you actually think he’d want to be with Jackie?”
“He’s hung out with her a lot recently.” Kelso grumbled from his seat.
“She’s followed him around a lot recently.” Donna argued. “Look, Jackie obviously digs him. She’s madly in love with Hyde.” A subdued expression placed over Kelso’s face and Fez looked down in disappointment. “But, Hyde doesn’t love her. Maybe he doesn’t hate her, but he doesn’t love her and doesn’t really like her. Believe me, nothing’s going to happen between them.”
---
“’Morning, Steven.” Jackie greeted when she saw Hyde. She took fast, short breaths as she realised that Steven was in her kitchen.
“Hey.” He replied, not looking at her.
“What ya doin’?” She asked, sitting down at the counter on a bar stool. She grabbed the cereal box that Hyde had taken out and started munching on a bit after examining the contents or more specifically the calories of the cereal.
“I was looking for a bowl. You know w-where they are?” He asked, finally looking at her. His words faltered as he shot his eyebrow up in surprise seeing her. Hyde gulped; as he found himself doing what every other man in his situation would do- checking her out. Jackie then looked up at him and Hyde quickly tried to act cool.
“Bowls? Umm…I don’t know.” She admitted ashamedly. “I usually have breakfast in front of me when I wake up.”
Hyde smirked and rolled his eyes, turning back to the dozens of wooden cupboards. He knew it. He had already predicted that Jackie wouldn’t know where the bowls, or hell any utensil, was in her kitchen. What would a spoilt, rich girl do with a bowl anyway?
“Maybe try that cupboard.” She said. Hyde opened a few of the drawers and cupboards before he eventually found one loaded with bowls, plates and other dishes.
“You want one?” He asked and she nodded.
“Sure. I haven’t had cereal in ever.” She said, as she walked over to the fridge and pulled out a carton of milk. Hyde filled up a bowl with cereal for her. “Our cook usually makes pancakes.”
“You’ve never made anything yourself?” Hyde asked. “Surprise there.”
“I concentrate on looking pretty.” Jackie said with a smile. “And what would the cook do if I made my own breakfast?” She scooped some cereal and milk in her mouth and fluttered her lashes at Hyde, who shook his head in disbelief.
“So, where is your cook?” Hyde asked.
“Took time off because my parents aren’t here.” Jackie replied.
“Whose made you food then?”
“I’ve gone to some restaurants, got some take out…oh and hung out at the basement a lot more. Mrs. Forman doesn’t let you leave without eating, which isn’t that bad.” Jackie said and Hyde smiled.
“Yeah. She’s the world’s best mom.” Hyde said quietly. Jackie watched Hyde and then leaned over and touched his arm lightly with her hand.
“She is…and she really cares about you.” Jackie said. Hyde looked at her before yanking his arm away.
“Whatever.” He said and ate some more cereal. The two sat in silence for a long time with Hyde eating his food slowly and Jackie just staring at him with a small smile. Finally, Hyde looked back at her and caught her sight.
“Um, I-I was thinking of heading back to the Fotohut tonight.” Hyde said.
“What?” Jackie exclaimed, knocking over the milk in shock. She scrambled to pick up the carton, but was an instant late as milk spilled all over Hyde’s shirt. Hyde groaned, as he stood up and started wiping the shirt before taking it off. Jackie watched in a trance as Hyde exposed his bare skin.
“I-I’m sorry, Steven.”
“You got a washing machine or something?” He asked, as he tried to wipe the stains off the only shirt he had.
“Um, I guess you can put it over there. I’ll have the cleaner wash it when she comes in on Thursday.” Jackie said, pointing to a pile of laundry.
“I won’t be here then. I’m going to talk to Leo later about staying at the Fotohut again.”
Jackie stared at Hyde in shock. “Why? I thought it sucked there!”
“It did. Last night. But it’s not that bad and I can’t live here.”
“Why not? I want you to, Steven. You have to!” Jackie whined, gripping his hand. Hyde quickly pulled it away.
“Look, Jackie. Your house is cool and everything, but i-it’s not me and it’s not right. Especially considering you can’t stop coming on to me. I don’t want you to think that I actually like you.” Hyde declared. Jackie looked down uncomfortably. She hadn’t come on that strong had she?
“What are you saying, Steven? I haven’t come on to you. ”
“You’re wearing lip gloss at breakfast.” Hyde pointed out.
“You noticed?” Jackie asked, with a grin. Hyde shook his head.
“It’s just not right for us to be living together without your parents. It’s wrong.” Hyde argued.
“Steven, this isn’t wrong to us. It maybe to other people, but since when do you care what others think? Besides, we’re not doing anything…yet.” Jackie said with a pause as Hyde shot her a look. She smiled at him and continued, “What I’m saying is, I don’t see anything wrong with you staying here for longer. I want you stay here and if I’m ‘coming on to you’ too strong, then I won’t.”
“Jackie…”
“And you can drive my dad’s Lincoln to school on Monday.” Jackie said. Hyde looked at her as if she was unbelievable before plastering a grin on his face.
“Guess I’m staying here.” He said, as Jackie smiled back at him. “But, that was my only shirt. I only have these clothes, so I’ll stink.”
“We’ll get some more from the basement later. I told Donna we’d come over anyway.”
“I-I can’t go there. I don’t think Red would want me on his premises.” Hyde said, as he got up and chucked his cereal bowl in the sink.
“Oh.” Jackie said. She then got up with her bowl as well and walked up to Hyde. “Well, It’s okay Steven. I’ll just pick them up for you. And then later we can have take out for dinner and maybe watch a movie.” She said excitedly.
Hyde nodded at her, as she left to get dressed. Once she was out of his sight, Hyde sighed leaning against the counter, contemplating what he had gotten himself into.
---
----
“Hi!” Jackie exclaimed, as she skipped into the Forman’s basement with the biggest smile ever later on that afternoon. Since the early morning, the gang were still talking about Jackie and Hyde’s new relationship and how unnatural and strange it was. Their conversation was interrupted when Jackie walked in just as Donna was about to declare again that there was no way in hell Hyde would fall for Jackie.
“Jackie.” Donna greeted uncomfortably.
“You’re living with Hyde?!?” Kelso asked upfront, as he stood in front of Jackie. Jackie rolled her eyes at him and pushed past him. She then turned around to face him and plastered the large smile on her face again.
“Yeah. Actually, he’s living with me. I came to get some of his clothes, Eric. Steven’s been wandering around shirtless all day. I don’t want him to catch a cold.” Jackie said with a grin as Kelso grunted in disbelief.
“Gah!” Kelso shouted, just as Kitty called out for Eric.
“I’ll be right back.” Eric said, as he ran upstairs. The other three continued to stare at Jackie, particularly at her grin.
“You slept with him didn’t you?” Donna finally spoke. Fez and Kelso looked at the tall redhead in surprise.
“I thought you didn’t believe anything was going on, Donna?” Fez said. Donna shrugged.
“Her smile is too huge to be normal. I can’t believe you and Hyde slept together!” Donna exclaimed, half in shock and half in excitement. Jackie laughed at her best friend.
“No. No, Donna. I didn’t sleep with Steven. I’m…I’m just happy. Happy that he’s staying with me.” Jackie said, as she sat down in Hyde’s usual chair and crossed her legs. Fez and Kelso gaped in horror as little gusts of noise came out of their mouths.
“Now you’re sitting in his chair?” Kelso asked. “You guys are so sleeping together!”
“We haven’t, Michael. We’ve just spent some time together. That’s all.” Jackie said.
“Some time having sex!” Kelso retorted. “C’mon, Jackie, you can’t tell me that two, young people can live together and not be having sex.” Kelso retorted.
“Surprisingly, Michael it does happen.” Jackie said, blowing on her nails.
“Not between two people who don’t like each other. All that sexual tension floating around. You’re bound to do it.”
“We haven’t, okay?” Jackie said and then produced a sly smile over her face. “Well, not yet anyways.”
Kelso’s face scrunched up in horror, as he walked away from her. “Gah!”
“Hey Jackie, catch. My mom made some sandwiches for Hyde. I guess you can take it considering he’s living with you now.” Eric said as he threw a brown paper bag at Jackie who caught it, as Eric picked up a small stack of clothes on top of the dryer. Jackie opened up the bag and shrivelled her nose in disgust as she took a whiff of the tuna.
“Ew. Actually, Steven and I were going to get take out tonight.” Jackie said as she placed the bag on the table.
“What about your parents?” Donna asked. “What do they think of Hyde living with you guys?”
“Oh. Did I forget to tell you? My parents are out of town for a few weeks. So, it’s just me and Steven at mine.” Jackie explained innocently, looking for a shocked response from her ex-boyfriend again. However, instead of shouting out noises of disbelief, Kelso grinned at the brunette with a look of pure joy on his face.
“You mean you have no parents in your house at all?”
“Yeah.”
“That is great! Party at Jackie’s!” Kelso exclaimed, standing up in excitement. Fez beamed at him, as Kelso began to pace the room blurting out ideas.
“No Michael! There will be no party at mine.” Jackie said as she stood up with the clothes Eric handed over to her and glared at him. “You burned my house the last time, remember?”
“That was a small accident.”
“That was you just being stupid. I’m telling you, Michael. Don’t you dare invite people to my house! Okay?”
“Fine!” Kelso declared in defeat as Jackie walked out of the basement. Just as the door closed, Kelso turned back to his friends with a huge grin.
“So, hey party at Jackie’s tomorrow night! Bring beer!” Kelso declared to the other three as he walked out of the basement in a rush to invite as many people as he could the next night.
---
“Hey.” Jackie said, as she walked into her living room. Hyde was slouching on the couch watching television and didn’t look up at her. “I just got back from the basement. Here are your clothes.”
“Just put them down there.” Hyde said.
“I’ll put them in your room for you if you want?” She said. A smile plastered across her face, as she looked eagerly at him for a response to her ‘nice’ gesture.
“Leave them. I’ll get them later, Jackie.” Hyde replied with a groan. Jackie sighed, as she dumped his clothes onto a nearby chair and sat next to him, smiling.
“So, what did you do while I was gone?”
“Nothin’. Saw a car chase. Guy went through two states before he crashed. Another victim of the government.”
“Oh. Uh, okay?” Jackie remarked confusedly. The two sat awkwardly before Jackie leaned closer to Hyde.
“Did you eat?”
“Nah. Not yet. You said we’d get some take-out or something.” He mumbled. Jackie smiled at him.
“You remembered? Aw, Steven.” He glared at her, which caused her to trail off anymore ‘cute’ thoughts. “Well, I was thinking we could get some Chinese. Mrs. Forman wanted to give you some food. Some yucky tuna sandwiches, but I thought it was best not to take them.” Jackie said. Hyde let out a breath, before turning back to the television.
“Yeah. It was. I don’t need the Formans anymore.” Hyde said, flicking the channel. Jackie nodded before turning back to him.
“Do you need me?” Hyde continued to stare at the screen and ignore her. Annoyed, Jackie repeated the question and leaned in closer.
“I thought I didn’t need anyone and that I could do this myself.” He said and then slowly looked at her. “But it’s not bad to get some help, even if it’s from the person I didn’t expect.”
Jackie smiled and leaned over to give him a light kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you’ve changed your expectations, Steven.”
She then got up to order the Chinese and Hyde watched her leave quizzically as he felt a pit form in his stomach.
---
---
“Red.” Kitty said, as her husband sat down at the kitchen table with his morning newspaper crunched in one hand.
“What?”
“It’s been a few days, Red.” Kitty declared. Red looked up at her, confused.
“A few days since what?” Kitty sighed, as she brought a plate of sandwiches and placed them in front of Red. She sat down across from him with a troubled expression.
“Since you kicked Steven out. Red, we haven’t even checked up on him.” Kitty said.
“Leo said he would let him stay at the Fotohut. I’m sure he’s fine there.”
“Leo’s not the most responsible and reliable person. He once said I was a pretty for a man.” Kitty declared and Red laughed. Kitty glared at her husband. “We have to see how he’s doing, Red. It’s our responsibility to.” Kitty said. Red sighed in annoyance.
“No, it’s not our responsibility anymore. Dammit Kitty, it doesn’t work that way. Steven is not staying in this house for one reason and that is so he’ll learn from his dumbass mistake.” Red argued. “We’re going to look weak if we go and talk to him. You’ve been sending him food, haven’t you? He’s got a place to stay. I’m telling you he’s fine.”
“I don’t know, Red. I sent him some food when I could. It was a bit hard the first few days, but I did. For a while. I gave them to Eric, but yesterday Eric just brought them back. I’m worried, Red. Steven, he’s…he’s like my other son. We took him in our care, because we knew that he didn’t deserve to live by himself, live in the conditions that he was. He needed guidance and love and now all we’ve given him are more pain and more reasons to not trust people. He’s a troubled child, Red. He needs us.”
“No. He’s a mature man. He’s almost eighteen for Pete’s sakes.” Red shouted. He softened his tone after realising that Kitty was upset and put down his newspaper. “Look, I care about Steven just as much as you, Kitty. He is like our son, but…he’s not.”
“Red…”
“I’m just saying that no son of mine would have been jailed for holding drugs and would’ve risked this family’s reputation. Hyde disgraced us. Hell, Bob made fun of us, Kitty.” Red said. “I’m not going to bring him back in this house when he’s all drugged up. I’m not going to let him disgrace our family again. Eric already does enough of that with his scrawny body.” Just then Eric walked in and was about to walk out quickly hearing Red’s last remark.
“You!” Red yelled to make him stop. Eric slowly turned towards his father.
“Yeah?”
“Why isn’t Steven taking the food your mom’s giving him?” Red asked.
“Um, he doesn’t need it, I guess.”
“Doesn’t need it? Why wouldn’t he need food?”
“H-he’s living with Jackie.” Eric said. Both of his parents’ faces scrunched up in shock. “She’s got loads of food at hers and money to buy more.”
“What?”
“He’s living with Jackie?” Kitty exclaimed. Red looked equally as surprised before leaning in to Kitty.
“Who’s Jackie?” He whispered.
“The feisty brunette that helped fix your car once.” Kitty replied. “The one who said that you should wear a toupee the other day.”
“The Burkhardt girl? Burkhardt? Her father’s a dumbass! Why is Steven living with them?”
“I guess…well, living at the Fotohut got worse and worse and Jackie, for some reason, offered Hyde a room at her place and well, he agreed to it even though he apparently still hates her. He’s living there now.” Eric explained.
“Oh.” Red said quietly.
“So, Steven decided to move in with Jackie, because he was finding it hard to live at the Fotohut. See, Red. I was right. I told you he was having a hard time. We should talk to him.” Kitty said.
“And say what, Kitty?” Red asked. “Steven is going to be fine living with the Burkhardts. It’s about time someone else took the strays in other than us.”
“Well, actually. He’s only living with Jackie. Her parents are out of town for a few weeks.” Eric explained and then realised that his comment didn’t help the situation.
“Oh no, Red! You’ve turned him to drugs and sex! Next thing you know he’ll be getting a tattoo!” Kitty exclaimed in shock.
“Well actually he…never mind.” Eric said, watching his parents’ reactions.
“So, Steven’s now a coked up Casanova. That’s just ducky.” Red grumbled.
“Dad, there’s nothing going on between him and Jackie. He doesn’t even like her.”
“And that is exactly why he shouldn’t be living with her. It’s unhealthy for him to be living all alone in a house with someone he doesn’t like and who can’t even make lasagne. All that negative energy will drive my poor baby insane.” Kitty said.
“Your baby?” Eric smirked.
Kitty glared at Eric, before turning back to Red. “Red, you have to talk to him about coming back home.”
“No. No, Kitty. I’m not letting him off the hook so easy. He’s not coming in this house until we know why he did what he did. I’m not talking to him until then.” Red said.
“Red, how will he talk to you about it if you won’t talk to him?” Kitty argued.
“Steven will. I know him and when the time is right, he will come and talk to us. Once he puts his stubborn pride aside he will.” Red said.
“Dad…” Eric began.
“And you! Don’t think you’re off the hook either. This house was broken because of drugs and I don’t want that to happen again, understand? If I see you or any of those dumbass friends of yours near any drugs in my house, even aspirin, then don’t think I won’t kick you out too. You’ll be out just like Steven, got it?” Red shouted at his son. Eric stood listening and with a grim expression nodded.
“Got it.” Eric said, as he turned to leave.
“And Eric!” Eric stopped and slowly turned to look back at his father. Red looked down for a moment before looking back at Eric. “Check up on Steven, okay?”
Eric gave a small smile and nodded. “I’ll be seeing him tonight.”
---
Jackie sat in her lounge watching television when Hyde came over to her and placed a plate in front of her.
“What’s this, Steven?” She asked with a smile, looking up at him.
“You covered the food last night. I thought I’d do tonight’s.” He said. He sat down on the couch with a plate of his own.
“You made cheese sandwiches?” Jackie remarked with a smirk. Hyde looked at her before sighing.
“That’s all I can make, alright? Mrs. Forman has always made me food. Even when I was six.”
“So, I’m not the only one who has never cooked for themselves before.” Jackie said looking at Hyde, who rolled his eyes. “Well anyway, it’s still really sweet. Thank you.”
“So, what you watching?”
“Oh- The Newlywed Game! It’s the best show ever!” Jackie exclaimed in excitement and started rambling about the rules of the game in one breath with frequent hand gestures. Hyde watched her in amusement, finding her show more entertaining.
“Uh okay…” He mumbled in between as Jackie kept talking.
“Do you want to play?” Jackie suddenly asked. Hyde looked at her request in disbelief.
“You’re kidding me, right?”
“It’s fun. They ask the question on the show and we’ll try to see if we can guess the answer for each of us.”
“I’d rather just eat in absolute silence, Jackie.”
“C’mon Steven. Pleaseeee? Guess my favorite color?”
“No.”
“Please, Steven?” Jackie said, fluttering her eyelashes.
“No.”
“Please?”
“I said no, Jackie. Whatever I’ll say you’ll just tell me it’s right anyway. Like if I said it was pink...” Hyde began, but was cut off by Jackie’s squeals of delight.
“Oh my God, you’re right! It is pink! Well, actually it’s a tie between purple and pink, but you’re right! I knew you knew me, Steven!” Jackie squealed and Hyde rolled his eyes.
“This is ridiculous, Jackie.”
“Fine, we don’t have to play the Newlywed Game.” Jackie said, turning off the television. “How about if I just ask you questions and you answer them truthfully?”
“No.”
“C’mon, Steven! I’m bored…” She smiled at him before he sighed in annoyance.
“My favorite color is black, okay?”
“No, actually I wanted to ask you something else.” Jackie spoke. She paused and took an uncomfortable breath before looking back at Hyde and speaking softly. “I-I wanted to ask why you went to jail…for me?”
Hyde kept his gaze on the plate of food on his lap and shrugged, as Jackie moved closer to him.
“Well, actually I already know why, Steven and I know you’re just too afraid to admit it to me.” Jackie said. She crossed her arms across her chest and leant back in her chair.
“Really?” Hyde scoffed. “You don’t know, Jackie. You don’t know anything. You live in a fantasy world where you don’t feel any real feelings. You don’t feel pain, sadness and loss, because you’re so into your own mythological thoughts.”
Hyde almost wanted to take back his words as he saw Jackie’s face fall, her face reflecting pain, but just as soon as the visage had appeared it disappeared and a look of determination appeared on her striking features.
“I knew you were going to say that too.” She said in a hoarse tone. “Fine. I knew that anyway. I know you think I’m living in a fantasy world. And I know you don’t believe I actually love you and that there is nothing between us, Steven, but you’re wrong. Believe me- you’re wrong. This isn’t a fantasy to me. I do love you. And…I think you love me too and that’s why you did what you did.” Jackie said, ending with a smile. Hyde took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. He looked up at her, cocking an eyebrow before snorting in laughter.
“Love you? Jackie, I would rather get run over and be eaten as road kill than ever love you.”
“Come on, Steven. You’re lying. It’s obvious. You like me. I know you do. You did something that someone wouldn’t do for a person they didn’t care about. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t like me.” She paused and moved to sit down on the floor next to him with an annoyed expression. “Now say you love me or I’ll pinch you!” She threatened and Hyde sniggered.
“No. Okay look, Jackie. I’m thankful that you’ve let me stay and to be honest I don’t know why I’m here. I took the wrap for you, because…I don’t really know why okay? But I do know, it wasn’t because of love.”
“Are you sure? You’ve never loved before.” Jackie asked, grazing her fingers softly over Hyde’s hand.
“I’m sure.”
“Really?” Jackie asked in a hoarse whisper as she leant in towards him.
“Yes.”
“Are you absolutely positive that you have no feelings for me whatsoever?” Jackie replied, moving a foot closer to Hyde.
“Okay, maybe I don’t hate you, Jackie. But I don’t love you. I don’t love anyone.” Hyde grunted.
“Well then I guess…” Jackie started, using her finger to position Hyde’s head to face hers. “Maybe it’s time you found out what it’s like to love someone.” Jackie finished. She moved in closer, her lips almost touching his as she closed her eyes. Hyde paused in confusion, as indescribable feelings ran rapidly through him. He looked at her for a moment before pushing away all the doubts, fears and thoughts he had aside and leaned in for the kiss that he so desperately wanted.
Suddenly, the clatter of the doorbell echoed across the Burkhart household- crushing the intense moment between Jackie and Hyde. Both instantly opened their eyes in shock, moments before their lips were about to touch. Hyde quickly leaned back, utterly baffled and quickly made sure there were no signs of eye contact between him and Jackie. Jackie sat still on the floor in equal confusion, before the ringing began again. Jackie scrambled towards the door and paused to look back at Hyde for a moment, who turned his gaze away from her when their eyes met, before she slowly opened the door. The door was then forcefully pushed open from the other end and herds of high school kids flooded into Jackie’s home- leaving her completely puzzled. The long trail of excited teens ended with Kelso storming through the house with a plastic crown on his head and a pack of beer.
“Let’s get ready to party!” He yelled, as the others cheered with him and Jackie watched on in horror as teens filled up her lounge.
---
-------
“Oh my God.” Jackie said, her voice barely a whisper. She watched as her living room filled with teenagers- teenagers making out, teenagers drinking, teenagers throwing items to each other.
“Not our idea.” Donna said, as she came into Jackie’s house followed closely by Eric. “This was all his idea.” Donna explained, pointing at Kelso who was chugging beer in a corner with Fez encouraging him on. Jackie growled in frustration as she stormed over to her ex-boyfriend.
“Michael!” Jackie shouted. Kelso turned to her and shot her an innocent smile, handing a pack of beer to another student.
“Hey Jackie! This is going to be a great party, isn’t it?”
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Michael? I told you that I didn’t want a party!” Jackie yelled, stomping her foot.
“Oh. I’m sorry, Jackie. You see, I thought you said that you did want a party.” Kelso replied with a smirk.
“Michael…I-I just want to…” Jackie began, but was interrupted by someone yelling from the other end of the room.
“Hey, let’s fill the beer in this big fancy bowl!”
“Y-you…ugh!” Jackie groaned in annoyance, as she walked over to the guy holding her mother’s precious vase- stomping viciously on Kelso’s foot on the way.
“I don’t think that was a thank you!” Kelso yelled back.
-------
“Hey man. How’re you?” Eric said, finding Hyde amongst the crowd of people. Hyde, with a newly can of beer in his hand, gave Eric and Donna a small smile. He had been strangely quiet and actually happy for the undesirable party that had allowed him to avoid any contact with Jackie for a good half hour.
The distraction was good. He needed some time to take his mind off the thought of almost kissing Jackie. The girl he was so sure he didn’t have feelings for. Hyde looked at Eric, who had his arm securely wrapped around Donna as she snuggled into him.
God, they were so cheesy.
Hyde snickered to himself watching the two acting all lovey-dovey. He would never be like that. He was never going to be Forman. He wasn’t going to fall for a girl. No matter how many thoughts, naughty or nice, about Jackie entered his mind; he was never going to let them take over again. Never.
God, what was he thinking almost kissing Jackie? It was Jackie! The antithesis of him.
“Yeah, how’s it like living with your lovah?” Donna mocked and Hyde glared at her.
“Very funny. I’m living with Jackie. How do you think I am?” Hyde replied with a sneer, his characteristic cynicism returning.
“So it’s not all perky fun?” Donna asked, laughing.
“It’s too much perky than fun.” Hyde responded.
“Then why are you here, man? One day you’re going on about how great the Fotohut is and the next day you’re living with Jackie? She’s the devil, man. Don’t you like hate her?” Eric asked.
“I’m not here, because I like Jackie.” Hyde said, just as Jackie neared them with an excited smile.
“Really? Because from what I’m seeing- you kinda do.” Donna said in jest. Hyde groaned at the thought that his friends believed he was in love with Jackie.
“Look, I still hate her. And living with her- it’s a nightmare. She’s driving me insane, okay? Everything with her is, ‘ooh Steven! Oh my God, you are like so cool! I’m so pretty! I love you!’ I’m starting to watch the Love Boat just so I don’t have to listen to her voice!” Hyde mimicked, as Eric and Donna laughed. The three of them completely unaware that the topic of their conversation was eavesdropping onto each and every word they were saying.
“So you don’t like Jackie then?” Donna asked.
“Nah.”
“So, why are you still staying here? C’mon man. Why don’t you just come back to my house?” Eric asked Hyde. Hyde took a chug of his beer and shrugged.
“Even though Jackie’s pissing me off, this place beats the Fotohut hands down. I get free food and like three pillows, man. And I’m not going back anywhere where I’m not wanted. And Jackie’s fine with me staying here. So, as long as I ignore her voice and pretend to like her, I’ll survive. And well she already thinks I have a thing for her, so I’m good for a few more days.” Hyde remarked, quickly gulping down beer to drown the lies that came out of his mouth. He wasn’t ready to admit his feelings for Jackie to himself, let alone admitting them to Forman and Donna.
Jackie stood still behind a few teenagers that were chatting to themselves as Hyde’s harsh words echoed in her mind. She blinked and bit her lip, watching Hyde, Donna and Eric begin to laugh…probably over her. Hints of tears formed in the corners of her eyes. There was a faint crash in the background- one of her dad’s statues falling- but Jackie ignored it. Instead she turned around and pushed past the hordes of kids- running away from everyone in the room and from the one person that had hurt her most.
------
Jackie leaned against her hallway wall, waiting for the tears to finally fall when she stopped running.
How could he be so mean? How could he disregard everything she’d done for him? How could he not like her?
He had almost kissed her. And for a moment, Jackie thought it was because he did have feelings for her. That everything he had done for her was genuine. But now it was evident to her that he was only reciprocating her feelings for him so he could stay with her for longer and live more luxuriously. So he wouldn’t have to go back to the Fotohut and to the Formans.
God, she wanted to just disappear. To be away from the pain that he had caused from a few words. To be away from him.
“What if we put some dog poo in Coach Ferguson’s desk?” A football player said, as him and another team player walked into the hall. Jackie looked over at them, quickly wiping her tears. The two didn’t notice her and began to create an elaborate prank, while chugging down beer. A small smile appeared on Jackie’s face, as she saw the two teammates chat.
One of them was quite cute.
Jackie stood up straight and adjusted her mauve pleated skirt and dark blue t-shirt. She flicked her hair behind one shoulder and checked her reflection in the hallway mirror. She used one finger to wipe the smeared stain of kohl from underneath her eyes and plastered on a grin.
“Hey boys!” She flirted, fluttering her eyelashes at the two as she walked over to them and hooked her arm with the cute football player, leading him away with her back into the crowded living room.
------
Annoyed ]
Chapters: Chapters 5-8 out of 11
Chapters Before: Chapters 1-4
---
Jackie awoke by the blinding light of the sun shining through her window. She cuddled back in bed, facing the other direction and snuggled within her soft pillows and yawned. Suddenly, she remembered that she wasn’t alone in her house. With a big jolt, Jackie jumped up and looked at the wall that separated her and the guest room.
“Steven.” She remembered, her voice a little above an excited whisper. Jackie quickly threw on her bathrobe and made her way out of the door in a rush. After a moment though, she back tracked into her room and stopped right in front of her mirror.
Jackie looked at her reflection critically, examining every part of her body. To any other person, Jackie looked perfect for someone who had just woken up, but in her own opinion Jackie looked like hell.
“Ugh.” She groaned and then leaned down and grabbed a pink hairbrush to fix the few tangles that had appeared in her usually flawless locks. After tugging at the loose tendrils for a few minutes, Jackie grabbed a bit of lipgloss and placed it over her lips and quickly brushed her cheeks with a bit of blush. Looking back at the mirror, Jackie smiled- happy with the results. Then her gaze went down and Jackie noticed the lavender unicorn pyjamas that she wore with fluffy bunny slippers and laughed. She couldn’t believe that she had allowed the ‘man of her dreams’ to see her in those last night. Intent on not making the same mistake again, Jackie went over to her large wardrobe and threw clothes in and out looking for the perfect morning ensemble that she hoped would take Hyde’s breath away. Clothes went flying across her room until she found what she was looking for. Jackie smiled in satisfaction as she pulled out a satin, pink nightgown, which was sexy but not too revealing. It was just right.
After perfecting her image to the best of her ability, Jackie finally decided to meet ‘her man’. With a deep breath, she left her bedroom and knocked on the spare room she had let Hyde stay in the night before.
“Steven?” She called, but got no response. She opened the room to see that it was empty. Jackie then heard faint clanking noises downstairs and smiled in excitement. She quickly trudged down the big stairwell in her house towards the one room where she barely spent her time in her house- the kitchen.
---
“Whoa, really?” Eric exclaimed, as Donna sat down next to him in the basement.
“She called me at like two in the morning. Apparently he’s staying with her.” Donna confirmed. Eric popped a Popsicle into his mouth and shook his head in disbelief.
“So, Jackie and Hyde are living together?” Kelso asked. As expected, the tall doofus was the most shocked over the news of his ex-girlfriend and best friend sharing a house. Even, his long eyelashes couldn’t hide his bulging eyes when Donna told the rest of the gang about Jackie and Hyde. Since that moment his mouth had been permanently gaped open in an ‘O’ shape with him occasionally shouting out a throaty “gah!”
“Seems like it.” Donna said.
“No fair. Hyde can have all the sex he wants and I will never get any.” Fez said, from the other end of the basement.
“Gah!” Kelso yelled again.
“They’re not going to have sex, guys. He hates her, remember?” Donna exclaimed.
“Then why did he decide to live with her?” Eric asked his girlfriend. “I talked to Hyde yesterday and yeah- the Fotohut is a dump, but he wouldn’t admit to it. He said he deserved that place and refused to take anyone’s help and now he’s living with Jackie? Something’s up, Donna.”
Donna sighed and shook her head, trying to be the voice of reason. “Look this is Hyde. Do you actually think he’d want to be with Jackie?”
“He’s hung out with her a lot recently.” Kelso grumbled from his seat.
“She’s followed him around a lot recently.” Donna argued. “Look, Jackie obviously digs him. She’s madly in love with Hyde.” A subdued expression placed over Kelso’s face and Fez looked down in disappointment. “But, Hyde doesn’t love her. Maybe he doesn’t hate her, but he doesn’t love her and doesn’t really like her. Believe me, nothing’s going to happen between them.”
---
“’Morning, Steven.” Jackie greeted when she saw Hyde. She took fast, short breaths as she realised that Steven was in her kitchen.
“Hey.” He replied, not looking at her.
“What ya doin’?” She asked, sitting down at the counter on a bar stool. She grabbed the cereal box that Hyde had taken out and started munching on a bit after examining the contents or more specifically the calories of the cereal.
“I was looking for a bowl. You know w-where they are?” He asked, finally looking at her. His words faltered as he shot his eyebrow up in surprise seeing her. Hyde gulped; as he found himself doing what every other man in his situation would do- checking her out. Jackie then looked up at him and Hyde quickly tried to act cool.
“Bowls? Umm…I don’t know.” She admitted ashamedly. “I usually have breakfast in front of me when I wake up.”
Hyde smirked and rolled his eyes, turning back to the dozens of wooden cupboards. He knew it. He had already predicted that Jackie wouldn’t know where the bowls, or hell any utensil, was in her kitchen. What would a spoilt, rich girl do with a bowl anyway?
“Maybe try that cupboard.” She said. Hyde opened a few of the drawers and cupboards before he eventually found one loaded with bowls, plates and other dishes.
“You want one?” He asked and she nodded.
“Sure. I haven’t had cereal in ever.” She said, as she walked over to the fridge and pulled out a carton of milk. Hyde filled up a bowl with cereal for her. “Our cook usually makes pancakes.”
“You’ve never made anything yourself?” Hyde asked. “Surprise there.”
“I concentrate on looking pretty.” Jackie said with a smile. “And what would the cook do if I made my own breakfast?” She scooped some cereal and milk in her mouth and fluttered her lashes at Hyde, who shook his head in disbelief.
“So, where is your cook?” Hyde asked.
“Took time off because my parents aren’t here.” Jackie replied.
“Whose made you food then?”
“I’ve gone to some restaurants, got some take out…oh and hung out at the basement a lot more. Mrs. Forman doesn’t let you leave without eating, which isn’t that bad.” Jackie said and Hyde smiled.
“Yeah. She’s the world’s best mom.” Hyde said quietly. Jackie watched Hyde and then leaned over and touched his arm lightly with her hand.
“She is…and she really cares about you.” Jackie said. Hyde looked at her before yanking his arm away.
“Whatever.” He said and ate some more cereal. The two sat in silence for a long time with Hyde eating his food slowly and Jackie just staring at him with a small smile. Finally, Hyde looked back at her and caught her sight.
“Um, I-I was thinking of heading back to the Fotohut tonight.” Hyde said.
“What?” Jackie exclaimed, knocking over the milk in shock. She scrambled to pick up the carton, but was an instant late as milk spilled all over Hyde’s shirt. Hyde groaned, as he stood up and started wiping the shirt before taking it off. Jackie watched in a trance as Hyde exposed his bare skin.
“I-I’m sorry, Steven.”
“You got a washing machine or something?” He asked, as he tried to wipe the stains off the only shirt he had.
“Um, I guess you can put it over there. I’ll have the cleaner wash it when she comes in on Thursday.” Jackie said, pointing to a pile of laundry.
“I won’t be here then. I’m going to talk to Leo later about staying at the Fotohut again.”
Jackie stared at Hyde in shock. “Why? I thought it sucked there!”
“It did. Last night. But it’s not that bad and I can’t live here.”
“Why not? I want you to, Steven. You have to!” Jackie whined, gripping his hand. Hyde quickly pulled it away.
“Look, Jackie. Your house is cool and everything, but i-it’s not me and it’s not right. Especially considering you can’t stop coming on to me. I don’t want you to think that I actually like you.” Hyde declared. Jackie looked down uncomfortably. She hadn’t come on that strong had she?
“What are you saying, Steven? I haven’t come on to you. ”
“You’re wearing lip gloss at breakfast.” Hyde pointed out.
“You noticed?” Jackie asked, with a grin. Hyde shook his head.
“It’s just not right for us to be living together without your parents. It’s wrong.” Hyde argued.
“Steven, this isn’t wrong to us. It maybe to other people, but since when do you care what others think? Besides, we’re not doing anything…yet.” Jackie said with a pause as Hyde shot her a look. She smiled at him and continued, “What I’m saying is, I don’t see anything wrong with you staying here for longer. I want you stay here and if I’m ‘coming on to you’ too strong, then I won’t.”
“Jackie…”
“And you can drive my dad’s Lincoln to school on Monday.” Jackie said. Hyde looked at her as if she was unbelievable before plastering a grin on his face.
“Guess I’m staying here.” He said, as Jackie smiled back at him. “But, that was my only shirt. I only have these clothes, so I’ll stink.”
“We’ll get some more from the basement later. I told Donna we’d come over anyway.”
“I-I can’t go there. I don’t think Red would want me on his premises.” Hyde said, as he got up and chucked his cereal bowl in the sink.
“Oh.” Jackie said. She then got up with her bowl as well and walked up to Hyde. “Well, It’s okay Steven. I’ll just pick them up for you. And then later we can have take out for dinner and maybe watch a movie.” She said excitedly.
Hyde nodded at her, as she left to get dressed. Once she was out of his sight, Hyde sighed leaning against the counter, contemplating what he had gotten himself into.
---
----
“Hi!” Jackie exclaimed, as she skipped into the Forman’s basement with the biggest smile ever later on that afternoon. Since the early morning, the gang were still talking about Jackie and Hyde’s new relationship and how unnatural and strange it was. Their conversation was interrupted when Jackie walked in just as Donna was about to declare again that there was no way in hell Hyde would fall for Jackie.
“Jackie.” Donna greeted uncomfortably.
“You’re living with Hyde?!?” Kelso asked upfront, as he stood in front of Jackie. Jackie rolled her eyes at him and pushed past him. She then turned around to face him and plastered the large smile on her face again.
“Yeah. Actually, he’s living with me. I came to get some of his clothes, Eric. Steven’s been wandering around shirtless all day. I don’t want him to catch a cold.” Jackie said with a grin as Kelso grunted in disbelief.
“Gah!” Kelso shouted, just as Kitty called out for Eric.
“I’ll be right back.” Eric said, as he ran upstairs. The other three continued to stare at Jackie, particularly at her grin.
“You slept with him didn’t you?” Donna finally spoke. Fez and Kelso looked at the tall redhead in surprise.
“I thought you didn’t believe anything was going on, Donna?” Fez said. Donna shrugged.
“Her smile is too huge to be normal. I can’t believe you and Hyde slept together!” Donna exclaimed, half in shock and half in excitement. Jackie laughed at her best friend.
“No. No, Donna. I didn’t sleep with Steven. I’m…I’m just happy. Happy that he’s staying with me.” Jackie said, as she sat down in Hyde’s usual chair and crossed her legs. Fez and Kelso gaped in horror as little gusts of noise came out of their mouths.
“Now you’re sitting in his chair?” Kelso asked. “You guys are so sleeping together!”
“We haven’t, Michael. We’ve just spent some time together. That’s all.” Jackie said.
“Some time having sex!” Kelso retorted. “C’mon, Jackie, you can’t tell me that two, young people can live together and not be having sex.” Kelso retorted.
“Surprisingly, Michael it does happen.” Jackie said, blowing on her nails.
“Not between two people who don’t like each other. All that sexual tension floating around. You’re bound to do it.”
“We haven’t, okay?” Jackie said and then produced a sly smile over her face. “Well, not yet anyways.”
Kelso’s face scrunched up in horror, as he walked away from her. “Gah!”
“Hey Jackie, catch. My mom made some sandwiches for Hyde. I guess you can take it considering he’s living with you now.” Eric said as he threw a brown paper bag at Jackie who caught it, as Eric picked up a small stack of clothes on top of the dryer. Jackie opened up the bag and shrivelled her nose in disgust as she took a whiff of the tuna.
“Ew. Actually, Steven and I were going to get take out tonight.” Jackie said as she placed the bag on the table.
“What about your parents?” Donna asked. “What do they think of Hyde living with you guys?”
“Oh. Did I forget to tell you? My parents are out of town for a few weeks. So, it’s just me and Steven at mine.” Jackie explained innocently, looking for a shocked response from her ex-boyfriend again. However, instead of shouting out noises of disbelief, Kelso grinned at the brunette with a look of pure joy on his face.
“You mean you have no parents in your house at all?”
“Yeah.”
“That is great! Party at Jackie’s!” Kelso exclaimed, standing up in excitement. Fez beamed at him, as Kelso began to pace the room blurting out ideas.
“No Michael! There will be no party at mine.” Jackie said as she stood up with the clothes Eric handed over to her and glared at him. “You burned my house the last time, remember?”
“That was a small accident.”
“That was you just being stupid. I’m telling you, Michael. Don’t you dare invite people to my house! Okay?”
“Fine!” Kelso declared in defeat as Jackie walked out of the basement. Just as the door closed, Kelso turned back to his friends with a huge grin.
“So, hey party at Jackie’s tomorrow night! Bring beer!” Kelso declared to the other three as he walked out of the basement in a rush to invite as many people as he could the next night.
---
“Hey.” Jackie said, as she walked into her living room. Hyde was slouching on the couch watching television and didn’t look up at her. “I just got back from the basement. Here are your clothes.”
“Just put them down there.” Hyde said.
“I’ll put them in your room for you if you want?” She said. A smile plastered across her face, as she looked eagerly at him for a response to her ‘nice’ gesture.
“Leave them. I’ll get them later, Jackie.” Hyde replied with a groan. Jackie sighed, as she dumped his clothes onto a nearby chair and sat next to him, smiling.
“So, what did you do while I was gone?”
“Nothin’. Saw a car chase. Guy went through two states before he crashed. Another victim of the government.”
“Oh. Uh, okay?” Jackie remarked confusedly. The two sat awkwardly before Jackie leaned closer to Hyde.
“Did you eat?”
“Nah. Not yet. You said we’d get some take-out or something.” He mumbled. Jackie smiled at him.
“You remembered? Aw, Steven.” He glared at her, which caused her to trail off anymore ‘cute’ thoughts. “Well, I was thinking we could get some Chinese. Mrs. Forman wanted to give you some food. Some yucky tuna sandwiches, but I thought it was best not to take them.” Jackie said. Hyde let out a breath, before turning back to the television.
“Yeah. It was. I don’t need the Formans anymore.” Hyde said, flicking the channel. Jackie nodded before turning back to him.
“Do you need me?” Hyde continued to stare at the screen and ignore her. Annoyed, Jackie repeated the question and leaned in closer.
“I thought I didn’t need anyone and that I could do this myself.” He said and then slowly looked at her. “But it’s not bad to get some help, even if it’s from the person I didn’t expect.”
Jackie smiled and leaned over to give him a light kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you’ve changed your expectations, Steven.”
She then got up to order the Chinese and Hyde watched her leave quizzically as he felt a pit form in his stomach.
---
---
“Red.” Kitty said, as her husband sat down at the kitchen table with his morning newspaper crunched in one hand.
“What?”
“It’s been a few days, Red.” Kitty declared. Red looked up at her, confused.
“A few days since what?” Kitty sighed, as she brought a plate of sandwiches and placed them in front of Red. She sat down across from him with a troubled expression.
“Since you kicked Steven out. Red, we haven’t even checked up on him.” Kitty said.
“Leo said he would let him stay at the Fotohut. I’m sure he’s fine there.”
“Leo’s not the most responsible and reliable person. He once said I was a pretty for a man.” Kitty declared and Red laughed. Kitty glared at her husband. “We have to see how he’s doing, Red. It’s our responsibility to.” Kitty said. Red sighed in annoyance.
“No, it’s not our responsibility anymore. Dammit Kitty, it doesn’t work that way. Steven is not staying in this house for one reason and that is so he’ll learn from his dumbass mistake.” Red argued. “We’re going to look weak if we go and talk to him. You’ve been sending him food, haven’t you? He’s got a place to stay. I’m telling you he’s fine.”
“I don’t know, Red. I sent him some food when I could. It was a bit hard the first few days, but I did. For a while. I gave them to Eric, but yesterday Eric just brought them back. I’m worried, Red. Steven, he’s…he’s like my other son. We took him in our care, because we knew that he didn’t deserve to live by himself, live in the conditions that he was. He needed guidance and love and now all we’ve given him are more pain and more reasons to not trust people. He’s a troubled child, Red. He needs us.”
“No. He’s a mature man. He’s almost eighteen for Pete’s sakes.” Red shouted. He softened his tone after realising that Kitty was upset and put down his newspaper. “Look, I care about Steven just as much as you, Kitty. He is like our son, but…he’s not.”
“Red…”
“I’m just saying that no son of mine would have been jailed for holding drugs and would’ve risked this family’s reputation. Hyde disgraced us. Hell, Bob made fun of us, Kitty.” Red said. “I’m not going to bring him back in this house when he’s all drugged up. I’m not going to let him disgrace our family again. Eric already does enough of that with his scrawny body.” Just then Eric walked in and was about to walk out quickly hearing Red’s last remark.
“You!” Red yelled to make him stop. Eric slowly turned towards his father.
“Yeah?”
“Why isn’t Steven taking the food your mom’s giving him?” Red asked.
“Um, he doesn’t need it, I guess.”
“Doesn’t need it? Why wouldn’t he need food?”
“H-he’s living with Jackie.” Eric said. Both of his parents’ faces scrunched up in shock. “She’s got loads of food at hers and money to buy more.”
“What?”
“He’s living with Jackie?” Kitty exclaimed. Red looked equally as surprised before leaning in to Kitty.
“Who’s Jackie?” He whispered.
“The feisty brunette that helped fix your car once.” Kitty replied. “The one who said that you should wear a toupee the other day.”
“The Burkhardt girl? Burkhardt? Her father’s a dumbass! Why is Steven living with them?”
“I guess…well, living at the Fotohut got worse and worse and Jackie, for some reason, offered Hyde a room at her place and well, he agreed to it even though he apparently still hates her. He’s living there now.” Eric explained.
“Oh.” Red said quietly.
“So, Steven decided to move in with Jackie, because he was finding it hard to live at the Fotohut. See, Red. I was right. I told you he was having a hard time. We should talk to him.” Kitty said.
“And say what, Kitty?” Red asked. “Steven is going to be fine living with the Burkhardts. It’s about time someone else took the strays in other than us.”
“Well, actually. He’s only living with Jackie. Her parents are out of town for a few weeks.” Eric explained and then realised that his comment didn’t help the situation.
“Oh no, Red! You’ve turned him to drugs and sex! Next thing you know he’ll be getting a tattoo!” Kitty exclaimed in shock.
“Well actually he…never mind.” Eric said, watching his parents’ reactions.
“So, Steven’s now a coked up Casanova. That’s just ducky.” Red grumbled.
“Dad, there’s nothing going on between him and Jackie. He doesn’t even like her.”
“And that is exactly why he shouldn’t be living with her. It’s unhealthy for him to be living all alone in a house with someone he doesn’t like and who can’t even make lasagne. All that negative energy will drive my poor baby insane.” Kitty said.
“Your baby?” Eric smirked.
Kitty glared at Eric, before turning back to Red. “Red, you have to talk to him about coming back home.”
“No. No, Kitty. I’m not letting him off the hook so easy. He’s not coming in this house until we know why he did what he did. I’m not talking to him until then.” Red said.
“Red, how will he talk to you about it if you won’t talk to him?” Kitty argued.
“Steven will. I know him and when the time is right, he will come and talk to us. Once he puts his stubborn pride aside he will.” Red said.
“Dad…” Eric began.
“And you! Don’t think you’re off the hook either. This house was broken because of drugs and I don’t want that to happen again, understand? If I see you or any of those dumbass friends of yours near any drugs in my house, even aspirin, then don’t think I won’t kick you out too. You’ll be out just like Steven, got it?” Red shouted at his son. Eric stood listening and with a grim expression nodded.
“Got it.” Eric said, as he turned to leave.
“And Eric!” Eric stopped and slowly turned to look back at his father. Red looked down for a moment before looking back at Eric. “Check up on Steven, okay?”
Eric gave a small smile and nodded. “I’ll be seeing him tonight.”
---
Jackie sat in her lounge watching television when Hyde came over to her and placed a plate in front of her.
“What’s this, Steven?” She asked with a smile, looking up at him.
“You covered the food last night. I thought I’d do tonight’s.” He said. He sat down on the couch with a plate of his own.
“You made cheese sandwiches?” Jackie remarked with a smirk. Hyde looked at her before sighing.
“That’s all I can make, alright? Mrs. Forman has always made me food. Even when I was six.”
“So, I’m not the only one who has never cooked for themselves before.” Jackie said looking at Hyde, who rolled his eyes. “Well anyway, it’s still really sweet. Thank you.”
“So, what you watching?”
“Oh- The Newlywed Game! It’s the best show ever!” Jackie exclaimed in excitement and started rambling about the rules of the game in one breath with frequent hand gestures. Hyde watched her in amusement, finding her show more entertaining.
“Uh okay…” He mumbled in between as Jackie kept talking.
“Do you want to play?” Jackie suddenly asked. Hyde looked at her request in disbelief.
“You’re kidding me, right?”
“It’s fun. They ask the question on the show and we’ll try to see if we can guess the answer for each of us.”
“I’d rather just eat in absolute silence, Jackie.”
“C’mon Steven. Pleaseeee? Guess my favorite color?”
“No.”
“Please, Steven?” Jackie said, fluttering her eyelashes.
“No.”
“Please?”
“I said no, Jackie. Whatever I’ll say you’ll just tell me it’s right anyway. Like if I said it was pink...” Hyde began, but was cut off by Jackie’s squeals of delight.
“Oh my God, you’re right! It is pink! Well, actually it’s a tie between purple and pink, but you’re right! I knew you knew me, Steven!” Jackie squealed and Hyde rolled his eyes.
“This is ridiculous, Jackie.”
“Fine, we don’t have to play the Newlywed Game.” Jackie said, turning off the television. “How about if I just ask you questions and you answer them truthfully?”
“No.”
“C’mon, Steven! I’m bored…” She smiled at him before he sighed in annoyance.
“My favorite color is black, okay?”
“No, actually I wanted to ask you something else.” Jackie spoke. She paused and took an uncomfortable breath before looking back at Hyde and speaking softly. “I-I wanted to ask why you went to jail…for me?”
Hyde kept his gaze on the plate of food on his lap and shrugged, as Jackie moved closer to him.
“Well, actually I already know why, Steven and I know you’re just too afraid to admit it to me.” Jackie said. She crossed her arms across her chest and leant back in her chair.
“Really?” Hyde scoffed. “You don’t know, Jackie. You don’t know anything. You live in a fantasy world where you don’t feel any real feelings. You don’t feel pain, sadness and loss, because you’re so into your own mythological thoughts.”
Hyde almost wanted to take back his words as he saw Jackie’s face fall, her face reflecting pain, but just as soon as the visage had appeared it disappeared and a look of determination appeared on her striking features.
“I knew you were going to say that too.” She said in a hoarse tone. “Fine. I knew that anyway. I know you think I’m living in a fantasy world. And I know you don’t believe I actually love you and that there is nothing between us, Steven, but you’re wrong. Believe me- you’re wrong. This isn’t a fantasy to me. I do love you. And…I think you love me too and that’s why you did what you did.” Jackie said, ending with a smile. Hyde took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. He looked up at her, cocking an eyebrow before snorting in laughter.
“Love you? Jackie, I would rather get run over and be eaten as road kill than ever love you.”
“Come on, Steven. You’re lying. It’s obvious. You like me. I know you do. You did something that someone wouldn’t do for a person they didn’t care about. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t like me.” She paused and moved to sit down on the floor next to him with an annoyed expression. “Now say you love me or I’ll pinch you!” She threatened and Hyde sniggered.
“No. Okay look, Jackie. I’m thankful that you’ve let me stay and to be honest I don’t know why I’m here. I took the wrap for you, because…I don’t really know why okay? But I do know, it wasn’t because of love.”
“Are you sure? You’ve never loved before.” Jackie asked, grazing her fingers softly over Hyde’s hand.
“I’m sure.”
“Really?” Jackie asked in a hoarse whisper as she leant in towards him.
“Yes.”
“Are you absolutely positive that you have no feelings for me whatsoever?” Jackie replied, moving a foot closer to Hyde.
“Okay, maybe I don’t hate you, Jackie. But I don’t love you. I don’t love anyone.” Hyde grunted.
“Well then I guess…” Jackie started, using her finger to position Hyde’s head to face hers. “Maybe it’s time you found out what it’s like to love someone.” Jackie finished. She moved in closer, her lips almost touching his as she closed her eyes. Hyde paused in confusion, as indescribable feelings ran rapidly through him. He looked at her for a moment before pushing away all the doubts, fears and thoughts he had aside and leaned in for the kiss that he so desperately wanted.
Suddenly, the clatter of the doorbell echoed across the Burkhart household- crushing the intense moment between Jackie and Hyde. Both instantly opened their eyes in shock, moments before their lips were about to touch. Hyde quickly leaned back, utterly baffled and quickly made sure there were no signs of eye contact between him and Jackie. Jackie sat still on the floor in equal confusion, before the ringing began again. Jackie scrambled towards the door and paused to look back at Hyde for a moment, who turned his gaze away from her when their eyes met, before she slowly opened the door. The door was then forcefully pushed open from the other end and herds of high school kids flooded into Jackie’s home- leaving her completely puzzled. The long trail of excited teens ended with Kelso storming through the house with a plastic crown on his head and a pack of beer.
“Let’s get ready to party!” He yelled, as the others cheered with him and Jackie watched on in horror as teens filled up her lounge.
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“Oh my God.” Jackie said, her voice barely a whisper. She watched as her living room filled with teenagers- teenagers making out, teenagers drinking, teenagers throwing items to each other.
“Not our idea.” Donna said, as she came into Jackie’s house followed closely by Eric. “This was all his idea.” Donna explained, pointing at Kelso who was chugging beer in a corner with Fez encouraging him on. Jackie growled in frustration as she stormed over to her ex-boyfriend.
“Michael!” Jackie shouted. Kelso turned to her and shot her an innocent smile, handing a pack of beer to another student.
“Hey Jackie! This is going to be a great party, isn’t it?”
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Michael? I told you that I didn’t want a party!” Jackie yelled, stomping her foot.
“Oh. I’m sorry, Jackie. You see, I thought you said that you did want a party.” Kelso replied with a smirk.
“Michael…I-I just want to…” Jackie began, but was interrupted by someone yelling from the other end of the room.
“Hey, let’s fill the beer in this big fancy bowl!”
“Y-you…ugh!” Jackie groaned in annoyance, as she walked over to the guy holding her mother’s precious vase- stomping viciously on Kelso’s foot on the way.
“I don’t think that was a thank you!” Kelso yelled back.
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“Hey man. How’re you?” Eric said, finding Hyde amongst the crowd of people. Hyde, with a newly can of beer in his hand, gave Eric and Donna a small smile. He had been strangely quiet and actually happy for the undesirable party that had allowed him to avoid any contact with Jackie for a good half hour.
The distraction was good. He needed some time to take his mind off the thought of almost kissing Jackie. The girl he was so sure he didn’t have feelings for. Hyde looked at Eric, who had his arm securely wrapped around Donna as she snuggled into him.
God, they were so cheesy.
Hyde snickered to himself watching the two acting all lovey-dovey. He would never be like that. He was never going to be Forman. He wasn’t going to fall for a girl. No matter how many thoughts, naughty or nice, about Jackie entered his mind; he was never going to let them take over again. Never.
God, what was he thinking almost kissing Jackie? It was Jackie! The antithesis of him.
“Yeah, how’s it like living with your lovah?” Donna mocked and Hyde glared at her.
“Very funny. I’m living with Jackie. How do you think I am?” Hyde replied with a sneer, his characteristic cynicism returning.
“So it’s not all perky fun?” Donna asked, laughing.
“It’s too much perky than fun.” Hyde responded.
“Then why are you here, man? One day you’re going on about how great the Fotohut is and the next day you’re living with Jackie? She’s the devil, man. Don’t you like hate her?” Eric asked.
“I’m not here, because I like Jackie.” Hyde said, just as Jackie neared them with an excited smile.
“Really? Because from what I’m seeing- you kinda do.” Donna said in jest. Hyde groaned at the thought that his friends believed he was in love with Jackie.
“Look, I still hate her. And living with her- it’s a nightmare. She’s driving me insane, okay? Everything with her is, ‘ooh Steven! Oh my God, you are like so cool! I’m so pretty! I love you!’ I’m starting to watch the Love Boat just so I don’t have to listen to her voice!” Hyde mimicked, as Eric and Donna laughed. The three of them completely unaware that the topic of their conversation was eavesdropping onto each and every word they were saying.
“So you don’t like Jackie then?” Donna asked.
“Nah.”
“So, why are you still staying here? C’mon man. Why don’t you just come back to my house?” Eric asked Hyde. Hyde took a chug of his beer and shrugged.
“Even though Jackie’s pissing me off, this place beats the Fotohut hands down. I get free food and like three pillows, man. And I’m not going back anywhere where I’m not wanted. And Jackie’s fine with me staying here. So, as long as I ignore her voice and pretend to like her, I’ll survive. And well she already thinks I have a thing for her, so I’m good for a few more days.” Hyde remarked, quickly gulping down beer to drown the lies that came out of his mouth. He wasn’t ready to admit his feelings for Jackie to himself, let alone admitting them to Forman and Donna.
Jackie stood still behind a few teenagers that were chatting to themselves as Hyde’s harsh words echoed in her mind. She blinked and bit her lip, watching Hyde, Donna and Eric begin to laugh…probably over her. Hints of tears formed in the corners of her eyes. There was a faint crash in the background- one of her dad’s statues falling- but Jackie ignored it. Instead she turned around and pushed past the hordes of kids- running away from everyone in the room and from the one person that had hurt her most.
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Jackie leaned against her hallway wall, waiting for the tears to finally fall when she stopped running.
How could he be so mean? How could he disregard everything she’d done for him? How could he not like her?
He had almost kissed her. And for a moment, Jackie thought it was because he did have feelings for her. That everything he had done for her was genuine. But now it was evident to her that he was only reciprocating her feelings for him so he could stay with her for longer and live more luxuriously. So he wouldn’t have to go back to the Fotohut and to the Formans.
God, she wanted to just disappear. To be away from the pain that he had caused from a few words. To be away from him.
“What if we put some dog poo in Coach Ferguson’s desk?” A football player said, as him and another team player walked into the hall. Jackie looked over at them, quickly wiping her tears. The two didn’t notice her and began to create an elaborate prank, while chugging down beer. A small smile appeared on Jackie’s face, as she saw the two teammates chat.
One of them was quite cute.
Jackie stood up straight and adjusted her mauve pleated skirt and dark blue t-shirt. She flicked her hair behind one shoulder and checked her reflection in the hallway mirror. She used one finger to wipe the smeared stain of kohl from underneath her eyes and plastered on a grin.
“Hey boys!” She flirted, fluttering her eyelashes at the two as she walked over to them and hooked her arm with the cute football player, leading him away with her back into the crowded living room.
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